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.

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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.

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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.