I have been weening myself from daily forum reading, so I'm a bit behind the power curve. This is one of the best OP's and following threads I have ever seen. Toni, wonderful that you took the initiative in writing to CMG, and especially for focusing your message on concern for the New Hartford Guild workforce. Thank you.
Mr. Thomas, your response reveals a very savvy businessman establishing early relations with the community that most directly supports your new brand acquisition. On many levels your letter warms my heart. Forums have been rapidly growing in their influence over the last 5 years. Smart company leaders are tapping into this existing network of passionate participants, and the musical instrument world may be unique in how closely we follow every nuance of our favorite brands. Most important, it sounds like you have a longer familiarity with Guild guitars and that you love the brand... this makes it seem a more personally motivated acquisition, and that is heartwarming indeed. Finally, thank you for hiring Ren Ferguson as your leader for the Guild acoustic line... I know you heard a huge sigh of relief when that announcement was made.
From a selfish perspective, I am excited to see Guild move to Oxnard. I travel through there frequently, and it has rapidly become a destination for me due to Larrivee locating there, one of the best managed small Guitar Center's in the country, and now Guild and Cordoba. I look forward to attending the first CMG sponsored Guild community event, and to meeting many of the fine folks who participate on this forum.
