LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a marketing campaign to boost the states population and grow its economy. ‘You Can in Michigan’ is a $20 million campaign from The Michigan Economic Development, and Growing Michigan Together Councils.
The campaign is targeting 12 different markets across The US to attract more people to tech and advanced manufacturing jobs. The launch includes an AI powered website, TheMichiganLife.org with a cost of living calculator, information about Michigan’s major industries, and a career portal to help with job navigation and placement, run by an AI called future fit.
Hillary Doe, Chief Growth Officer for the state of Michigan said it’s all a part of an effort to attract more talent to the state and help people find the right town, and the right career to fit their experience.
While a lot of states are facing population issues,” Doe said. “Nearly 34% of states do, but Michigan is going to be the first to solve it.”
The CEO of The MEDC, Quentin L Messer Jr. said that as someone who moved to Michigan for work himself, he’s excited to be launching the campaign and to bring more attention to what Michigan has to offer.
“Michigan is a ground zero for innovation.” Messer said. “And if you want to innovate, if you want to be a part of changing humanity, I can’t think of a better place than Michigan.”
“Comprehensively, it’s the largest scale talent attraction campaign and effort in the united states” Governor Whitmer said.
In her what’s next address earlier this year, Governor Whitmer discussed her plans to focus on new ways to increase the population and retain workers in Michigan. She says the campaign is a part of that goal. It’s a talent attraction marketing campaign, launched nationally targeted towards markets with higher volumes of tech, and advanced manufacturing workers.
“We’re excited to share our story and build a brighter future for our Michigan,” Governor Whitmer said. “I’m confident that ‘You Can in Michigan’ campaign will help move Michigan forward and bring more talent and prosperity to The Great Lakes State.”
The MEDC’s Senior Vice President, Michelle Grinnell says the campaign is focused mostly on 12 different markets, nationwide from New York and Washington, D.C., to San Francisco, Atlanta, and Austin, with the goal of attracting more people to tech and advanced manufacturing jobs.
Messer said they’re looking to bring employees and people interested in mobility, electric vehicles, semiconductors, chips, clean energy, bio sciences, and advanced agribusiness.
An initial $59 million investment of state funds was made to launch the campaign. Governor Whitmer says that with around 200 stakeholders involved statewide, they’re confident ‘You Can in Michigan’ will inspire workers and entrepreneurs to fill jobs, grow the economy, and the population.
