Dusty the Dusthole

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Clark County, Nevada Air Quality Management Campaign Billboard
Clark County, Nevada Air Quality Management Campaign Billboard

Dusty the Dusthole is a US government agency mascot created in 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The character and his trademark slogan---"Don't Be A Dusthole"---have been seen by millions of residents and tourists in the state of Nevada, via a massive media push consisting of billboards, radio ads, public appearances, TV spots, and print coverage[1].

Contents

[edit] Background

The "Dusty" character and its associated campaign were created by Clark County, Nevada agencies in response to threats of losing government funds due to unacceptable levels of dust pollution in the Las Vegas valley, which were in violation of US Environmental Protection Agency policy.

The campaign was extremely successful[2], and quantifiably raised awareness of dust pollution violations, resulting in $1.2-million in fines, which were channeled to the local school district.

Dusty on side of Las Vegas watertruck
Dusty on side of Las Vegas watertruck

[edit] Controversy

The "Dusty" character has been so pervasive in the state of Nevada that off-roads groups have felt the need to defend themselves against the new awareness of the dust problems, having lost some of their longstanding travel privileges as result of Dusty's ubiquitous presence[3].

“ We need to provide a visible counterpoint to the image of "Dusty the Dusthole" which many people in the general public equate with off-roaders thanks to some very aggressive PR and billboard campaigns. The other side on this issue is spending a lot of money to demonize us and while we might not have the same deep pockets ourselves, we can get out there and raise public awareness in a more positive manner. ”

[edit] Dusthole

The "Dusty" character is portrayed by lifetime Las Vegas resident Alan Burd[4].

[edit] References

  1. ^ reviewjournal.com - News: $150,000 ad blitz tries to settle dust
  2. ^ reviewjournal.com - News - Dusty the Dusthole successful
  3. ^ About Jeep Thrills in Las Vegas - Jeep Thrills in Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV) - Meetup.com
  4. ^ Wednesday, June 16, 2004 - Actor nothing like his dusty character - VIEW NEWS: A Neighborhood Newspaper

[edit] External links