Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/26650
IN THE BIZ Dream Come True THE BELVEDERE DREAM JOB COMPETITION FINDS A WINNER An elated Allison Dedianko fi nds out that she has won the dream job as Belvedere’s Global Brand Ambassador. by Lana Bortolot world domination. W Applicants applied for the plum job, which includes worldwide travel and a $100,000 contract, via Belvedere’s Facebook page, where they uploaded one-minute videos for public voting. At the end, eight fi nalists from Canada, the U.K., the United States and Australia were fl own to New York City in December for an intense three- day competition. They were judged on service, demonstration and “sheer bravery and awesomeness.” In the end, a tiny gal from Brooklyn —one of two female fi nalists—took the coveted prize. Allison Dedianko, 25, wowed the panel of judges and mixed her way to the top. The new Global Brand Ambassador speaks Spanish, Italian, Russian and English, and is already putting her worldly experience to good use. She started on January 15 and is currently touring Belvedere distilleries in Europe to learn the language of fi ne vodka. “She’ll be let loose on the world the fi rst week of March. Right now she’s getting an idea of how our business runs, how we receive guests across our portfolios and how we educate press and trade,” says Claire Smith, Belvedere’s long-time Brand Ambassador, who will work with Dedianko for the next year while taking on other projects. As the lead judge, Smith said she looked for versatility, presentation, ability to articulate the brand and an obvious passion. Dedianko, she said, “had a real ability to connect with a variety of people.” For her part, the new Ambassador says she sees the brand as a fusion of fashion, music and culture. “We’re selling a good time,” she says. 26 / the tasting panel / march 201 1 The winning drink: The Silk Thai The winning video: Belvedere Bubble Bath (watch this and other videos entered at www.youtube. com/user/BelvedereVodka) SILK THAI ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 50 ml. Belvedere Pure 20 ml. Velvet Falernum 30 ml. lemon juice 12 ml. tawny port 10 ml. egg white 2 leaves of fresh Thai basil Combine all ingredients, shake very hard and fi ne strain into a coupette. hen Belvedere vodka announced its search for a Global Brand Ambassador last year, it received applications from 20 coun- tries, proof that the vodka brand has pretty much achieved