Ericsson Nikola Tesla has won The Golden Marten Award, traditionally given to the most successful local companies by the Croatian Chamber of Commerce. This most prestigious recognition of business excellence in Croatia was won against a very tough competition, among other featuring the local Siemens company and it was received by Gordana Kovačević, company president from the hands of the Croatian prime minister Ivo Sanader. It is the second time, since 1995 when the company became a member of the Ericsson Group, that Ericsson Nikola Tesla has received this award in the category of big Croatian companies.

The Golden Marten Award ceremony was held on February 19 to acknowledge Croatian companies, banks, insurance companies and individuals with excellent and innovative performance in the year 2006 and life's work as well. This year the Golden Marten Awards were granted for the fifteenth time and the ceremony was attended by most prominent government officials. The speakers, Nadan Vidošević, president of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, the Croatian prime minister, Ivo Sanader and the president of the Republic of Croatia congratulated all the laureates but also commented on the 155th anniversary of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce that is celebrated this year.

In her address to the gathered businessmen, government officials and media representatives and the viewers of the national television Gordana Kovačević stressed:
"I am very happy that Ericsson Nikola Tesla won this prominent award for the second time. This is a very important acknowledgement of the quality work provided by one thousand and four hundred of our employees. I would like to use this opportunity to congratulate them and to thank them from the bottom of my heart on everything they do in order to ensure the company's growth towards the business excellence. Ericsson Nikola Tesla is among the most successful Ericsson's local companies and among the biggest Croatia's exporters. Since we work within a very demanding and dynamic industry and with the global scope, we realized that we can be competitive only if we can offer quality products, if we can provide our customers with the quality service and if we plan our future in line with the innovative ideas. The world recognizes and appreciates those who have the courage to be different and to offer their idea as well as the added value. Innovativeness is not limited by boundaries of a country or a company. It is not a privilege of the rich and the powerful. People make a difference. That fact opens a chance for all of us."

The Croatian Prime Minister spoke after Gordana Kovačević, continuing her thought about brainware as the most valuable Croatian product that can contribute to stronger positioning of the country on the European and global scene.

Ericsson Nikola Tesla has earned the title of the best Croatian company in 2006 based on its strong export of sophisticated ICT solutions, services and products, employment of hundreds of highly educated young talents over the past few years, steady and continued business growth and its social responsibility.

Communication Ericsson Nikola Tesla