Since its inception, Michigan Works! West Central's summer Hiring Parties have cumulatively helped connect more than 1,930 job seekers with actively-hiring local employers!

Hiring Parties were created in summer 2022, as a way to connect job seekers and employers during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many were looking for work. The idea was to create a low-pressure atmosphere where the two sides could come together to enjoy some free food, conversation and learn about each other's hiring needs. Thanks to donations from a variety of local businesses, Michigan Works! West Central has cooked up thousands of hot dogs during these events to help make them a success.

That being said, it's easy to jump to the conclusion that these large-scale job fairs are a hit with both employers and job seekers! The 2025, Hiring Party series alone attracted 632 job seekers across six events this June. This year's Hiring Parties also had 174 employers set up at six different events.

Here is a breakdown of how many job seekers and employers attended each event:

• Baldwin - 49 job seekers; and 18 employers
• Big Rapids - 274 job seekers; and 40 employers
• Hart - 56 job seekers; and 27 employers
• Ludington - 70 job seekers; and 38 employers
• Newaygo - 89 job seekers; and 28 employers
• Reed City - 94 job seekers; and 23 employers

“We feel these Hiring Parties are a great way to bring job seekers and employers together in a more relaxed, casual setting, all while sharing a meal together,” said Michigan Works! West Central Executive Director Shelly Keene. "In the coming weeks, my team will be following up with employers to track how many job offers were made as a result of this year's Hiring Parties. Cumulatively since 2022, we have an average job-placement rate of 38 percent! I'm very proud of the work that my team has done to make these events a success each year!"

If your business would like to participate in future Hiring Party events, contact your Business Services Specialist today to learn how we can help meet your hiring needs. Click here to find the specialist covering  your county.

If you are a job seeker and would like assistance advancing your career, click here to find the service center nearest you.

Checkout the pictures below from this year's Hiring Parties. (Click on the images to make them larger)