Drivers entering Ohio will soon be welcomed with signs bearing the state’s new branding and slogan “Ohio, the Heart of it All.” The signs will replace older and outdated ones at major entry points to the state.
Ohio, the Heart of it All branding was unveiled in May during Ohio Tourism Day. The tagline was previously the state’s slogan between 1984 and 2001.
“There is endless fun, excitement, joy, and adventure here in Ohio, but our state is more than just a travel destination,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “There is no better place to live, learn, work, and play, and now, everyone who crosses into Ohio will know that they’re entering the Heart of it All.”
Thirty-six signs were made by the Ohio Department of Transportation sign shop in Columbus.
“Each letter, each element is put on by hand by our employees, piece-by-piece, letter by-letter,” said Joshua Wilson, ODOT sign shop administrator. The shop manufactures nearly 100,000 signs each year.
Some of the new signs will be installed by ODOT, while contractors will install others. The largest, measuring more than 40 feet wide, will be hung on the arch that spans I-70 at the Indiana border in Preble County.
“These signs act as a welcome mat, inviting visitors in and greeting residents coming home,” said State Tourism Director Sarah Wickham. “We want them to be beautiful and to represent our state’s pride, setting the tone for what you can expect during your time in our great state.”
Visitor spending hit $53 billion in Ohio last year, a 13 percent increase over 2021. The state recorded 233 million visits in 2022, including 47 million overnight stays.
Total cost is $59,990, and they should be installed by December.
