FARGO (AP) - The state the Commerce Department is taking out a personal ad, looking for "Why I Luv ND" stories from its residents.

The new promotion is an effort to attract people to the state by showing why residents love it here.

North Dakota Commerce Commissioner Shane Goettle said the contest is fun but also addresses the state's challenge to attract workers.

"We have an economy that's producing jobs. Now we need to really focus our attention on filling those jobs," he said.

Select stories will be chosen by a panel of judges to be featured in advertisements, marketing materials, news stories and public presentations to promote the state.

The first 50 residents to submit their stories will receive a T-shirt. The top five stories chosen by judges will be eligible for additional prizes.

"We're looking for compelling stories that tell why North Dakota is a great place to live, work and play," Goettle said.

The goal of the promotional ads is to not only reach former North Dakota residents, but to catch the attention of people who have never been to the state, Goettle said.

"This is also about changing the image that many people have of us," he said. "That's critical to making progress in economic development."

Steve Burian of Grand Fork is used in an example ad for the contest. As someone who grew up in North Dakota and stayed, he's excited to be part of the campaign.

"I think this is a good step," he said.

The plan for where the promotional ads will run hasn't been fully developed, Goettle said. The materials will be used at job fairs, work force attraction events and in neighboring states.

To submit entries for the contest and to view a full set of rules, go to http://www.Whyiluvnd.com.

The deadline for submissions is Sept. 1.