MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL 2008 HOST COMMITTEE LAUCHES TV AD TO TOUT AREA’S ATTRIBUTES
Ad Will Run For Five Days During 2008 Republican National Convention
MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN. (August 31, 2008) – The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee is launching a television advertisement designed to educate the 45,000 people coming to town for the 2008 Republican National Convention about our cities’ many attributes and express Minnesotans’ pride in their community.
The 60-second ad, which highlights Minneapolis Saint Paul’s Fortune 500 companies, architectural marvels and award-winning chefs, began airing Sunday morning on local TV stations, including WCCO, KARE, KSTP and KMSP.
“The 2008 Republican National Convention gives us the unique opportunity to showcase our area, maybe dispel some myths and certainly make the impression on our guests that Minneapolis Saint Paul truly has something for everyone,” said Jeff Larson, CEO of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. “We think this ad helps us do all of that, and we welcome our visitors to experience all we have to offer, from our lakes and theaters, to our restaurants, shopping, museums and more.”
The text of the ad is as follows:
“So, the Republican Convention is coming to town with 45,000 of its best friends. We figure it’s time to show that Minneapolis St. Paul is more than, “yah sure”, and that we’re over Mary Tyler Moore – sort of.
See, while we’re known for being humble and nice, there are a few things maybe you don’t know: We have nearly 20 Fortune 500 headquarters: Heard of Best Buy? Target? General Mills? 3M? They’re here, not NY, not California. Like great architecture? Check out Frank Gehry, Cesar Pelli, Jean Nouvel, Herzog & DeMeuron. Award-winning chefs? They don’t do hot dish, folks.
Sure we still got woods and water, lots of blondes, and guys named Ole. But we’ve also got a world’s worth of nationalities here, and they’re nice, too.
So, Republicans, while you’re here check out this place we call home. It’s not the frontier, it’s not fly-over country and it ain’t Fargo. It’s Minneapolis St. Paul, and humbly speaking, it’s more than nice. It’s wicked nice.”
The ad was developed by Rick Gibson/Creative, and directed by Paul Henschel through DriveThru Productions.
About The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee
The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee is a non-partisan, 501c3 nonprofit charged with promoting the commerce, image and prestige of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and the entire region in preparation for the 2008 Republican National Convention. The Host Committee is made up of community leaders who are committed to educating people and businesses to come to Minnesota to work, live, play, visit and invest. For more information, visit www.msp2008.com.
