Special to 1808Delaware
Ohio’s thriving economy, picturesque scenery, and welcoming spirit take center stage in a heartwarming new advertising campaign featuring the uplifting story of a family, together for the holidays, reunited by opportunity.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today announced the launch of the new “Cardinal Christmas” commercial, which brings the spirit of the holiday season to life while promoting Ohio as the heart of opportunity and adventure.
“Cardinal Christmas’s message embodies everything that makes Ohio the premier destination for anyone looking to find a job, explore nature’s beauty, or provide a good life for their family,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Whether you’re a lifelong resident, visiting from out of town, or looking for a fresh start, Ohio truly is the heart of it all, and we’re proud to share that with the world.”
In the emotional and inspiring commercial, centered around a handmade cardinal Christmas ornament, a young girl surprises her grandmother with the news that she and her family are returning to Ohio after her mother received a new career opportunity. Ohio’s state bird since 1933, the Northern Cardinal is among the most beautiful and cherished songbirds in North America.
The story highlights how the DeWine-Husted administration’s meaningful investments have empowered businesses to grow, create jobs, transform communities, and bring families closer together – making Ohio the Heart of Opportunity. Ohio currently has more 84,000 jobs paying more than $50,000 a year available.
“Ohio is experiencing an unprecedented surge in economic growth, fueled by an influx of companies choosing to leave the coasts and invest in our great state,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development, which oversees TourismOhio. “As families come together this holiday season, we want to capture their attention and warm their hearts by showing them everything Ohio has to offer, from affordability to opportunity, and everything in between.”
“Cardinal Christmas” serves as the festive centerpiece of TourismOhio’s holiday campaign, designed to showcase Ohio as the heart of opportunity through adventure, creativity, education, and family.
Produced by Columbus-based Ron Foth Advertising, “Cardinal Christmas” features an all-Ohio native cast. The spot is currently airing in several media markets in Ohio and neighboring states. The ads also will appear on digital streaming services, online video platforms, and the State of Ohio’s social media pages.
Principal filming took place in the Columbus neighborhood of Clintonville and includes several nods to Ohio’s rich innovative history and culture, including The Ohio State University, world-renowned Hocking Hills State Park, and Playhouse Square in Cleveland, which is the nation’s largest performing arts center outside of New York City.
“We didn’t just want this to look like Ohio, we wanted it to be Ohio,” said Sarah Wickham, state tourism director. “The No. 1 reason people make a trip to Ohio is to visit with friends and family and stories just like this one are taking place every day in communities all across the state. It was important for us to capture the heart of these very real moments by making this commercial authentic to Ohio.”
Operating within Ohio’s Department of Development, TourismOhio works to showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.
Source, Video: Ohio.org
