“Welcome to Salisbury” Billboard: Wicomico Visitor’s Bureau Marketing To Larger People, Giving Free Insulin

Another sighting of a weight related billboard near Toadvine Road and the Salisbury 13 Bypass was captured digitally by Geraldine Renshaw while passing by in her Buick Regal. The Wicomico Convention and Visitor’s Bureau department initially denied their sponsorship of the roadside ad, but Freedom of Information Act requests by the OR Newswire have revealed the department to be the primary funder of the billboard.

The billboard is a marketing technique designed by Clear Channel to promote Salisbury, Maryland and the surrounding area as a destination for larger people. Local politicians Executive Rick Pollitt and Councilwoman Shanie Shields are prominently displayed in the advertisement as examples of the body types to be found in the region.

In highlighted red on yellow background lettering at the bottom of the billboard, there is reference to the provision of insulin free of charge at the visitor’s center in north Salisbury, which an unidentified worker at the Wicomico Visitor’s Bureau confirmed as a "very popular and successful program."

According to the road sign, Giant food store, Rapa Scrapple company, and the McDonald’s fast food chain are also sponsors.