Colorado economic development officials want California businesses to feel the love via an updated romantic proposal.
In what a top executive admits is “a shameless PR stunt,” the Metro Economic Development Corp. has dispatched 21 “Colorado Cupids” to shoot “Be Mine” arrows into Californians’ hearts.
The $30,000 campaign — $60,000 less than last year’s initial effort — aims to convince executives that Colorado is sweet on them so they consider company expansion and job creation in Colorado, said Tom Clark, executive vice president of the Metro Denver EDC.
Winged cupids — a mix of chamber staffers and hired talent — will give out kisses and hugs tonight outside the Staples Center when the Colorado Avalanche meets the L.A. Kings.
The cupids pranced Friday on the streets of Los Angeles, giving out valentines and candy. Gov. Bill Ritter declared Friday to be Colorado Loves California Day.
Then there are silly YouTube videos and drive-time love songs dedicated to California on KBIG-FM.
The idea is to have fun, Clark said, but underscores the need to woo California.
“The entire West needs California,” Clark said. “It is the innovation hub of the nation and the source of many jobs that are spun out to the Western states.”
A year ago, the economic development group hired a plane to fly a “Colorado Loves CA” banner over Los Angeles.
Moves by California companies to Colorado last year included DaVita relocating its corporate headquarters, and expansions by Intuit, SolarCity, Charles Schwab and SunRun.
Did the Valentine ad campaign make love connections? “You never know,” Clark said.
Ann Schrader: 303-954-1967 or aschrader@denverpost.com
