In 2012, Hello West Michigan and The Right Place hosted the first-annual 'ReThink West Michigan' Thanksgiving Eve event in Grand Rapids. A novel idea, the event was a casual, professional networking evening for former residents looking to move back to the region, better known as 'boomerangs.' 

Since then, several other regions have adopted the event model, and ReThink West Michigan has been recognized as a best practice by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Many of these events have become Thanksgiving traditions in communities throughout Michigan over the last 9 years, resulting in hundreds of successful hires.

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In 2020, regions around Michigan came together to introduce a virtual model of these events called Back to Michigan. The collaborative, virtual sessions hosted with employers around the state were incredibly successful, which is why the 2021 events will have both virtual and in-person options.

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This year, seven regions around the state are once again hosting Back To Michigan, which will include a series of virtual and in-person networking events where people interested in relocating to Michigan, and current residents who are unemployed, will be able to speak directly with hiring employers. The virtual events will take place between October 11 - December 8, 2021. In-person Thanksgiving Eve events will return on November 24, 2021 in select regions. 

HOW IT WORKS: VIRTUAL EVENTS

We’re targeting businesses interested in recruiting former Michiganders and Michigan residents that are currently unemployed for current opportunities. Representatives from participating employers will network with attendees in a virtual format and promote their current opportunities via the Brazen platform.

Use of the platform is provided by Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Office of Employment and Training.

BRAZEN OVERVIEW