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Famous Faces Teaming Up To Bring More People To Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Nine of Baltimore's biggest celebrities are teaming up to bring more people to Charm City.

Jessica Kartalija explains it's all part of a new ad campaign urging people to visit Baltimore.

Those celebrities include Cal Ripken Jr., Josh Charles, Julie Bowen and Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank.

New logo, new tagline--it's re-branding Baltimore at its best. Celebrities with strong ties to Baltimore talk candidly about their love for the city.

"The sharks in the aquarium, and Chessie the paddle boat and exhibits in the Walter's Art Museum.  Oh! And the Irvine Nature Center. That's the whole world to me," said actress Julie Bowen.

"When you get a third party coming in and saying, 'This is what I love about this place,' it has more value and has more depth and is more believable and it's more accurate," said Tom Noonan, CEO, Visit Baltimore.

Noonan debuted the campaign created by Baltimore-based TBC.

The campaign--expected to run for the next few years--includes an interactive website, radio and print ads.

"You're going to see this campaign in full page ads, in national magazines like Ebony, Oprah, Better Homes and Gardens, El Tiempo, Southwest the Magazine, The New York Times, Teen Magazine and The Washington Post," said Noonan.

"I love Baltimore. It's true. And I'll tell you why... Other towns have history, we make history," said TV host Mike Rowe.

"A thriving tourism industry also means a growing economy. A growing economy means more jobs for Baltimore's residents," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. "And tourism also means more people coming into the city."

"Don't just take it from me. Baltimore's special. See for yourself. Do more, visit Baltimore," actor Josh Charles said.

A new wave of well-known Baltimore faces will appear in next year's ad, including NBA star Carmelo Anthony.

This new campaign also touches on the city's food, sports, arts and diversity.

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