The city of Mississauga recently gained international recognition when it received top honours for its branding campaign showcasing the city’s cultural diversity.

The city was awarded the Place Marketing Forum’s 2017 Laureate Award during the Place Marketing Forum held in Lyon, France, for its 2014 Mississauga brand.

Janice Baker, Mississauga city manager and chief administration officer, said the award demonstrates the city’s worldwide appeal.

“We are so proud of our new City brand – one that is bold, welcoming, vibrant and inspiring,” Baker said in a press release. “This international recognition confirms Mississauga has grown into a city that is envied by many around the world.”

The city’s brand was designed to share Mississauga’s vibrant and diverse area and focuses on welcoming world culture, naturally enriching and inspiring possibilities, David Ferreira, Mississauga city’s brand manager said.

“The City of Mississauga brand story is the result of an intense process of thorough research and extensive engagement,” Ferreira said. “The outcome is an award-winning brand that truly reflects and represents our growing, culturally diverse and prosperous city.”

The new brand was developed by the city’s communications division, Trajectory, a Toronto-based brand strategy consulting firm and includes a specially designed logo. Researchers from the Strategic Counsel and London-based brand strategists Placematters also worked on the project.