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 9 years, resulting in hundreds of successful hires.
As with many things, COVID-19 has derailed the traditional Thanksgiving Eve event. So, communities around Michigan have decided to come together for a collaborative, multi-day virtual career event between November 17-24, 2020 called Back to Michigan.
Nine regions around the state will host Back To Michigan, a series of 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 nine 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.
Upper Peninsula
Jason Mack
VP, Business Development
MTEC Smartzone
NW Lower Peninsula
Jennifer Szunko
Executive Director
TC New Tech
Detroit & Flint
Jordan Bagley
Manager, Resource Development
Detroit Chamber
West Michigan
Jessica Kuster
Program Manager
Hello West Michigan
Lansing
Christopher Sell
Founder & Executive Director
Lansing 5:01
Great Lakes Bay & Central Mich.
Ivy Braden
Investor Relations Specialist
Saginaw Future
NE Lower Peninsula
Audra Leininger
Discover Northeast Michigan
Ann Arbor
Carly Toaz
Events Manager
Ann Arbor Spark
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.
BRAZEN OVERVIEW
SCHEDULE
TUESDAY
November 17, 2020
3:00-7:00 PM
Upper Peninsula
WEDNESDAY
November 18, 2020
3:00-7:00 PM
Northwest Lower Peninsula
November 17-24, 2020
THURSDAY
November 19, 2020
3:00-7:00 PM
Detroit/Flint
THURSDAY
November 19, 2020
3:00-7:00 PM
West Michigan
MONDAY
November 23, 2020
3:00-7:00 PM
Lansing
MONDAY
November 23, 2020
3:00-7:00 PM
Great Lakes Bay &
Central Michigan
TUESDAY
November 24, 2020
3:00-7:00 PM
Northeast Lower Peninsula
TUESDAY
November 24, 2020
3:00-7:00 PM
Ann Arbor
HOST ORGANIZATIONS










