OREANDA-NEWS. On 28 April 2009 was announced, that Rostelecom, Russia’s national telecommunications operator, had been awarded an international professional prize for brand construction – "Brand of the Year" EFFIE 2008.   The company was honored to receive this coveted award at the 11th solemn awards ceremony which was held on April 13 at the Manezh exhibition hall.

Rostelecom received the gold medal in the category "High-tech goods and services", thus becoming the only telecommunications operator to take a prize in this category.

The "Brand of the Year" competition is part of the international EFFIE system which carries an award for efficient marketing communications and encourages the promotion of advanced marketing instruments in Russia.

"This is the first time the company participated and managed to confidently win the competition.  Being awarded the national prize "Brand of the Year/EFFIE 2008" is an important event for Rostelecom and it is a testimonial to the expertise built into our marketing policy.  The gold medal was yet another sign that the services provided by Rostelecom on the Russian market enjoy both popularity and demand”, head of Rostelecom’s department of products and marketing Rodion Levochka says.

"Brand of the Year/EFFIE" is an annual award for the most successful projects in the area of brand construction on the Russian market. It is the only competition in the country which has international recognition and a license of the American Marketing Association (AMA). "Brand of the Year/EFFIE" evaluates projects which are carried out on the Russian market, seeking guidance from the requirements made of efficient marketing strategies throughout the world.

The awards ceremony was attended by guests and people who received special invitations, including leading businessmen, heads of companies, entrepreneurs, media officials, scientists and artists, as well as government officials, Cabinet members and members of the State Duma.