One ad shows a young man who wants a better life and a girlfriend "with a tattoo on her butt." The commercial says Louisville is "Possibility City," where such a tattoo wouldn't be criticized. See video below:
Another ad is a take on commercials for erectile-dysfunction drugs and says couples can "enjoy a longer lasting or more satisfying recreational, occupational and personal experience. ... Happiness lasting more than four hours is perfectly normal." See video below:
The campaign also compares Louisville to an anti-depressant in one of their commercials:
Pip Pullen, an accounts director for the Louisville-based marketing and advertising firm that worked on the campaign, said the ads have received "an incredibly positive response."
"Except," he said, "some members of the Metro Council took umbrage."
"The ads are in poor taste and not a good reflection on Louisville. They tried to be cutting edge, and I think they crossed the line."
--Louisville Metro Councilman, Doug Hawkins (as told to The Courier-Journal)
"If you don't take some risks, your message will just be forgotten.”
--Dan Barbercheck, president of Red7e, the lead creative ad consultant for the campaign (as told to The Courier-Journal).
"I have to be honest. I hate the REAL commercials this is based on...sort of TMI. I don't want anybody to look at this and have a negative feeling about my wonderful, beautiful city."
--cards0486, YouTube user (as commented on YouTube)
"The campaign has absolutely been worthwhile."
--Eileen Pickett, Greater Louisville Inc.'s senior vice president and coordinator of the campaign (as told to The Courier-Journal).
"I've never been to Louisville, but now I want to visit because at least some people there have an intelligent sense of humor."
--MrPhifty, YouTube user (as commented on YouTube)
"The mayor has endorsed the campaign and tries to work the Possibility City angle into most of his speeches."
--Chris Poynter, spokesman for Mayor Abramson (as told to The Courier-Journal)
Several council members have asked that no more city money be spent on the ads, after an initial $145,000 went to the campaign three years ago.
Chris Poynter, spokesman for Mayor Jerry Abramson, said the mayor endorsed the campaign and tries to work the Possibility City angle into most of his speeches. However, no more city money has been spent on the campaign.
The sponsors of the campaign, which also include the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau and the metro chamber of commerce, have spent nearly $1.6 million to raise the city's profile.
Eileen Pickett, Greater Louisville Inc.'s senior vice president and coordinator of the campaign, said she believes it has been worthwhile - though research on the campaign is incomplete. She said some local companies, such as Humana and Brown-Forman, have used aspects of the Possibility City campaign in their efforts to recruit young professionals.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.