Imagine getting an email from the White House inviting you to come visit.

Hays Mayor James Meier, former Marion resident, received an invitation to attend the Aug, 16 Kansas Leadership White House Conference and tour.

“At first I thought it was spam and almost deleted it,” Meier said. After researching the person who sent the email, Meier found it was legitimate.

Mayors from the 25 most popular Kansas cities are invited.

The conference is designed to develop a working relationship between the White House and local leaders from across Kansas.

“The invitation came out of the blue and I wasn’t sure I would attend,” he said. “But I am going and think it will be a good event.”