Mitten feud wins for Wis., Mich. tourism officials

BELOIT, Wis. (AP) - The tourism departments in Wisconsin and Michigan have received an award for their ad campaign debating good-naturedly which state looks more like a mitten.

The departments were recognized Tuesday by the U.S. Travel Association, a trade association for tourism industries.

The campaign began when the Wisconsin tourism department draped a mitten over a state map on its website. Michigan officials objected, arguing that Michigan is the true Mitten State.

That touched off a mini-feud, all in good humor. Their disagreement prompted jokes and humorous headlines, and both departments played up the debate.

The Beloit Daily News says the agencies won the national Mercury award for best public and media relations. Wisconsin tourism secretary Stephanie Klett accepted the award, saying the night was one of the happiest of her professional career.