Vote for "Virginia Is For Lovers"

From the whimsical department...

Vote 'Virginia is for Lovers' into National Advertising Walk of Fame ... Slogan in the running to be named 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.

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 Advertising Week, click on the Slogan section, click Virginia is for Lovers and then click the Vote Now button. Cast votes by September 18.

The Hall 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.

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 Hall 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 Advertising Week 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.

H/T GOP Girl