Irony alert: Griffey to sell Ohio tourism in ads

Reds field Ken Griffey - who may be leaving Ohio - will be appearing in a new Ohio tourism advertising campaign.

Here's the release:

COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Tourism Division today unveiled a new consumer advertising campaign designed to drive travel to and within Ohio. The campaign was presented in conjunction with recognition from Governor Ted Strickland and Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher declaring May “Ohio Tourism Month.”

“This is an innovative, new campaign for Ohio tourism that showcases identifiable Ohio experiences including some of Ohio’s all-star talents with whom national television audiences are already familiar,” said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development....

The new advertising campaign, developed by Ron Foth Advertising, is designed to focus on a key economic driver – overnight travelers....

To effectively drive tourism, the campaign portrays Ohio as “Too Much Fun for Just One Day,” encouraging visitors to consider staying the night in Ohio. Specifically, the campaign encourages three-day getaways while highlighting the diversity of Ohio’s attractions and the ability Ohio visitors have to enjoy many experiences within a short timeframe. To bring greater attention to the marketing efforts, the Tourism Division is employing some Ohio star-power in the form of Columbus Zoo Director Emeritus Jack Hanna and the Cincinnati Reds’ baseball star Ken Griffey, Jr.

The campaign targets key feeder markets in neighboring states including Detroit, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Louisville/Lexington, and Charleston/Huntington. A majority of the paid media investment will be seen in these markets. During Ohio Tourism Month (May), the campaign also will target consumers in Ohio including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, and Youngstown. The campaign will extend through June – the Midwest’s peak planning period for summer and fall getaways.