SLIM Brand Excellence 2010: Record number of new entrants

This year's record number of new entries is a strong indication that not just the marketing fraternity, but also the entire senior corporate management is becoming increasingly aware of the efficacy of the awards, and its positive professional and personal fallout. Nearly 25 percent of entries this year are from new companies/brands entering SLIM BE for the first time.

Project Chairman of SLIM BE 2010 Upul Adikari, Brand Manager, Ceylinco Life stated "We are thrilled about the improvement in entries this time.

With our campaign, 'There can BE only one' we mainly targeted the senior management in order to emphasize the importance of Brand Excellence (BE) in evaluating their own brand performance against this well defined criterion. We did the background work to get insights in understanding ways and means of attracting new companies and new brands. We want Brand Excellence to be accepted by marketers across sectors, categories and markets. Attraction from among multinational players to SMEs and local brands to international brands proves the power of Brand Excellence.

We have been successful in our approach."

Initial screening of entries has already taken place and the first round of judging begun. Short-listed companies for the final round will be informed in advance, to prepare for the presentations. The final round of judging is scheduled to be held from September 11-13.

Head of the Panel of Judges and MD/CEO of Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC Kishu Gomes said "I am proud to be part of the success of SLIM BE this year. This awards program is accepted and respected by the marketing fraternity due to the level of credibility and the standards maintained. I must thank Dr. Liyanage for this. Other success factors of BE are the entry turnout. Attracting many new companies and brands across various sectors, spells out the maturity of this awards program among the marketing fraternity.

We have already started the initial round of judging and I reassure all applicants that I and my team will commit ourselves to practice the highest level of professionalism in evaluating entries".

The awards ceremony will be held on October 1 at Waters Edge. "I assure everyone that this awards night will be another ground breaking event that will have all marketers experiencing an unforgettable evening", concluded Upul Adikari.