Love, Kansas campaign encourages former residents to return to Sunflower State

Salina is joining the Kansas Department of Commerce to invite people back to the Sunflower State in a campaign next week.

The local Love, Kansas launch party is happening from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, at the Visit Salina Annex of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce , 120 W. Ash St.

The campaign is a talent attraction initiative of Kansas Commerce, which chose Salina among with 18 other communities, to participate in a effort to boost Kansas' population by inviting past residents to return home to live and work.

Campaign will rely on heartfelt handwritten notecards to former residents

At the launch party, current residents will be able to physically send the invitations to family and friends who once lived in Salina but are now living out-of-state. Notecards with stamped envelopes will be provided, and residents are encouraged to stop by and write as many invitations as they like.

“This is really intended to be a true letter-writing campaign,” said Renee Duxler, president and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce. “We all know how special a handwritten note is in this day and age, and it just might be that personal and heartfelt invitation that causes someone to re-consider Salina.”

During the launch part, refreshments will be served and those who participate can be entered into a prize drawing that includes Smoky Hill Silver gift certificated and a Love, Salina T-shirt.

According to the chamber, this pilot project for Salina is being led by such businesses and community partners as the chamber, the city of Salina, Salina County, Salina Community Economic Development Organization, the Salina Airport Authority, Salina Downtown, Kansas State University-Salina, Kansas Wesleyan University, USD 305, Great Plains Manufacturing, Salina Regional Healthcare Center and Vortex Global.

How to find Visit Salina Annex to participate in campaign

The Visit Salina Annex is located just north of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce building at 120 W. Ash and can be identified by its blue awning over the doorway. Parking is available in the chamber’s parking lot, as well as the public parking lot to the east.

Information about the launch party can be found on the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or by calling the office at 785-827-9301.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Love, Kansas campaign encourages former residents to return to Sunflower State