Apparently, all of the other problems afflicting the state of my birth have been solved, because the big news this morning is that New Jersey has picked a new state slogan:
TRENTON, New Jersey (AP) — Hoping to draw more tourists to New Jersey’s vacation spots, officials on Thursday unveiled a new slogan that aims to change outsiders’ views of a state often associated with traffic-choked highways, oil refineries and odors that cause drivers to roll up windows on the way through.
The new slogan is “New Jersey: Come See For Yourself.”
Come see what ? The chemical factories in Newark and Elizabeth ? The toll plazas along the Garden State Parkway ? Donald Trump’s latest monument to early 21st century excess in Atlantic City ? I can see the jokes starting already…….
As he unveiled the new tag line, [Acting Governor Richard] Codey highlighted some of the state’s attractions, including the gambling spot of Atlantic City, historic Cape May at the southern tip of the state, and the Meadowlands’ sports venues. Officials said tourism generated $32 billion last year.
“Who needs a vacation anywhere else?” Codey said.
Hmmm, let me think about this. A week on the beach in Maui, or a week in Newark, New Jersey. You’re right Governor, the choice is obvious.
The new slogan came from suggestions from state residents after a Governor Codey was unimpressed with the suggestions provided by a marketing firm:
The slogan was the result of Codey’s appeal in October for ideas after he rejected a proposal from a marketing company for which the state paid $260,000. That slogan — “New Jersey: We’ll Win You Over” — reminded Codey too much of when he was single and asked girls out on dates.
Codey’s office received about 8,000 ideas, including such edgy suggestions as “New Jersey: You Got a Problem With That?” and “New Jersey: Most of Our Elected Officials Have Not Been Indicted.”
“New Jersey: You Got A Problem With That ?” Now that is a slogan that Tony Soprano would be proud of.
Technorati Tag: New Jersey
