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October 17, 2004 Stage Front Presentation Systems Announces Expansion Thanks to robust growth, Savannah-based Stage Front Presentation Systems has outgrown its office on Montgomery Street and has designed and built a $1.5 million facility more than twice the size. Located in the Southern Oaks Business Centre off Chatham Parkway, Stage Front and its 38 employees now occupy a 24,500 square foot building on Southern Oaks Drive. "This building will help us better serve our growing customer
base and accommodate the planning and testing that form the bedrock
of our integrated audio, video and lighting systems," said
Stage Front president Steve Stephens. Stephens, a Savannah native, also noted that the company generates
about 80% of its business outside of Savannah, with 60% outside
of Georgia. Current projects include Savannah Morning News, South
University School of Pharmacy, Howard University School of Dentistry,
Stage Front is an example of a local Knowledge-Based Business (KBB) that has grown dramatically over the years. Founded in 1978 by Stephens and a partner, the company started as a part-time business to provide stage lighting for bands, theatres and nightclubs. The business quickly grew into the theme park market, serving regional and national markets. Today, the company specializes in integrated audio, video and lighting systems for highly sophisticated presentation and performance facilities. The company hopes to achieve more than 50% growth in the next five years by expanding its creative, engineering and project management capabilities. "At SEDA, we are especially proud to make announcements regarding the expansion of established businesses," stated Eric R. Winger, president of the Savannah Economic Development Authority. "We love to see local businesses grow. Their success demonstrates more clearly than anything else that Savannah is a good place for business." Chris Miller, executive director of The Creative Coast, agreed. Adding that Stage Front is an example of why Savannah is a great location for Knowledge-Based Businesses. "Stage Front has been able to find local talent here. And when specialized skills sets weren't available, the company has had no problem recruiting employees to Savannah. Our exceptional quality of life is a tremendous lure." With the expansion, Stage Front added three more employees with sales and marketing, audio technology and project management skills. The Savannah Economic Development Authority is the economic development organization in the Savannah/Chatham County area providing professional relocation and expansion services to new and established businesses. It works to improve the standard of living for all citizens of Chatham County by stimulating the economy through the attraction of new investment, the creation of jobs and the support of established businesses in the area. About The Creative Coast -----> www.TheCreativeCoast.org The Creative Coast is a non-profit, public-private partnership, supported by the Savannah Economic Development Authority and the City of Savannah. It is dedicated to enhancing Savannah's quality of life by attracting and growing Knowledge-Based Businesses to employ the area's skilled residents at good wages. KBBs turn thoughts and ideas into tangible business services and
products. They include digital media, maritime logistics, specialty
engineering, software development, motion graphics, web design,
architecture, product design, marine sciences, among others. For
a sample list of the KBBs already in Savannah, please visit www.TheCreativeCoast.org |
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