Savannah Company Awarded for Excellence in International Trade

By: Barbara Herring | WSAV-TV
Published: November 11, 2008

Savannah-based Benedetto Guitars has won the second annual Georgia Featured Export Product Award.

The Georgia Featured Export Product Award rewards small and medium-sized Georgia businesses for their efforts to develop innovative products that will find success in export markets around the world. Entries are judged based on product innovation, market potential and international export efforts.

2008 winner Benedetto Guitars is internationally renowned for their exquisite design and craftsmanship. Already a part of the Smithsonian’s collection, they represent the highest class of jazz guitar. Their diverse product line ranges from one-of-a-kind custom instruments priced at $45,000+ to their professional line priced from $3,000.

Since establishing operations in Savannah in July 2006, Benedetto Guitars has grown from four employees to over twenty full-time craftsmen and is now producing and shipping over 40 handmade instruments per month. Sales revenues have increased a remarkable 98.8% over the same period in 2007.

"With its culture, enthusiasm and charm, Savannah is the perfect fit," said Chairman and Founder, Bob Benedetto. "We've had great experiences bringing our international clients and vendors here, and workforce recruitment is easy because people love Savannah."

"The Savannah Economic Development Authority and The Creative Coast Initiative (now the Alliance) worked to attract Benedetto in 2006, and we have proudly promoted them as one of Savannah's most innovative and creative businesses since," said Rick Winger, President of SEDA. "Their success is a true testament to Savannah's business assets, which have contributed to their outstanding products and continued growth."

For more information visit www.benedettoguitars.com