On November 17-24, 2020, a series of eight virtual job fairs was hosted by community partners throughout the state of Michigan. Called “Back To Michigan“, the program targets people interested in relocating back to the state, now that many of its communities have serious economic revitalization initiatives underway.
Of course, such programs are significantly more effective when combined with strategic renewal programs specifically focused on boosting confidence in the local futures. These are most often created with the help of certified Revitalization & Resilience Facilitators.
During each of the eight virtual events—which were free to attend—job seekers spoke one-on-one with recruiters from organizations with immediate talent needs. Community ambassadors were also on hand to answer questions for those who may be considering a move back to Michigan.
“Despite the unique challenges presented by COVID-19, we’re committed to delivering services and resources needed by our workers and businesses to make Michigan a leader in talent attraction and retention,” said Susan Corbin, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Acting Director.
“Providing this virtual job fair platform allows us to work directly with partner organizations – including the statewide Michigan Works! agencies and Back To Michigan – to support Michigan’s employers, career seekers, parents who want their adult children and grandchildren back in Michigan, and communities in a meaningful way,” she added.
The Back To Michigan event series is the “COVID-friendly” virtual version of events that typically happen on Thanksgiving weekend throughout Michigan. The tradition of Thanksgiving events for “boomerangs” – workers who have left the state and want to return home – started in 2012 with ReThink West Michigan, hosted by Hello West Michigan and The Right Place.
The successful program, which has been recognized as a best practice by the International Economic Development Council, has spread to multiple regions in Michigan over the last nine years. The Northeast Lower Peninsula, Detroit and Flint are joining the effort with first-time events this year.
“With COVID-related relocations on the rise, we knew we needed to give job seekers the chance to explore what a move to Michigan could look like for them,” said Rachel Gray, Executive Director of Hello West Michigan. “Even if someone wants to keep their current job and work remotely from Michigan, our community ambassadors will be answering questions about what it’s really like to live here.”
These events are targeted to people living outside of Michigan, people who recently relocated, or those who are local and seeking employment. Companies are hiring in many fields, including IT, engineering, finance, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, art and design, professional services, government, hospitality and more.
The virtual job fair platform is provided by LEO’s Office of Employment and Training.
”Consumers Energy is committed to Michigan’s prosperity and showcasing our state as a great place to work and live. We are excited to sponsor the Back to Michigan job fairs to bring talent home to Michigan and keep the next generation right here,” said Cathy Hendrian, senior vice president of People and Culture for Consumers Energy.
MTEC SmartZone, TCNewTech, MiWorks! NE Consortium, MiWorks! Region 7B, The Right Place, Inc. Hello West Michigan, Saginaw Future, Middle Michigan Development Corporation, Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, Lansing 5:01, Ann Arbor Spark and Let’s Detroit partnered to host the virtual events, which were sponsored by Consumers Energy.
Photo of downtown Lansing, Michigan is by Cameron Pickford from Pixabay.