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Companies Earn Award of Excellence for Strategic Social Media Campaign

RICHMOND and HERNDON, VA (April 27, 2009) – CRT/tanaka, an award-winning public relations and marketing firm known for creative solutions and workplace culture, and Network Solutions®, a leading provider of small business Web services, recently earned a Gold Quill Award of Excellence in Social Media from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

CRT/tanaka Social (formerly Livingston Communications) and Network Solutions worked together to develop the award-winning “Voice of the Customer” social media campaign. This innovative approach to brand building was strategically designed to improve Network Solutions’ online reputation, forge new relationships with online communities and enhance its customer service practices.

The Gold Quill Awards are the mark of global distinction and represent the highest level of professional acknowledgment within business communication today. The organization behind the Gold Quill Awards, IABC, links communicators in a global network that inspires, establishes and supports the highest standards of quality in organizational communication and strategic business communication management.

“Social media has completely transformed the way we communicate,” said Shashi Bellamkonda, Network Solutions’ social media swami. “Network Solutions understands that the best way to communicate and engage with key audiences is by actively participating in online communities – not just reacting. It makes sense for us, since we are rooted in the Web.”

“Seeing the entire company get behind this campaign and buy-in to the power of social media was remarkable. They are truly committed to improving their online reputation,” said Geoff Livingston, CRT/tanaka senior vice president and leader of the agency’s social media team. “We enjoyed introducing Network Solutions to social media, and it’s great to see them receive this recognition.”