Frankfort, KY  - It's official, and it wasn't even close. In an easy win over three rivals, "Unbridled Spirit" became Kentucky's new brand.

In the third and final round of public voting, "Unbridled Spiritotes" tallied 11,298 votes, while "Where Legends are Born" collected 4,633

Governor Ernie Fletcher made the announcement to a cheering crowd of supporters and curious travelers at the Shelby County Welcome Center on Interstate 64

"Now the work really begins," the Govenor said. "As we work to incorporate the brand and tell the world about the great things Kentucky is doing, we need for each of you to adopt the brand as well. Use it. Talk about it. Tell others about it."

"That's because throughtout our research, people told us the biggest asset we have is our own people. The passion we have for our home and our neighbors. We Kentuckians approach life with an unbridled spirit that will never be broken."

The branding campaign began October 26 when Gov. Fletcher presented four brand options to the public and announced that the people's votes would determine which brand would ultimately represent the Commonwealth.

Public interest was high, with "Unbridled Spirit" leading the other three from wire to wire. More than 55,0000 votes poured in through three rounds of balloting between October 26 and the close of voting on Sunday, Nov. 21. Most people voted online, but others depositied paper ballots at the state resort parks, welcome centers and elsewhere, while still others mailed their votes directly to the state capitol.

"Kentucky  - Limitless" finished last among the four and was eliminated at the close of round one on Nov. 5, "Kentucky - Make History" came in third and was knocked out in round two, which ended NOv. 12. That left Unbridled Spirit" and "Where Legends Are Born" to fight it out. But in a head-to-head battle between two brands bearing equine imagery, "Unbridled Spirit" overwhelmed "Legends" by a margin of more than 2:1.

Gov. Fletcher also unveiled a new website ://www.kentuckyunbridledspirit.com which will feature branding news, showcase how the brand may be sued and offer logo merchandise for sale.

Joy Jefferies, Executive Director of the Frankfort/Franklin County Tourist and Convention Commission, said "Unbridled Spirit" was her favorite all along. "It only seems logical to go with what is already recognizable for Kentucky - hourses,"  she said.


For more information visit ://www.kentuckyunbridledspirit.com