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Thursday March 13th, 2003

Gibson CEO nominated for Microsoft's 'fast track' Pinnacle Award

Gibson Guitar Corp.s immediate and positive results from implementing Microsoft Business Software has garnered Gibson and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz a nomination for Microsofts prestigious Pinnacle Award. The software giant will announce the winners of the awards, given to its top business clients, at the MBS Convergence 2003 conference, March 19-22 in Orlando.

Gibson, known worldwide for its Les Paul guitars and its new digital electric guitar, engaged the In2Gr8 Corporation to implement Microsoft Business Solutions software, bringing over a dozen different divisions, with disparate systems, together under one system. In2Gr8 implemented the new system within four months, resulting in faster reporting and decision-making, a decrease in ongoing systems cost and a generally more efficient business. These significant results in Gibsons first year as a customer led to the nomination for Microsofts Pinnacle Award in the Fast Track Excellence category.

Left to right: Robert Gowdy, In2Gr8 Director; Matthew Mullins, Gibson Musical Instruments CTO; Steve Ballmer, Microsoft Corporation CEO; Henry Juszkiewicz, Gibson Musical Instruments Chairman and CEO; Doug Burgum, Microsoft Business Solutions President & Microsoft Corporation Sr. V.P.; Bill Pollie, Microsoft Business Solutions V.P. of U.S. Sales

In appreciation of Microsofts help, Gibson chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz presented Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer with a one-of-a-kind Gibson Les Paul, customized with a Microsoft Business Solutions logo. The presentation was made at a Microsoft clients conference in February.

"MBS has given Gibson exactly what the name describes a business solution," said Gibson chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. "With the help of MBS and In2Gr8, we now have compelling business systems that enhance the part of the business that we love making and selling musical instruments."

"Gibson has a solid scalable enterprise and manufacturing solution, without the tremendous investment in time and money associated with implementing a traditional Tier 1 system," said Dwayne Gunter, In2Gr8s Group Vice President of Sales and Professional Services. "Microsoft Business Solutions is the right choice for mid to large size organizations. Gibsons success and public recognition of Microsoft Business Solutions is a testament to the business and technology excellence we bring to every client."

Gibson Guitar Corp., headquartered in Nashville, is known worldwide for classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, plus the worlds digital electric guitar. Gibsons family of brands now includes Epiphone, Dobro, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Slingerland, Maestro, Trace Elliot, Baldwin, Ellington, Chickering and Wurlitzer.

In2Gr8 is a national, full service integrator that offers a rare blend of industry expertise and technology experience to deliver valuable business solutions to mid-market customers. Specializing in Microsoft Business Solutions, proven vertical applications and emerging technologies In2Gr8 offers clients complete, powerful solutions to drive their business past the competition.