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Reconnect, Reimagine, Return: The 8th Annual Return North Career Fair Welcomes Job Seekers Back to the Upper Peninsula

In the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a unique annual event is bringing together job seekers, alums, and U.P. natives from near and far for a day of virtual networking and career exploration. The 8th Annual Return North Career Fair, proudly presented by MTEC SmartZone in partnership with Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! and Michigan Technological University, is scheduled for November 14, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM EST.

Designed to spotlight the U.P.’s thriving job market and connect talented professionals with top employers, the Return North Career Fair welcomes participants from all backgrounds. This event invites alums, former residents, and U.P. enthusiasts to rediscover the vibrant career possibilities across diverse industries. For those considering a return to the U.P., this virtual platform provides an ideal opportunity to explore current job openings, speak with hiring companies, and gain insights into the region’s evolving professional landscape.

A Unique, Virtual Platform for Career Growth and Connection

With an entirely virtual format, the Return North Career Fair allows attendees to connect with potential employers from the comfort of their own homes, no matter where they currently reside. This year, job seekers can participate entirely for free, while companies can engage with a skilled talent pool for a $225 registration fee, which includes prominent logo placement on the Return North website and access to the virtual networking platform.

Registration is now open at return-north.com, and companies and job seekers alike are encouraged to secure their spots. The career fair provides businesses an unparalleled opportunity to connect with professionals eager to bring their talents to the U.P. while showcasing their organizations in a premier hiring event that spans the entire region.

Opportunities for All: From Local Talent to Long-Distance Alumni

Whether you’re a local professional looking to advance your career, a recent graduate exploring options close to home, or someone considering a move back to the U.P., the Return North event offers valuable opportunities. In addition to connecting with recruiters, attendees will benefit from a range of resources designed to highlight the U.P.’s professional landscape. “Year after year, Return North brings together a diverse array of industries—from engineering and technology to health services and higher education,” says Jason Mack, VP of Business Development at MTEC SmartZone. “We’re excited to continue fostering connections between talented job seekers and innovative companies, helping to build a brighter future for the U.P.”

U.P. Michigan Works! – A Partner in Economic Growth

A longstanding partner of the Return North initiative, Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! is dedicated to fostering economic growth and professional development in the region. Their support for the event ensures a seamless experience for job seekers and companies alike. “Return North is a tremendous opportunity for professionals to reconnect with their roots in a unique, virtual setting,” says Tom Autio, Communications and Communications Manager at U.P. Michigan Works! “With U.P. Michigan Works! support, those considering a return to the Upper Peninsula can seamlessly transition to a community that values professional growth and the lifestyle our region has to offer.”

Event Details and Registration

The Return North Career Fair will be an impactful day for the Upper Peninsula. MTEC SmartZone U.P. Michigan Works! and Michigan Technological University are excited to invite job seekers to register and participate.

Event Details
•  Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
•  Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST
•  Location: Virtual
•  Cost: Free for Job Seekers | $225 for Companies
•  Register at: Return-North.com

Whether you’re looking to grow your career, make new connections, or explore what the Upper Peninsula has to offer, the Return North Career Fair is a powerful resource for anyone interested in making the U.P. their professional home. Take advantage of this chance to join a supportive community of professionals and take the next step in your career journey.

 

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Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance welcomes Mindy Meyers as its new executive director

Mindy Meyers Executive Director of the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance

Iron Mountain, Mich., (March 27, 2024) – The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance is pleased to announce its new executive director, Mindy Meyers.

“Mindy has demonstrated leadership in community development during her tenure as program director of the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority, paired with her knowledge of the local community and her enthusiasm for continued growth in the area, made her the ideal candidate,” remarked Tony Edlebeck, chair of The Alliance. “We are confident Mindy will work hard to continue the successful growth and development of the area as Lois passes the torch.”

“It has truly been a pleasure working with the community and businesses in the Dickinson area,” remarked Lois Ellis. “Together, we have accomplished so much, and I look forward to seeing the area continue to develop under Mindy’s leadership.”

The organization is committed to a smooth leadership transition. Ellis and Meyers have been working together over several weeks to successfully transfer the ongoing work of the Alliance task force groups and all active projects. The overlap period allows for time to introduce Meyers to the Alliance Investors and the existing network of resource partners. Our focus remains strong, and we plan to build upon the collaborative foundation of our organization as we move through this leadership transition.The Alliance executive director is the administrative officer of the organization and is responsible to the Board of Directors for a full range of activities, such as organizational structure and procedures, communications, budget and finance, program activities, and the creation and implementation of the organization’s strategic economic and community development plans.

About the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance
The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance (The Alliance) is the leader in stimulating economic development in the Dickinson County area of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Alliance joins business, industry, education, government, and community organizations to grow the region’s economy by retaining, recruiting, and growing talent for our growing employer base as well as promoting business retention & expansion, government relations & advocacy, and infrastructure & housing development. Through marketing & branding efforts, The Alliance tells the unique story of a robust community in which to live and work. The Alliance is a 501c6 with 80% of its funding from private-sector employers. For more information about The Alliance, visit www.daeda.org.

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ALLIANCE SEEKING NEXT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance (The Alliance), an economic development organization, seeks a well-experienced and dynamic Executive Director to lead the organization in Dickinson County, Michigan. After six years in the position, the current Executive Director is retiring.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director is the administrative officer of the organization and is responsible to the Board of Directors for a full range of activities – organizational structure and procedures; communications; budget and finance; program activities; creation and implementation of the organization’s strategic economic and community development plans.

Interested applicants can learn more and apply at daeda.hirescore.com. Applications are due no later than January 31, 2024.

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Gov. Whitmer Announces 50 New Jobs as Global Building Products Manufacturer LP Building Solutions Expanding in Dickinson County

Gov. Whitmer announced the expansion of LP Building Solutions with the MEDC today. This $194 million expansion will create 50 jobs while retaining the current 151 jobs already at the site and it will be one of the largest projects supported by the MSF in the upper peninsula. With the support of a Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in the U.S. and Canada.

To meet growing customer demand, LP plans to convert its Sagola Township operations from the manufacture of oriented strand board to LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding, a large-scale conversion project with the potential for future expansion of a second processing line, which would create additional investment and employment opportunities in the region.

“We are excited to see this significant investment in the LP Sagola facility,” said DAEDA, Executive Director, Lois Ellis. “The project will align the plant to produce a high-value product and provide 50 additional family-sustaining jobs with excellent wages and benefits for area residents.”

Read more on the MEDC website.