Florida's 'Perfect Climate For Business' Logo Sparks Sexism Debate (POLL, PICTURES)

Accusations Of Sexism Cloud USA's Sunshine State

A branding exercise that was designed to attract potential business people to Florida has become the focus of a sexism storm.

The new logo for the state's economic arm, Enterprise Florida, reads "Florida: The Perfect Climate For Business".

However the cartoon replaces the "i" in Florida with an orange tie, which critics suggest alienates female business entrepreneurs.

Responding to cries of sexism, the state has denied that there is any reason to view the graphic as contentious.

"The tie is iconic to mean business," Enterprise Florida's chief marketing officer Melissa Medley told NBC News. "It has nothing to do with gender roles. It's just a cartoon."

"We're going to move forward with this campaign," she added.

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"It's just a cartoon"

Tampa Bay Times columnist Sue Carlton was quick to explain why the logo would upset some women:

"The rest of you? Eh."

She added: "We just need a catchy phrase that says sunny Florida is open for business, and we mean open to everyone."

Reactions on Twitter have been mixed with some labelling the logo as outdated and sexist, while others think the logo is inclusive of both sexes.

Twitter Reacts To Florida's Business Logo
Cait Meisenheimer(01 of09)
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Seriously? There are more serious things feminism could worry about. Florida's ‘sexist’ logo: http://t.co/HzVlUg3U (credit:Twitter:caitmeise)
Stephen Coles(02 of09)
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Seriously? A necktie in a logo is sexist? I know women who've worn ties & looked great. People complain bout everything http://t.co/2l109La1 (credit:Twitter:stephencoles)
Arthur Dela Cruz(03 of09)
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nice logo what year is this http://t.co/3wHVUtaX (credit:Twitter:arthurdelacruz)
Cindy Bond (04 of09)
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Sexist maybe, but surely retro. See many ties today? | New Florida Logo Called Sexist by Tampa Locals - WebProNews http://t.co/sUKLQV09 (credit:Twitter:cmbond)
Get Social Co(05 of09)
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Oh, Florida. *shakes head* http://t.co/CMJhZsrX (credit:Twitter:GetSocial_Co)
Shelley Delayne(06 of09)
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Oh, Florida. Really? Women run businesses, too. Or do you just not care? #badlogo http://t.co/lGVXpBmb (credit:Twitter:ShelleyDelayne)
Emily Holmes(07 of09)
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Uh, yeah. Definitely. “@HuffingtonPost: Is this logo sexist? http://t.co/1npiSk0K” (credit:Twitter:eholmesie)
Tami Goodman(08 of09)
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Apparently, This Logo Is Sexist http://t.co/74OnaHxZ I'm not offended! Florida is trying to attract business; not just for men, but 4 all! (credit:Twitter:FLMomNYGirl)
Mach3(09 of09)
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WE WEAR TIES TOO!! @FOXNews. SEXIST DESIGN?Economic Group's LogoSparks Gender Debate: http://t.co/P1cv58ly (credit:Twitter:GlassTapper)

Watch the video that accompanies Florida's new business drive below. As HuffPost Miami points out, it features mainly men.