Description:

Our History The year was 1976, and the New York that people once knew was about to change. The State was in a deep economic slump and looked to tourism to help turn around the economy. With $400,000 from the Governor, industry leaders took an incredibly bold step and spent the entire tourism budget on market research. With consumer feedback in hand and $4 million, an advertising campaign was launched in 1977. The great minds of Madison Avenue produced a brilliant little campaign called I LOVE NEW YORK. A full-blown orchestra was assembled to record the song created by the “King of the Jingle” Steve Karmen, while acclaimed graphic designer, Milton Glaser crafted the famous logo. It all started with the very first TV commercial highlighting the grandeur of New York State with lakes, mountains and countryside and folks proclaiming “I live in [North Carolina, Cape Cod, Brooklyn]...but I Love New York!” The campaign was magical and captivated hearts instantly. The next commercial highlighted New York City and featured Broadway packages. From there, I LOVE NEW YORK blossomed into a star-studded extravaganza with A-list celebrities and Broadway stars declaring their love for New York at every turn. Something soon happened though. I LOVE NEW YORK became deeply connected with New York City, even though the brand started with the state. This association strengthened further in September 2001 when the world joined New Yorkers in expressing their love for this special place. Our Heart There’s something really special about being a New Yorker—whether you’re from the City or across the State. It’s the reason we stand up a little straighter when we say “I’m from New York!” We are tenacious and passionate. It’s that little something you hear in our voice. And see in our gait. It’s loyalty that defies logic. And, energy that defies reason. All of this is part of our DNA. We don’t sign on for this. It just happens. There’s something wonderfully different about this place. Somehow it’s bigger, even in the small towns. It’s a feeling. It’s palpable. But it’s hard to explain. New York is an experience that resonates, just like a New Yorker. Breathtaking, unique and captivating at the same time. It always leaves you wanting more and adding that next place to your mental list of new places to visit. You see, I LOVE NEW YORK isn’t just an advertising slogan, a logo or a song. It lives. It breathes. It speaks to you. Because it’s me. It’s you. It’s the kid next door. It’s where you get away. To find yourself. It’s the City. It’s the whole State. It’s that amazing truth that no matter where you’re from when you come here, you’re a New Yorker. It’s why there’s always another reason to love New York.