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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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.

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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.

Great Lakes Bay & Central Mich.

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Ivy Braden

Investor Relations Specialist

Saginaw Future

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

HOST ORGANIZATIONS