HARTFORD, CT: The state of Connecticut has launched a two-year marketing initiative to improve its brand positioning and appeal as a tourism destination.

Connecticut's Department of Economic and Community Development and its Tourism Office are leading the efforts. Fleishman-Hillard, creative agency Chowder, and marketing firm The Harrison Group are also working on the initiative.

The effort's two-year budget will not exceed $22 million, with most of that amount going towards media buys and advertising.