ReThink West Michigan will connect former West Michiganders with careers

On Nov. 21, Muskegon Area First (MAF) and Hello West Michigan will partner to attract talent back to West Michigan. The two organizations, regional partners, and several local businesses will host the Muskegon County ReThink West Michigan event, a casual networking event created to attract former West Michiganders back to the region.

With support from Pure Michigan Talent Connect and in collaboration with the West Michigan Economic Development Collaborative, there will be five events in addition to Muskegon County including Hastings, Ludington, Grand Rapids, Saugatuck and Fremont.

On a day when many former West Michigan students and professionals are back for the Thanksgiving holiday, ten Muskegon area companies are coming together to convince them that it is time to “rethink” West Michigan. ReThink West Michigan provides a casual, professional environment to network and discover many of the great career possibilities and growing companies in the region.

Every registered attendee will receive a gift bag and free drink ticket. There will be hors d’oeuvres and other refreshments to ensure an enjoyable experience for all.

“This event is truly unique because it is solely for former West Michigan residents that have moved away. We’re highlighting the things people want to know about when they think about relocating: career opportunities and lifestyle in West Michigan,” said Cindy Brown, Executive Director of Hello West Michigan.

“We are excited to host ReThink West Michigan here in Muskegon County again. After a successful first year in 2017, we are anticipating a greater number of our companies and participants matching up in 2018.  The event is a creative way to help address a need to increase our talent pool with individuals that possess the skills and knowledge our employers need to continue growing.” said Darryl Todd, Interim President & CEO of MAF, the county-wide economic development agency for Muskegon County and a member of the group collaborating to making ReThink West Michigan possible. “Having employers such as Mercy Health, Spectrum Health, and Meijer, who have positions available throughout West Michigan, alongside Muskegon area companies such as Arconic, Hemisphere Design Works, Wesco, Hackley Community Care, Scherdel Sales & Technology, the County of Muskegon and Core Realty brings a spotlight to diverse career choices.”

The diversity of positions available through the participating companies includes production supervisors, engineers, Behavioral Health Director, medical assistants, supervisors, machine operators, accounting & finance, marketing, human resources, nursing, sales, tech support, corrections and law enforcement, R & D, transport truck drivers and licensed real estate agents.

The event is free to attend, only requiring interested attendees to register online at:  www.rethinkwm.com. The last five annual events attracted over 800 professionals in total, resulting in over 60 hires. A video summary can be found on at https://youtu.be/t5AtVYSxQ7A

On Nov. 21, the event will be at The Block (above Unruly Brewing) in Muskegon, from 5:30-8:00 p.m.