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6th Annual Return North Professional Career Fair Scheduled for November 10, 2022

A graphic for the Return North career fair.

MTEC SmartZone and partners host an Upper Peninsula-wide Career Fair aimed at attracting alumni, former residents, and friends of the U.P. back to the region

HOUGHTON, Mich. – MTEC SmartZone is gearing up to host the 6th annual Return North Professional Careers Fair, presented by Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! and supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). This career fair is aimed at attracting alumni, former residents, and friends of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan back to the region. The Return North event also represents Region 1 of the state-wide Back to Michigan talent attraction group.

A man and woman shake hands over a table.

This U.P.-wide career fair connects jobseekers with local companies and supports the attraction and retention of qualified professionals in the area. Return North invites local professionals, as well as those looking to relocate to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, to connect with employers and learn about current job opportunities. Each event is free for job seekers and open to the community.

This year Return North will include both virtual and in-person events. The virtual career fair will take place on Thursday, November 10th from 3-6 p.m.  Job seekers and companies interested in participating can register online by visiting return-north.com. The cost for businesses to participate is $200 per company or organization and will include their company logo displayed on the official Return North website and full access to the virtual online platform to connect with qualified professionals. One week following the virtual session, a regional, in-person event will take place in Houghton, Marquette, and Sault Ste. Marie on the evening of Thursday, November 17th. Any regional company registered for the virtual event may attend one in-person event at no additional cost. Both virtual and in-person events are free for all job seekers.

Professionals Talking

“Past events have attracted a wide variety of industries including engineering, technology, cybersecurity, insurance and risk management, health and human services, higher education, law enforcement, manufacturing, and more,” says Jason Mack, VP of Business Development at MTEC SmartZone. “We look forward to once again providing the platform where job seekers and companies can meet and network.”

2022 Return North events are proudly sponsored by Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!, a team dedicated to championing and constantly improving the U.P. economy by supporting private businesses, hard-working employees, and local job seekers with wraparound programs and services.

“Return North is a great opportunity for young, or established, professionals to bring their talents back home,” said Bill Raymond, CEO of Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! “UP Michigan Works! will help facilitate a smooth transition back to the Upper Peninsula, so people can settle in and enjoy all the amenities that a U.P. lifestyle offers while contributing to the growth of a vibrant economy.”

You can find more information about Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! programs and services at upmichiganworks.org.

To RSVP for this event, please visit Return-North.com | RSVP Required Cost: $200 for Companies, Free for Jobseekers

Virtual Event Details:
Date: Thursday, November 10th, 2022
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST
Location: Virtual                   

In-Person Event Details (Houghton/Hancock)
Date: Thursday, November 17th, 2022
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST
Location: Continental Fire Co., Houghton

Medicaid in the Upper Peninsula

Navigating health coverage and work requirements can be confusing, so here’s a simple guide on how the program works and who fills what role:

Medicaid is a health care program funded by the state and federal government that provides health care services to eligible, low-income Michigan citizens, including adults, children, the elderly, pregnant woman, and some people with disabilities.

  • Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP) is a managed care organization licensed by the State of Michigan to provide Medicaid medical services. UPHP helps eligible members access healthcare services, providers, care management, and member support after they are enrolled in Medicaid. They are the only organization of this kind in the Upper Peninsula. 
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) administers Medicaid in Michigan, determines eligibility, manages enrollment through MI Bridges, and oversees Healthy Michigan Plan work requirement policies and exemptions.
  • Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! (UPMW) helps individuals connect with employment, education, training, and career services that may help them meet Healthy Michigan Plan work requirement activities and achieve their employment goals.

To learn more about Medicaid in the U.P, visit UPHP.com.