Well in the past two weeks i have had 3 family members contact me from califorina, my brother in law is one of them, he told me oklahoma city is doing some major t.v ads, he said the commerical lasted over a minute and was talking about bricktown, had clips of paseo, showed pictures of warren pars of moore, norman, edmond, tinker, downtown, he said the commerical was so good he wanted to come visit asap lol.. my other family members who are cousins never been to okc and saw the ad and told me okc looks great and not what they really expected to see. makes me feel proud that okc is advertizing. just over a year ago I had a lot of family from cali visit for the first time and they where shocked on the stuff out here, they have already visited again and planning to come down this x-mas.... maybe this is going to be a big thing for okc, now all we need is something really excited along the oklahoma river like a landing,mall, entertainment on the river!!!

Some of the ads I've seen locally were very good. Both the state and the city seem to be doing a good job on their ads. The production values seem to be much better than some other cities/states promo ads. The slogans are def. better. Native America has a powerful message behind it. Beats Got Mo? and "Theres lots to do in Kansas". Now is a great time for Oklahoma to be selling itself to the rest of the nation. Our economy is better than most and real estate prices never were as inflated as they were in California. With California going broke and laying off tens of thousands of workers, I would think alot of those people would consider relocating. More attractions along the river won't hurt either. I hope those boathouses are still going to be built.

Well in the past two weeks i have had 3 family members contact me from califorina, my brother in law is one of them, he told me oklahoma city is doing some major t.v ads, he said the commerical lasted over a minute and was talking about bricktown, had clips of paseo, showed pictures of warren pars of moore, norman, edmond, tinker, downtown, he said the commerical was so good he wanted to come visit asap lol.


Did he say how the ad was tagged out? I'm just wondering if it came from OKC or from the Dept. of Tourism.

he said it started off likea old west movie and a streeet sighn that said bricktown, then it transformed into modern bricktown with lots of people walking and riding the canal eating at the restaurants, it then showed things around downtown okc including the trolleys, ford center, rowing on the river, the state capitols, frontier city, white water, the entertainment district, parts of norman and moore and edmond, shopping at paseo, he doesnt remember exactly how it was said when it ened but he said it was kinda like , OKLAHOMA CITY WERE NOT JUST A CITY , WE ARE WHAT YOUR LOOKING FOR. Then my -n-law said there was a web site at the end to order brochures.... thats all he knows, it was the first time he saw it, but he said it was really nice commerical and made okc look really really nice, and coming from someone in sunny san diego, i take that as a compliment

Thanks. That sounds more like it came from OKC. If it was a Tourism spot, it would have ended with "Native America" or TravelOK.com. We really do get a lot of tourists in Oklahoma. If you visit any of the state parks along the southern side of Oklahoma, the out-of-state license tags out-number the Oklahoma tags.

Maybe the OKCCVB?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAuZH4ikwKM&feature=channel_page

Maybe someone from California can post one of the ads on youtube?

Here is a 10 minute 2007 (December) version from Greater Oklahoma City Chamber

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtspPuAywfo

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtspPuAywfo

It's obvious by the tag at the end that the CVB was instrumental in having this spot produced. HOWEVER, much of the footage is the same as is used in the "NativeAmerica" TravelOK campaign (same time lapse imagery courtesy of Ackerman-McQueen).

My guess is it is a joint venture.

doesn't matter to me as long as it's driving more tourism to OKC.

doesn't matter to me as long as it's driving more tourism to OKC.


That's a fact, my friend. Money is money regardless of whether it comes from California, Texas, Louisiana, or local folks spending their vacation dollars here.

Checked out Zillow today... pretty cool to see we have one of only a few Orange/Red Triangles on the nation's map.

Home Values, Real Estate Market Reports - Zillow (http://www.zillow.com/reports/RealEstateMarketReports.htm)

I'm surprised no one has brought fears of California people wanting to come and californicate Oklahoma. After all, California is one of the most liberal states in the union. Maybe the more liberal ones will, though, will decide to pass up Oklahoma for Colorado while the conservatives from the valley like Bakersfield and Fresno will want to come to Oklahoma.

I'm surprised no one has brought fears of California people wanting to come and californicate Oklahoma. After all, California is one of the most liberal states in the union. Maybe the more liberal ones will, though, will decide to pass up Oklahoma for Colorado while the conservatives from the valley like Bakersfield and Fresno will want to come to Oklahoma.

Heaven knows we could use more conservatives here. We wouldn't want to lose our ranking as THE reddest state in the nation.

I think from what I have seen on other message boards that the conservatives in California and the Northeast are tired of the liberals and social programs increasing taxes. They are wanting to move somewhere more conservative and less crowded.

It's fascinating how things come full circle... 80 years ago Oklahoma's economy was the worst in the nation and Okies were packing their bags for the western promised land... Now California's going down the tubes and OKC is poised to get some people back.

lasomeday, we had a family reunion here not too long ago. Some of our Californian relatives are seriously considering moving to Oklahoma because of home prices, cost of living, the job market, etc.

Hopefully, people looking to relocate to Oklahoma City consider urban living rather than moving out to Edmond or Moore. I think, with the low cost of living, folks from Cali can afford the slightly higher per-square-foot of cost for downtown housing. They can fill up the vacancies and drive up the demand for more urban development. The OKC metro is stretched far too thin; we're running out of land for development. It just so happens, we have plenty of real estate begging for a face lift, and all we need is demand.

I'm surprised no one has brought fears of California people wanting to come and californicate Oklahoma. After all, California is one of the most liberal states in the union. Maybe the more liberal ones will, though, will decide to pass up Oklahoma for Colorado while the conservatives from the valley like Bakersfield and Fresno will want to come to Oklahoma.

You can't be serious. Do people really think this way?

You can't be serious. Do people really think this way?

sure they do. when i read other bosrds its opposite. people cant wait to get out of okie cuz its too conservative, and this region as a whole. so you know people think the other way too.

[SARCASM]Well, I for one would sure hate it if they brought their high tech companies, good jobs and progressive ideas.[SARCASM].

I have a small development in N. Texas along Cedar Creek Lake and over the past two years, I have sold a little over 30% of the homes I have built to californians. I also have had two different couples look at one of my rehabs in HH both from California. Twice the home for half the money right here in Oklahoma.

BTW...I have several family members who moved to california in the early 40's and 50's...they've all moved back in recent years.

I'm surprised no one has brought fears of California people wanting to come and californicate Oklahoma. After all, California is one of the most liberal states in the union. Maybe the more liberal ones will, though, will decide to pass up Oklahoma for Colorado while the conservatives from the valley like Bakersfield and Fresno will want to come to Oklahoma.

Bunty, why do have to be such a killjoy? Only you would turn this into a political red vs. blue, liberal vs. conservative, us vs. them debate. For once allow Oklahoma City to try to move forward and shove your 'Don't Come Here' sign to the back of the shed.

Man, whatever happened to just being American. Just being human. You people make me want to vomit.

I know these are a few years old, but I really like the TravelOK ads:

YouTube - Oklahoma Tourism Ad Oklahoma City (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGkHJD7PcYA)

You people make me want to vomit.

What? You don't get a kick out of our little old Valkenvania we've got happenin here?! Conveniently located along good old Route66?

Ha. Sorry, just felt the need to throw some more positive humor at the topic versus keepin the flame flowin, you know?



I wish we could see the commercials that are running about OKC there.

so is this the one cali is getting?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICxFhAmDIjY&feature=related

I think we need to make OKC more like Berkeley. And yes, I think we need medical marijuana vendors downtown, and I hope our Gay Pride parade becomes the biggest in the Southwest. I want to buy booze on Sunday, and cold six point beer and wine at the grocery store. Maybe we'll start getting a little of that with some more Californians moving to OKC.

If I'm going to threadjack, I might as well make it good!

:)

Don't forget the other things they will demand because they are used to having them in Cali. Good public transit, roads that don't tear your car up, liquor in the grocery stores not just wine and better schools and liberal politics. I say bring em on.

You forgot perfect weather, beaches, mountains, redwoods, skiing, endless hiking, biking, walking trails ..... and diversity and tolerance.

Some days, I just want to go home.

You forgot perfect weather, beaches, mountains, redwoods, skiing, endless hiking, biking, walking trails ..... and diversity and tolerance.

Some days, I just want to go home.

Totally! Talk about ocean-front property. They got it, for sure.

Don't forget about a multi- billion dollar deficit

You forgot perfect weather, beaches, mountains, redwoods, skiing, endless hiking, biking, walking trails ..... and diversity and tolerance.

Some days, I just want to go home.

And some days, I just want to renounce my U.S. citizenship. No sting towards you, Karrie. You will always be on my good list.

Seriously, Soonerliberal and Bunty. Where is your logic?

How is this honestly helping Oklahoma? If posting video clips on here of the "true" Oklahoma by exposing the negative side of life in this state, then hell, why don't we post clips on here of the "true" California. The thousands of homeless people, the spread of trash floating around off the coast of L.A. that is so huge the coast guard doesn't have the resources to clean up. And you think potholes in Oklahoma are a problem, let's go over some of the street conditions in many California cities. And lest we forget the L.A.P.D., have they redeemed themselves yet from all of the needless beatings?

Oh, I'm not done. Let's move on to New York. Rude cafe owners, rusted bridges in Buffalo and a parkway with lanes in such disrepair that was not closed for repair, it was just closed. Tall weeds and surface litter was enough of a sign that the state of New York was in no hurry to resurface this parkway. Instead, they reduced it to two lanes... indefinitely. And who can forget run-down Niagara Falls, NY. To get a taste of a well-maintained city we had to cross over to CANADA! And does New York not get the concept of a free bridge? Crossing rivers countless times cost us enough for two days worth of groceries.

And of course, Texas. Just as many overweight people, just as many smokers, and enough gun shops to pack a super mall. And oh, that highway system in Texas that so many people in Oklahoma seem to adore? Yeah, that all goes out of the window when you begin to traverse Dallas or Houston's arterials. If the uneven surface doesn't make you sea-sick, the giant cracks are sure to tease your bladder. Yeah, in Texas you can buy cold mythical six point beer (when are we going to learn there IS no six point beer... well, Boddington's, maybe), and on Sundays... if you're in the right place. While touring Texas, you might want to make note of the county you plan to visit. It is either parts dry, completely dry, and if you play the guessing game right... all wet.

Now on to Florida. When you're done with your luxurious stay at any one of Cocoa Beach's seaside two-story roach resorts, be sure to take in the massive amount of trailer parks just north of Orlando or in Fort Lauderdale, and don't forget to check into some Sunshine State property... before it subsides into a sinkhole. Confederate flags on modded pick-up trucks are aplenty. Never expected to see it in Daytona Beach, but it was there before my eyes, just as it was all over central Florida. Don't worry, I checked the plates... Florida.

Then there is New Jersey. Enjoy an afternoon of shopping at anyone of central New Jersey's 1950's style strip malls. Literally, there has been no remodeling in decades. Even has the original parking lot light fixtures and left rusted for authenticity. And if you plan to settle in the Garden State, be sure and take out a loan for the property taxes alongside the mortgage. Trust me, you'll need it.

You're not out of the dark, Missouri. Charasmatic staunch evangelists in central Missouri who send children to bible boot camps make Baptists look like wiccans. These people give Christianity a bad name. And thumpety-thumpety I-44 in Missouri makes N.W. 164th feel like a sheet of glass.

And once you've made your lovely circle around our "true" Un-united States of America, remember to come see me in Texas. Look for my out-of-place subdivision north of The Woodlands. You won't miss it. It's surrounded by abandoned industrial yards, trailer parks with dirt roads, shacks that are hoisted up on cinderblocks, an AA meeting place, a gas station where people still smoke inside, a gun shop, and an auto-repair business that kept a starving goat tied to their rusted barbed-wire fence for two weeks.

These are all attributes people tie to Oklahoma. So, let's be honest. Let's enjoy our "true" America.

I've never understood people who don't like/enjoy living where they do. Why not simply move? That's what is so fantastic about the U.S. you can live wherever you wish.

maybe oklahoma should not have advertised at all in other states, its seems that some okies are not ready for new outsiders visiting or moving here yet.

maybe oklahoma should not have advertised at all in other states, its seems that some okies are not ready for new outsiders visiting or moving here yet.

One person said that. And he was being sarcastic.


Great post okcpulse. I was just in Missouri (Joplin to St. Louis to KC) and their roads are just as bad, and you have the lovely sight of an adult video store every 10 miles. More of those than gas stations.

We went to Trader Joes to stock up on 2 Buck Chuck, and the clerk was like, "Oh I love Oklahoma City, such great, smooth roads!"

YES. That's what he said.

I think we need to make OKC more like Berkeley. And yes, I think we need medical marijuana vendors downtown, and I hope our Gay Pride parade becomes the biggest in the Southwest. I want to buy booze on Sunday, and cold six point beer and wine at the grocery store. Maybe we'll start getting a little of that with some more Californians moving to OKC.

If I'm going to threadjack, I might as well make it good!

:)

I'm a social libertarian, so you and I are ---->here<----- on this.

I can't really see why someone could rationally be against those things -- if it doesn't affect you in any manner whatsoever, why worry?

As far as the medical marijuana vendors, I'm not sure about the rationale for that. If it's going to be prescribed as a drug, why shouldn't it be required to be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist like all other drugs? I'm in favor of complete deregulation, but if we're not going to do that, I don't get why marijuana gets special treatment.

Our alcohol regulations are more-less the product of a powerful and influential liquor wholesale lobby. They don't want to pay to keep beer cold so they have been able to have a regime imposed upon them which 'forces' them to deliver poorer quality products.

As far as the beer on Sundays thing goes... again, no rational explanation for that one.

I'm here to help your hijack along :-)

As a now 19-year Californian, you know the one changeable thing about OK (no sense arguing about the weather or lack of beach) that would be the biggest obstacle to my return? The smoking laws.

Until you've lived somewhere where they are really strict on this, it's hard to understand. But I simply don't think I could live in a city/state where it was allowed -- even in bars.

I can effectively completely avoid smoke, and that's with frequently going to bars and clubs. So, to visit (let alone live in) a city where it is still pretty prevalent is absolutely revolting. I literally get sick to my stomach when I'm around it.

I know it's confined to bars and restaurants that only serve those over 18, but that's still a lot of places that I would never, ever go. And considering already limited options in OKC, I just don't think I could deal with it.

Plus, the related mentality and higher resulting usage is very, very unappealing.

well i was in san diego not to long ago at sea world and there was people smoking inside the park, i seen people smoking at outside restaurants and in stripmalls, its almost the same here, heck at the okc zoo they dont allow smoking in most places or if im not wrong any place inside the park at all. same with alot of other places, granted yes bars and casinos still have smoking, but the laws are getting just as tight here.

As a now 19-year Californian, you know the one changeable thing about OK (no sense arguing about the weather or lack of beach) that would be the biggest obstacle to my return? The smoking laws.

Until you've lived somewhere where they are really strict on this, it's hard to understand. But I simply don't think I could live in a city/state where it was allowed -- even in bars.

I can effectively completely avoid smoke, and that's with frequently going to bars and clubs. So, to visit (let alone live in) a city where it is still pretty prevalent is absolutely revolting. I literally get sick to my stomach when I'm around it.

I know it's confined to bars and restaurants that only serve those over 18, but that's still a lot of places that I would never, ever go. And considering already limited options in OKC, I just don't think I could deal with it.

Plus, the related mentality and higher resulting usage is very, very unappealing.


I live here but agree. The smoking laws need to change. And I was just in San Diego for the 3rd time about 3 weeks ago and didn't notice anyone smoking at all.

heck at the okc zoo they dont allow smoking in most places or if im not wrong any place inside the park at all.

I think you're right. I don't think it's allowed at all inside the zoo.

The OKC zoo change was quite recent, and a good move.

Regarding Sea World in SD, keep in mind that that huge majority of people there are tourists; lots of them foreign. Don't know what SW's policy is but they probably choose not to be super strict about it due to their clientele.

Pete,

I know you return to OKC frequently, but I see fewer and fewer restaurants -- and even bars -- where smoking is prevalent here. Even concert venues, such as The Conservatory, are now smoke free. Even, cough, cough, some of the Indian casinos are putting in non-smoking areas!

Point: Most places I go in OKC, if people are smoking, it's outside on a patio.

I hate it when a building is smoke free, yet there is a big group at the entrance of the building like it is a smokers lounge. One has to walk through a cloud of smoke in order to enter or exit the "smoke free" building.

I would like to see more done to move these smokers away from the entrance / exit and away from the building. There should be a smoke free zone that encompasses each building that is "smoke free".

Sorry about not being on topic.

im from the bay area of cali myself, everytime i go visit family which is all the way from san diego to chico.. it looks the same, cigarette buds in restaurant parking lots, smoking in the parks, cars, etc, there might be rules out there but just look around. cali people are no different from okie people when it comes to smoking. in oklahoma there rules as well but they get broken just like in cali

I hate it when a building is smoke free, yet there is a big group at the entrance of the building like it is a smokers lounge. One has to walk through a cloud of smoke in order to enter or exit the "smoke free" building.

I would like to see more done to move these smokers away from the entrance / exit and away from the building. There should be a smoke free zone that encompasses each building that is "smoke free".

Sorry about not being on topic.

Oklahoma state law prohibits smoking within 50 feet of an entrance to a public building, and prohibits smoking on hospital property altogether. If they are cluster-f**king an entrance, they are breaking the law.

^^ That is what I thought. Everytime I see people at a building entrance smoking, I think that somehow that doesn't seem right, in relation to the smoking law. But it is just like everything else, who wants to be the person to "inform" these smokers that they are breaking the law??

wow, this thread is way off course.

i don't know if this thread was ever on course. we don't have any proof that the city is doing major advertising in california. what qualifies an ad as "major advertising?" I do local tv commercials and don't consider it "major advertising" because of the smaller budgets, however it still reaches 100,000's of thousands of people. A mesely couple million bucks for the city/state/tourism dept. to run a few commercials in california isn't much, but is also appreciated and will help sell a new image of our city/state.

well for my sis and bro-n-law to seea oklahoma tourist commerical and my cousins in the bay area to see one, it means something , i dont see cali advertizing out here? do you???? i dont see arizona, new york,,, do you??

The Oklahoma Department of Tourism did purchase a number of spots in all major California markets. If we a re getting a positive reaction, or any reaction, it's a good thing.

On that note, California, Arizona and New York are all tourist meccas. I don't believe advertising is necessarily in order.

Colorado is also doing a major campaign including postcards to California business leaders letting them know what a much better place Colorado is for their business.

If we a re getting a positive reaction, or any reaction, it's a good thing. That's what I'm thinking, too. If that many of Jesseda's relatives saw the spots, they must be getting good placements.

Actually, I recently saw a CA commercial about 1 min in length. It had Gv. Arnold and many, many celebrities, all selling CA as a great place.

well for my sis and bro-n-law to seea oklahoma tourist commerical and my cousins in the bay area to see one, it means something , i dont see cali advertizing out here? do you???? i dont see arizona, new york,,, do you??

I see California advertising out here all the time, especially on cable. They spent some MEGA-bucks on their commercials too. It's star studded big time. Ends with the Governator....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md69zCJKD1c

The Governators closing line in the ad: "When can you start?" ...too funny

i don't know if this thread was ever on course. we don't have any proof that the city is doing major advertising in california. what qualifies an ad as "major advertising?" I do local tv commercials and don't consider it "major advertising" because of the smaller budgets, however it still reaches 100,000's of thousands of people. A mesely couple million bucks for the city/state/tourism dept. to run a few commercials in california isn't much, but is also appreciated and will help sell a new image of our city/state.

Why do you always have to be such a negative nancy? You have no idea how "major" the advertising is.

I think this thread has highlighted what states are doing right now to get people and businesses into their state. Especially with the economy and unemployment the way it is, it appears to be shifted up a few notches.

I really wish we could get our hands on some of these ads to see how well our sales pitches match up, you know?

Probably a lot of them are on state travel sites.

OK State Parks has their new spots up on their site. I watched the new state travel spots somewhere recently, but can't find them now. Haven't seen the OKC ones online anywhere either, but the one that they've aired for OKC during the nationally televised Thunder game was fantastic.

We really are lucky right now to have city leadership that is moving in a progressive direction. I honestly never dreamed we would see this. Again, I don't agree with everything and there are many areas for improvement, but it's amazing how far this city has come in ten years. Kudos to OKC CVB, the Chamber, whoever had the stones and vision to do this. Oklahoma could be a real national leader in getting us out of the economic ditch. We have affordable housing and a good quality of life that is slowly improving. OKC is definitely leading the way, although Tulsa and Norman are doing good things also.

We really are lucky right now to have city leadership that is moving in a progressive direction. I honestly never dreamed we would see this. Again, I don't agree with everything and there are many areas for improvement, but it's amazing how far this city has come in ten years. Kudos to OKC CVB, the Chamber, whoever had the stones and vision to do this. Oklahoma could be a real national leader in getting us out of the economic ditch. We have affordable housing and a good quality of life that is slowly improving. OKC is definitely leading the way, although Tulsa and Norman are doing good things also.

Agreed, now if we can just get the perception that all Okies are not like those depicted in the grapes of wrath...

Agreed, now if we can just get the perception that all Okies are not like those depicted in the grapes of wrath...

I agree. This is a beef with me whenever I travel. Even to places as close as Houston, so many see us just as you said.