Added feather in SLIM's cap

The Asia Pacific Marketing Federation, an affiliate member of the World Marketing Association has recognised the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) by conferring the titles of Presidency and the Secretary Generalship of Asia Pacific Marketing, the President of SLIM, Sarath Fernando told a media briefing in Colombo recently.

He said the objective of the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing was to make marketing a driving force in the country.

"We conduct events to recognise marketers and sales persons throughout the year. "we have drawn up programs for 2007 and 2008 for events relating to People's Awards, National Sales Awards and Grand Excellence."

"The People's Award, a unique awards scheme was launched last year. What is most common about award schemes are that winners are usually appointed by a panel of judges. But as far as the People's Awards were concerned they are chosen by the people.

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing - Nielsen will host its People's Awards ceremony at the Waters Edge on July 5. This will be the second occasion where SLIM will hold the People's awards.

The selection process for the awards commenced in January where persons, companies, brands, advertisements, media houses, films, tele dramas and songs were screened. The results will be released on the day of the awards ceremony. It has been organised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing, the national body of marketeers of Sri Lanka in association with Nielsen, one of the largest market research companies in the world.

Chairman of the SLIM's People's Committee, Mangala Perera said it was the customers who decide on the success of a product.

The Managing Director of A. C. Nielsen Sri Lanka, Buwan Singh said it will be first occasion where he will witness an event where brands, marketers and personalities will be chosen by the people. This was the most democratic way of choosing brands or personalities, he said.

Subashan Amaratunga, Sarath Fernando, R.M.P. Dayawansa, Rohan Somawansa, Buwan Singh and Mangala Perera participated.