By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
On Nov. 19, The Right Place, Inc. and Hello West Michigan will partner to attract talent back to West Michigan. The two organizations and several local businesses will host the ninth annual ReThink West Michigan event, a virtual career fair to attract former West Michiganders back to the region.
Thanksgiving is usually a time when former Michiganders visit “home.” With Covid-19 and a reduction in visits and traveling, the nostalgia for home is even higher than usual. Together with 24 companies, Hello West Michigan will convince them that it is time to “rethink” West Michigan.
This year ReThink West Michigan will take the form of a virtual career fair and move to a new date: Nov. 19. Job seekers can chat one-on-one with recruiters from hiring companies. Community ambassadors will be on hand to answer questions about the area.
The event is set for Thursday, Nov. 19, from 3 – 7 p.m. The event is open-house style and attendees do not hav etc be logged on the entire time. Registration is free. To register visit www.backtomichigan.com.
“Covid-19 has affected the status of many in person events,” said Hello West Michigan Executive Director Rachel Gray. “But ReThink West Michigan is our signature event and a fantastic tool for talent attraction. With Covid-related relocations on the rise, we knew we needed to give job seekers the chance to explore what a move to West Michigan could look like for them.”
Spectrum Health is the Region Champion Sponsor for the event. West Michigan Works! Is a Region Supporting Sponsor.
“As the largest employer in West Michigan, we are excited to sponsor this event,” said Spectrum Health Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Pamela Ries. “ReThink enables important connections and highlights amazing personal and professional possibilities when relocating to West Michigan. We need to continue to foster growth in our region and attract individuals who make West Michigan a great place to live and work.”
This year, ReThink West Michigan will be a part of a larger statewide effort under the umbrella brand Back To Michigan. With support from the Michigan Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment & Training and sponsored by Consumers Energy, 12 organizations from across the state will host eight virtual events from Nov. 17-24.
ReThink West Michigan and all Back To Michigan events are targeted to people living outside of West Michigan, people who recently relocated, or people who are local and unemployed. Companies are hiring in many fields, including IT, engineering, finance, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, art and design, professional services, government, hospitality and more. The event is free to attend, only requiring interested attendees to register online at: www.backtomichigan.com.
West Michigan companies that are participating are Bethany Christian Services, Consumers Energy, County of Muskegon, Dicastal, DTE, Famiy Healthcare, Flo’s Collection, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Herman Miller, JR Automation, LG Chem, Magna, Meijer, Mercy Health, North Lake correctional Facility, ODL, Perrigo, Peterson Farms, SpartanNash, Spectrum Health, Steelcase, TGG Solutions, the City of Grand Rapids, The Enterprises, Veteran Health Administration Vocation and Rehab.
