Coming Home event aims to draw young professionals back to Mt. Pleasant

Whether you grew up in mid-Michigan, went to school here, or otherwise, it’s time to start thinking about Coming Home.

That’s the message the Middle Michigan Development Corporation is sending out as it plans its second annual Coming Home networking mixer and event for later this year.

While last year's mixer took place in Saginaw at Saginaw Valley State University's campus, this event will take place in Mt. Pleasant and will continue to include participation from all eight counties in the Great Lakes Bay region. The 2019 Coming Home event is planned for Friday, Oct. 11, from 3 to 5 p.m.

The event, scheduled to coincide with Central Michigan University’s Homecoming weekend, will take place at Mountain Town Station in Mt. Pleasant.

Coming Home will serve as a networking mixer for students, young professionals, and employers, designed to shed light on what makes mid-Michigan an appealing place to live, work, and play.

"There will be speeches but they will be short and sweet. We want the real focus to be on the students, alumni, and employers and do some real match-making," says Jim McBryde, CEO and President of the Middle Michigan Development Corporation.

"We’re here to showcase opportunities in the area."

In addition to chances for networking, there will be hors d'oeuvre, drinks, and giveaways.

"We’re putting an emphasis on building relationships," says Kati Mora, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, MMDC.

"It’s a different feel than a traditional job fair."

Coming Home is made possible through a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The event is part of MMDC’s larger Great Lakes Bay Talent Initiative, which covers the counties of Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw.

Also on tap for the Talent Initiative is a social media campaign, website, ambassador program, and partnerships with local colleges and universities.

For more information on this year’s Coming Home networking mixer and to register to attend, click here.

Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.

Enjoy this story? Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.