News Release
Vote 'Virginia is for Lovers' into National Advertising Walk of Fame
-Slogan nominated as one of America's most beloved-
(Richmond, Va.) - Virginia is for Lovers, the official state tourism slogan, is in the running to become a top slogan on the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame. Voting runs through September 18 at www.advertisingweek.com/wof. The winners will be inducted into the Walk of Fame during Advertising Week (September 21-25) and will gain a permanent position on the advertising industry’s version of Hollywood and Vine -- Madison Avenue.
Virginia’s State Tourism Office invites supporters to vote for the Virginia is for Lovers slogan by logging on to www.advertisingweek.com/wof, click on the Slogan section, click Virginia is for Lovers and then click the Vote Now button. Cast votes by September 18.
The Walk of Fame nomination coincides with the 40th anniversary of Virginia is for Lovers. Launched in 1969, Virginia is for Lovers is America’s longest-running state tourism slogan. Virginia is celebrating the 40th anniversary with 40 free vacations, travel deals and special label 40th anniversary wine, all found on www.Virginia.org/40.
This nomination comes on the heels of Forbes.com naming Virginia is for Lovers one of the top ten tourism marketing campaigns of all time.
“We’re excited to be part of this friendly competition and to be named among some of the greatest marketing giants of our time,” said Alisa Bailey, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “Marketing is our core mission and the most important service we provide to our local partners across the state. This type of recognition goes a long way to extend our marketing message and bring more visitors to Virginia.”
Virginia is for Lovers is one of nearly 30 slogans nominated for this year’s Walk of Fame class. The state faces stiff competition from slogans representing consumer brands, destinations and public service announcements. Past iconic slogan winners include Melts In Your Mouth, Not In Your Hand (M&M’s), “A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste” (United Negro College Fund); and “Imagination at Work” (GE).
Tourism is big business for Virginia, generating $19 billion in revenue, supporting 210,000 jobs and providing $1.2 billion in state and local taxes for Virginia’s communities.
Visit www.advertisingweek.com/wof before September 18 to vote for Virginia is for Lovers as an iconic slogan. For more information about travel deals, packages and to enter to win a free Virginia vacation, visit www.Virginia.org/40.
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Note to media: Download images, logos and other resources for this story at www.vatravelstories.com, the official pressroom for the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
About the Madison Avenue Walk of Fame
The Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame is on Madison Avenue from 42nd street to 50th street. Winners are recognized via permanent street banners thanks to a special arrangement with the Grand Central Partnership and Advertising Week. Permanent bronze plaques honoring the inaugural 2004 class of icon and slogan winners are located on Madison Avenue as well directly in front of 437 Madison Avenue.
More than three million votes have been cast in the first five years of the program.
Media Contacts:
Tamra Talmadge-Anderson
Director of Public Relations
804-545-5573
ttanderson@virginia.org
Richard Lewis
Public Relations Manager
804-545-5574
rlewis@virginia.org
Georg Horvath
PR Image Specialist
804-545-5570
ghorvath@virginia.org
