Chris Martin to Accept Sustainable Standard-Setter Award On Behalf of C.F. Martin & Co. at the Rainforest Alliance 2014 Annual Gala

NAZARETH, Pa., May 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rainforest Alliance will honor C.F. Martin & Co. with the Sustainable Standard-Setter Award at their annual gala this evening, May 7th at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.  The dinner and awards ceremony recognizes industry champions who prioritize environmental sustainability.

Martin Guitar CEO & Chairman Chris Martin IV will be on hand to accept the award. "C.F. Martin & Co. is dedicated to responsibly producing world-class instruments, and with the support of the Rainforest Alliance we have been able to do so," said Martin IV.  "We are honored to be receiving the Sustainable Standard-Setter Award and are looking forward to continuing our good work with their organization for many years to come."

By maintaining Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Chain of Custody certification, Martin Guitar is abiding by one of the highest social and environmental standards available. In 2009 Martin Guitar was one of the first acoustic guitar manufacturers to produce a guitar model comprised entirely of FSC® certified woods. The D Mahogany includes a genuine mahogany neck, back and sides, an Alpine spruce soundboard and katalox fingerboard and bridge.

"We are delighted to honor Martin Guitar for its long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship," said Tensie Whelan, president of the Rainforest Alliance. "Martin Guitar sets a leading example in the music industry, demonstrating that wooden acoustic instruments can be produced in a way that conserves fragile forest ecosystems."

The Rainforest Alliance has been a leader in conservation since its founding in 1987 and twenty six years later has over 190 million acres of farms and forestland under sustainable management and 11 million people across the globe that are reaping the benefits of its work. Funds raised at the gala help the Rainforest Alliance protect beautiful landscapes, mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure sustainable livelihoods for millions of people that depend on forests.

About Martin Guitar & Strings 
C.F. Martin & Co. (www.martinguitar.com) has been creating the finest instruments in the world for over 180 years.  Martin continues to innovate, introducing techniques and features that have become industry standards, including X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar and the "Dreadnought" size. One of the world's leading acoustic instrument makers, Martin guitars are hand-made by skilled craftsmen and women, who use a combination of new design and techniques along with those introduced by the company founder. 
The company is also known for producing high-quality, popular acoustic guitar strings.  These include the Martin SP® LIFESPAN™ line, the fastest-growing treated string in the industry, and the Martin SP line, which uses an industry leading core wire to hold tunings better.  Martin guitars and Martin strings are the instruments and strings of choice for musicians around the world, from the icons of rock, pop, country, folk and bluegrass to those just beginning their careers.  They can be seen across all segments of pop culture, from television (Nashville, Glee, Psych, Raising Hope and American Idol) to movies, Broadway, books, online, and gracing the covers of popular magazines on newsstands everywhere. Connect with Martin and Martin Strings on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube and via www.martinguitar.com and www.martinstrings.com. 

SOURCE C.F. Martin & Co.