HOGUHTON — MTEC SmartZone, Innovate Marquette SmartZone, and Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation (EDC) are gearing up to host the fifth annual Return North Professional Careers Fair. Return North, presented by TriMedia Environmental & Engineering, is aimed at attracting alumni, former residents

and friends of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan back to the region.

A collaborative effort between all three Upper Peninsula-based SmartZones, this virtual event connects jobseekers with local, hiring companies and supports the attraction and retention of quality professionals in the area. Return North invites local professionals as well as those looking to relocate to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to join in this networking event to connect with employers and learn about current job opportunities. This event is free to job seekers and open to the community.

Taking place May 20 at 3 to 6 p.m., and utilizing the Career Fair Plus virtual platform, job seekers and companies interested in participating can register online by visiting return-north.com. The cost for employers to participate is $200 per company or organization. Included in the $200 registration fee, employers will receive their company logo on the official Return North website with a clickable link back to their company’s website as well as full virtual booth capabilities to connect with qualified professionals.

Reflecting on his participation as a job seeker in last year’s event, Luke Comstock states, “I accomplished more in an hour, in a parking lot with [a] hotspot, than I had for a month sitting in front of my computer trying to do online job searching.” Connecting with hiring managers during Return North resulted in two job offers for Comstock who ultimately accepted a position with GS Engineering, an established multi-disciplined company focused on innovation and product realization. Comstock’s position with GS Engineering provided him and his family the opportunity to relocate from Grand Rapids to Houghton, fulfilling their dreams of returning to the Upper Peninsula.

Return North organizers invite U.P.-based businesses as well as companies with open remote positions to participate and connect with job prospects in one-on-one and group sessions. Over 25 employers are currently registered for the event spanning a wide variety of industries including engineering, technology,

cybersecurity, insurance and risk management, health and human services, higher education, law enforcement, manufacturing, and more. It is a fantastic way for employers to connect with job seekers and the virtual platform makes it even easier to connect with those outside of our region but desiring to move to

the Upper Peninsula. Upon registering, employers would join the company of organizations such as GS Engineering, Orbion, Thermo Analytics, BHK Child Development, Aspirus Health, LJJ Construction, among many others.

To RSVP for yourself or your company, visit return-north.com and reserve your spot.