Secretary of State Nina Mitchell-Wells

Secretary of State, Nina Mitchell Wells, spoke to a large gathering of the members of The Greater Atlantic City Region Tourism Council and the Atlantic City Hotel and Lodging Association on Thursday, January 31, 2008, at a luncheon hosted by the Resorts Hotel and Casino. Ms. Wells’ appointment as New Jersey’s 32nd Secretary of State on January 16, 2006 charges her with the promotion and preservation of the arts, history and culture of the Garden State. To promote that endeavor, she spoke to the councils about the future of New Jersey’s tourism industry and gave a heads up to new projects that are to be initiated and partnerships that are being formed. Secretary Wells stated that legislation to advocate more funding for tourism in the state of New Jersey should provide the initiative to “bring them in”. “We need to promote the state so much more”, Ms. Wells told the councils, “through partnerships, advertisements such as a billboard campaign at every airport and/or train station to capture the European market. Billboards spreading as far as Boston, west to Cleveland, and south to Baltimore can give us greater benefits to market New Jersey.” The theme “Great Destinations in Any Direction” will be featured in television commercials in twenty to thirty second spots, with the pronouncement, “You Have Arrived!” at the conclusion of the commercial.


“Where else can anyone go where there’s 127 miles of beach, hiking trails, and historic and cultural activities, all available to them? We need to give New Jersey personality and pizzazz! All sectors need to get involved to establish a long-term strategic plan, one to include offering discounts and/or incentives to the traveler,” offered Secretary Wells. She encouraged research, though the council’s partnership with Stockton College for one, and other institutions to find out “where to put our marketing dollars”. Ms. Wells stated her goal is to take the state budget and improve the image of New Jersey and let people know where they could go--to market the state at a higher level. At the conclusion of her speech Ms. Wells mentioned that The Travel Guide for New Jersey 2008 is available and they are currently designing a state website to include a booking engine. Not to be outdone, however, by our very own website, www.aboutnewjersey.com

To learn more and Secretary Wells and the goals and objectives she has set forth during her term in office, visit her website at www.nj.gov/state/secretary/ Ms Wells’ website only serves to confirm her dedication and commitment to improve the image of New Jersey and enrich the quality of life to all its citizens. In a quote from Secretary Wells, she states:

“I am so pleased and honored to have the opportunity to serve as your Secretary of State. I want this office to be the face of New Jersey, to reflect and celebrate our state’s wonderful resources, to promote the diversity that makes us so strong and so unique, and to encourage and grow participation in all our cultural offerings.”

In meeting and upon hearing Secretary Wells speak at the luncheon, it is easy to see why she has been recognized for her determination and commitment and how those qualities represent the State of New Jersey and her office in the best way possible.