First IABC Gold Quill for a European Commission project won by Gellis
Online, April 15, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Brussels, 14 April 2010 - Brussels-based consultancy Gellis Communications has won a 2010 Gold Quill Award from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) for work carried out on behalf of the European Commission's Directorate General for Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN). This is the first time that a Gold Quill, often cited as the communication industry's oldest and most prestigious award, has been won for work on behalf of the European Commission or indeed any of the European institutions.
"It is a rare honour to receive a Gold Quill, known as the 'Oscars' by many business communicators. That this was a first in the award's 35 years for work undertaken on behalf of the European institutions is a source of great pride. We wish therefore to share this achievement with our client at DG ECFIN, who has been instrumental in guiding this important project," said George Ellis Ruano, founder and director of Gellis Communications.
The Gold Quill for the entry: Educational study on the teaching of the euro at school in the category Strategic Communication Processes, provided an evidence-based process for the development of new educational tools and resources on the euro and EMU (European Monetary Union). It also identified suitable entry points to enable for the implementation and monitoring of the strategy in the often diverging education systems of 27 EU Member States - of which only 16 use the common currency. Gellis delivered a Multi-scenario Communications Strategy including a Content and Format Typology (matching proposed tools to targets) and a Resources Development Plan (to ensure a more methodical and evidence-based approach was taken by the client).To back up it's evidence, Gellis consulted with nearly 1,500 teachers, studying over 70 educational products and coordinating with 25 pedagogical experts before making its recommendations.
Gellis presented proposals for an interactive website resource of down-loadable work schemes that would allow teachers the flexibility to choose features appropriate to their classroom needs. Gellis also emphasised the existing educational programmes currently being managed by the European Commission that DG ECFIN should seek to coordinate with. Use of their existing networks of teachers, coupled with more targeted use of social media tools, would maximise outreach with limited budgets. Finally, Gellis documented a step-by-step guide for resource development that would integrate expert opinion and set-up a process for incorporating ongoing feedback from users.
Founded in 1970, The International Association of Business Communicators is a professional network of some 15,000 business communication professionals in over 80 countries. The Gold Quill Award acknowledges excellence and professionalism within business communication. http://www.iabc.com
The European Commission's Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN) strives to improve the economic wellbeing of the citizens of the European Union, by developing and promoting policies that lead to sustainable economic growth, a high level of employment, stable public finances and financial stability. http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/economy_finance/index_en.htm
Gellis Communications is a Brussels based public affairs and strategic communications agency. Founded in 1998, Gellis has worked extensively with the European Commission - planning, implementing and evaluating communications projects. http://www.gellis.com/
For further information, please contact:
Sophie Westlake, Gellis Communications
Tel: +32 2 650 0010 - GSM: +32 494 59 42 23
sophie.westlake@gellis.com