New Ohio ad campaign aimed at attracting businesses touts state’s low taxes, sparks online debate

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- What’s the first thing you think of when you think of Ohio? Is it low corporate taxes?

Maybe not, but that’s part of what JobsOhio wants business owners in Boston, New York City, Seattle and other higher-cost, major U.S. cities to ponder as they consider whether to move elsewhere.

The “Ohio is for Leaders” campaign launched as a pilot program in September, with a full rollout in January. It involves digital ads and social media, but a major component is billboards, with different messaging tailored toward the markets they’re in. For example, for Times Square in New York City: “Your buildings are taller, our taxes are smaller”; for Seattle: “Live where you can actually afford to save for a rainy day” and for Boston, near Fenway Park: “0% state corporate income tax? That’s the ticket.” In Austin, it’s “Everything is bigger in Texas, except your house.” And so on.

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