Connecticut Announces Search for Stories About the Best People, Places and Experiences Around the State

HARTFORD, Conn., Feb. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- To uncover what residents and visitors love most about living, working and playing in Connecticut, the State has launched What's Your Connecticut Story. The contest, which can be found by visiting MyCTStory.com, asks for a story, along with a photo and/or video, that paints a picture of the best of Connecticut. A grand prize winner will be chosen by popular vote and will receive a $1,000 Connecticut shopping spree; three additional winners will be chosen by a selection committee and win prize packs featuring uniquely Connecticut products and experiences.

To kick-off the campaign, notable residents from around the state have already started to submit their stories, including Stew and Marianne of Stew Leonard's, Jennifer Kelly, Granddaughter of Frank of Frank Pepe's Pizza – and even the African penguins from Mystic Aquarium!

What's Your Connecticut Story represents the first promotion of the $30 million marketing effort to create a new brand identity for the state of Connecticut over the next two years. The stories collected from residents through the contest will be critical to the development and formation of the brand. The stories will each be read by Connecticut's Department of Economic and Community Development and its Office of Tourism and will be used as research to further understand what makes residents feel passionate about Connecticut. 

"By asking people to think about Connecticut in relation to their own lives, we hope to ignite pride and inspire enthusiasm about living and traveling here," said Catherine Smith, Commissioner of Department of Economic and Community Development. "As we continue to move forward in creating the new brand, understanding what we all love most about Connecticut will help us shape the state's identity into something that will resonate with our most important audience - our residents."

Entries will be received until May 18, 2012 and the grand prize winner will be announced on June 1, 2012. The three additional winners, "CT Picks" that are chosen by the selection committee will be announced on an ongoing basis throughout the length of the promotion. Those who enter can share as many stories as they would like and vote on their favorite submissions up to one time per day, per email address.

The state will also be focused on growing and cultivating pride among Connecticut residents by amplifying its social media channels.  In addition to providing daily updates about Connecticut destinations, events and deals and engaging the community via quizzes and polls, the Visit Connecticut Facebook page will also be giving away an 'Escape to Connecticut' to one lucky member of the community. The getaway will include a trip for four to Mohegan Sun, tickets to Mystic Aquarium and a Penguin Encounter along with a sunset sail on the Argia, a historic schooner.

To learn more about these efforts and the latest on what's happening in and around Connecticut, please visit www.CTvisit.com.

SOURCE Connecticut Office of Tourism