11^th annual networking events to connect former West Michiganders with local, hiring employers 

(GRAND RAPIDS, MI)- On Nov. 17 and Nov. 23, Hello West Michigan and The Right Place will host virtual and in-person networking events to attract talent to West Michigan. The 11^th annual event series will be hosted by the organization, regional partners, and local businesses to attract former West Michigan residents back to the region and convince them that it is time to “rethink” West Michigan.

The event series is designed around Thanksgiving holiday visits to give former residents the opportunity to connect with employers while they’re home for Thanksgiving. Since there are some who won’t be traveling home for the holiday, Hello West Michigan is offering virtual and in-person events this year. 

The first event of the series is a virtual networking event Nov. 17. During the event, job seekers can chat virtually 1-on-1 with recruiters from local employers with open positions. Community ambassadors will also be attending to share their West Michigan experience and share their networks with attendees. 

The second event will be held in person Nov. 23 and will provide a casual, professional environment to network and discover career opportunities with growing organizations in the region. 

“ReThink West Michigan has become a Thanksgiving season tradition and we're excited to be back in person at a new venue,” said Rachel Gray, Executive Director of Hello West Michigan. “With both virtual and in-person events this year, there is ample opportunity for everyone in the community to invite an out-of-towner to the event, even if they're not traveling home for the holiday. " 

Corewell Health is the Regional Champion Sponsor for the event. West Michigan Works! Is a Regional Supporting Sponsor. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is a Back to Michigan Statewide Supporting Sponsor. Other participating companies include: PADNOS, Haworth, Specialized Recruiting Group, Attwood Corporation, Rockford Construction, Grand Valley State University, Gordon Food Service, Mercy Health, Meijer and others. 

“As the largest employer in the state, Corewell Health, formerly Spectrum Health, is committed to hiring and investing in some of the brightest and most talented people in the world,” said Nicole McConnell, Senior Vice President, Human Resources Business Partners at Corewell Health West. “Our teams include collaborators, leaders, and innovators who continue to build on one shared mission statement - to improve health, instill humanity and inspire hope.” 

ReThink West Michigan is a part of a larger statewide effort that is the Back to Michigan event series. The Back to Michigan efforts received two awards in Excellence in Economic Development from the International Economic Development Council in 2021. Seven regions around the state will host a mix of in-person and virtual events between Oct. 7 and Nov. 23—West Michigan’s events being Nov. 17 and 23. 

ReThink West Michigan and Back to Michigan events are geared to target people living outside of West Michigan, former residents, locals who are unemployed, or people who recently relocated to attract talent to the area. Companies are hiring in many fields, including IT, engineering, finance, advanced manufacturing, health care, 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. 

Details on the West Michigan events: 

Virtual Event:

Date: Nov. 17, 2022

Location: Online

Time:  3:00 - 6 p.m. EST  (open-house style event, attendees do not have to be logged on the entire time)

Registration:  Register for FREE at www.rethinkwm.com   

In person Event:

Date: Nov. 23, 2022

Location:  The Atrium at Uccello’s – 122 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Time:  5:30 - 8 p.m. EST (open-house style event, attendees do not have to stay the entire time)

Registration:  Register for FREE at www.rethinkwm.com  

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About Hello West Michigan
Started by local companies in 2007, Hello West Michigan promotes the West Michigan region as a place where business thrives and for people to live and work. It seeks to increase the rate of success member companies have in their effort to recruit top talent and collaborates with organizations across the region to help new residents and those interested in relocating find their fit in West Michigan. For more information visit: www.hellowestmichigan.com. 

About The Right Place, Inc.
The Right Place, Inc., is a West Michigan nonprofit economic development organization founded in 1985 and supported through investments from the private and public sectors. The company fuels current and long-term economic prosperity through comprehensive strategies to retain, expand and attract businesses. This includes connecting companies in the region to national and international resources, identifying emerging growth opportunities, strengthening the competitiveness of area firms, and marketing West Michigan on a global scale. Find out more by visiting www.rightplace.org, liking us on facebook.com, and following us on twitter @TheRightPlaceGR.