“Love, Kansas” asks former residents of the state to come home

MANHATTAN (KSNT) – Top politicians from the Sunflower State met in Manhattan on Monday to unveil a new campaign aimed at bringing former Kansas residents back to their home state.

David Toland, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC), joined other leaders from across the state in announcing the launch of the “Love, Kansas” talent acquisition campaign on July 1. The goal of the program is to encourage former residents to return to Kansas to fill local jobs and live in one of the state’s many communities.

“It’s simple: We need more people in Kansas to keep pace with our state’s phenomenal economic growth,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “The best way to do that is to start by reaching out to those Kansas residents who have left the state to pursue economic opportunities elsewhere and invite them to build a life in a place they know and have connections to, whether it’s their hometown or elsewhere in the state. And with the Love, Kansas With our campaign, we’re not just inviting those who once called Kansas home to come back – we’re also inviting families from across the country to build a life in the Sunflower State.”

The campaign, according to KDC, focuses on promoting jobs, life in the state, education and affordable housing. The program will be driven locally, but will also receive support through influence and engagement from journalists and through in-person events to reach “boomerangs,” people who already have previous ties to Kansas.

The first 50 communities to participate in the program will be eligible for a $5,000 grant to support their efforts to bring new residents to their communities. A total of 19 pilot communities and seven universities have already signed up and are planning events that fit the campaign’s theme. A big goal of Love, Kansas is for the state’s communities to directly reach out to former residents who have a personal connection to their area and invite them to come home.

“The collaboration already evident between so many partners underscores the excitement behind this campaign,” said Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe. “There are so many great things happening in Kansas right now. Love, Kansas gives us the opportunity to raise awareness among people across the country.”

For more information about the campaign, watch this video and click here to visit the campaign website.