"We all know the competition for businesses among states is usually very serious stuff, but you have to be able to have a little fun in the process, even if it's at your own expense," Ventura says.

In the past, Minnesota has concentrated more on business expansion than business recruitment, says Gary Fields, an officer at DTED. "This seems like a unique opportunity to target an industry where we have so much to offer," he says.

Fields noted business interruptions because of the recent blackouts have raised difficult issues for companies in Silicon Valley, and many businesses are becoming more receptive to invitations from otherstates to consider relocations or expansions. In contrast, Minnesota has a long history of uninterrupted and relatively inexpensive energyservice--electricity rates are more than a third cheaper than in California, for instance.

The Silicon Valley billboard is one phase of a long-term business recruitment effort. In April, Ventura plans to send personal letters to the presidents and CEOs of targeted high-growth companies in Silicon Valley, reminding them of the billboard and inviting them to consider expanding or relocating in Minnesota. The governor's letters will then be followed by phone calls from business marketing specialists within DTED.

The campaign is funded through DTED in collaboration with Advantage Minnesota, a private economic development organization. The Minnesota High Tech Association is hosting the Web site for this campaign.