Vermont Violins Wins Prestigious SBA Exporter Of The Year Award, Championing Sustainable Violin-Making with GaiaTone
Award Celebrates Commitment to Eco-Friendly Craftsmanship
South Burlington, VT – Vermont Violins, a pioneer in the violin business since 1994, is thrilled to announce it has been honored with the Small Business Exporter of the Year award by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Vermont District Office. This recognition celebrates the company's commitment to sustainable practices and its successful expansion into international markets, driven by the innovative GaiaTone material.
“Vermont’s SBA award winners signify the local talent, resilience, and success of our vibrant small business communities across the state,” said Darcy Carter, SBA Vermont District Director. “We are proud of the achievements of this very special group of business owners.” Vermont Violins’ Owners - Kathy Reilly and Oren Kronick, the driving forces behind Vermont Violins, will be acknowledged in a ceremony in Vermont on June 10th, a testament to their dedication and impact on the industry.
This award is particularly significant as Vermont Violins addresses the growing environmental concerns within the violin-making community. The company's innovation product called GaiaTone, a revolutionary alternative to traditional ebony, is crafted from 100% post-consumer recycled paper and a natural resin binder. This material offers the aesthetic and acoustic qualities desired by luthiers (violin makers), professional and student musicians while significantly reducing the environmental footprint associated with harvesting endangered ebony. The recognition by the SBA underscores the importance of sustainable innovation in today's global market.
GaiaTone represents a significant leap forward in addressing the challenges posed by the depletion of ebony forests. By offering a high-quality, eco-friendly alternative, Vermont Violins is not only meeting the demands of environmentally conscious consumers but also contributing to the preservation of precious natural resources. The material's physical properties—density, strength, and hardness—make it ideal for fingerboards, tailpieces, and chinrests, ensuring that musicians do not have to compromise on quality for sustainability. Furthermore, GaiaTone's compliance with European Union regulations and its Environmental Product Declaration reinforce its commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility.
Extending the availability of GaiaTone to the international market serves a greater purpose than mere business expansion. “It’s about fostering a global shift towards sustainable practices within the music industry” says owner Kathy Reilly. “Violin makers are traditionally very conservative but we are gratified to see a real shift happening towards a consideration of environmental impact in our trade.”
Kathy Reilly in addition to her work with Vermont Violins serves as a Governor of the International Alliance of Violin and Bow Makers for Endangered Species. She also represents environmental considerations in her role on the board of the Violin Society of America.
By promoting the use of recycled materials and reducing reliance on endangered woods, Vermont Violins is setting a new standard for ethical and environmentally responsible instrument making. This initiative aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and protect biodiversity, demonstrating that businesses can thrive while contributing to a healthier planet.
Vermont Violins is thrilled to be part of this initiative, working alongside luthiers and musicians who are passionate about both their craft and the environment. We are committed to continuing our work in developing and providing sustainable alternatives, ensuring that the art of violin-making can flourish for generations to come, without compromising the health of our planet.
Vermont Violins celebrates its 30th year in business this year. In addition to its sales of violins, it also makes it’s own line of Vermont made violins and violas under the brand V. RichelieuTM. Every instrument made bears an ebony alternative fingerboard!
Join us in our mission to redefine the world of instrument making. To learn more about GaiaTone and other Ebony Alternative products, visit our website or contact us today to learn more - www.vrichelieu.com or www.vermontviolins.com
Crafted for Excellence
Your violin or viola is your voice in the world of music. But finding the instrument that resonates with your unique playing style and desired sound can be overwhelming. That's why we created V. Richelieu™ violins and violas – instruments designed to unleash your musical potential.
Every V. Richelieu instrument is meticulously built with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship. This translates to effortless playability, rich projection even in the smallest sizes (down to 11" violas!), and a beautiful, responsive sound that inspires you to play your best.
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