Bravo to Ohio for its return to being the ‘Heart of it all’
Those who have spent the last several years frustrated with an Ohio state tourism slogan that seemed to open up the Buckeye State to all kinds of zingers will be relieved to know Gov. Mike DeWine and TourismOhio are ready to return to something a little safer and more familiar.
Since 2015, the more cynical among us have found ways to turn “Ohio. Find it Here,” into political and social commentary that proved unhelpful in attracting visitors. It was a dangerous opening line in the era of social media.
Now we can look forward to those signs being switched out in favor of an old but good slogan that served the state well from 1984 through 2001. “Ohio, the Heart of It All” means more to the state than just a way to attract visitors. It is a message to those who might consider moving (or staying) here, too.
“What we’re promoting is more than just a travel destination. We are promoting all of our great state, holistically,” DeWine said. “We also want them to know that this is a great place to live, a great place to work and a great place to raise a family.”
TourismOhio calls the new (old) slogan Ohio’s brand, which speaks not only to the state’s central location, “but just as importantly, it conveys that Ohio is the heart of the heartland. The heart-shaped state. The home of heartwarming stories and heartfelt joy.”
It is meant to be nostalgic, yes, but also forward looking.
“It still holds a spot in the hearts of many Ohioans,” TourismOhio notes. “And while we’re proud of our past, we’re looking to the future, building on that brand equity and adding modern updates. Crafting something familiar, yet fresh.”
Good.
Now all the rest of us have to do is live up to that new mindset. As we march forward into a changing and expanding economy and work to do better for our communities, Ohioans must be focused on taking care of one another and welcoming all who want to visit or call this state home. And we’ve got to do it, from the heart.
Bravo to Ohio for its return to being the ‘Heart of it all’
Those who have spent the last several years frustrated with an Ohio state tourism slogan that seemed to open up the Buckeye State to all kinds of zingers will be relieved to know Gov. Mike DeWine and TourismOhio are ready to return to something a little safer and more familiar.
Since 2015, the more cynical among us have found ways to turn “Ohio. Find it Here,” into political and social commentary that proved unhelpful in attracting visitors. It was a dangerous opening line in the era of social media.
Now we can look forward to those signs being switched out in favor of an old but good slogan that served the state well from 1984 through 2001. “Ohio, the Heart of It All” means more to the state than just a way to attract visitors. It is a message to those who might consider moving (or staying) here, too.
“What we’re promoting is more than just a travel destination. We are promoting all of our great state, holistically,” DeWine said. “We also want them to know that this is a great place to live, a great place to work and a great place to raise a family.”
TourismOhio calls the new (old) slogan Ohio’s brand, which speaks not only to the state’s central location, “but just as importantly, it conveys that Ohio is the heart of the heartland. The heart-shaped state. The home of heartwarming stories and heartfelt joy.”
It is meant to be nostalgic, yes, but also forward looking.
“It still holds a spot in the hearts of many Ohioans,” TourismOhio notes. “And while we’re proud of our past, we’re looking to the future, building on that brand equity and adding modern updates. Crafting something familiar, yet fresh.”
Good.
Now all the rest of us have to do is live up to that new mindset. As we march forward into a changing and expanding economy and work to do better for our communities, Ohioans must be focused on taking care of one another and welcoming all who want to visit or call this state home. And we’ve got to do it, from the heart.