BECOME A SPONSOR
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 11 years, resulting in hundreds of successful hires.
As with many things, COVID-19 derailed the traditional Thanksgiving Eve event. So in 2020, communities around Michigan have decided to come together for a collaborative, multi-day virtual career event series called Back to Michigan.
This year, seven regions around the state will host Back To Michigan, a series of in-person and virtual networking events where people interested in relocating to Michigan can speak directly with hiring employers.
All funds raised from state-wide sponsorships will go towards promoting the ten events collectively. Consider a sponsorship not only an investment in your company’s talent attraction strategy, but also an investment in your community and our state as a whole.
SPONSOR A REGIONAL EVENT
If you are interested in sponsoring an event for a particular region, please connect with the contacts listed below for more details and sponsorship options for their specific events.
NW Lower Peninsula
Camille Hoisington
Director of Strategic Projects
Traverse Connect
West Michigan
Jessica Kuster
Program Manager
Hello West Michigan
Detroit
Jennifer Orletski-Dehne
Program Coordinator
Let's Detroit
Lansing
Christopher Sell
Founder & Executive Director
Lansing 5:01
Ann Arbor
Carly Toaz
Events Manager
Ann Arbor Spark
NE Lower Peninsula
Alicia Wallace
Marketing & PR Coordinator
Michigan Works! NE Consortium
Upper Peninsula
Jason Mack
VP Business Development
MTEC SmartZone
MOUNT PLEASANT
Kati Mora
Vice President
Middle Michigan Development Corporation
HOW IT WORKS
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.