Thumb Region Networking Guide: Where to Plug In, Lead and Grow

Thinking about a move to Michigan’s Thumb—or already there and ready for a career refresh? The region’s seven counties—Genesee, Shiawassee, St. Clair, Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac and Lapeer—offer plenty of organizations where you can build your network, sharpen leadership skills and plug into community life.

Here’s a list of some great groups to help you get started:

• Start with Make Your Move in Flint & Genesee to learn about working, living and playing in the Flint/Genesee region.
• Check out Flint & Genesee Young Professionals, a chamber-backed group (ages ~21–40) focused on networking, professional development and community impact. Membership perks often tie to employer chamber status, and programming runs year-round.
• Entrepreneurial or tech-curious? 100K Ideas (idea-to-market support) and Factory Two (makerspace with classes/events) host workshops and community nights that double as low-pressure networking.
• Coders can watch for the Flint Area Coding Meetup
• Alumni connectors: U-M Club of Greater Flint, Mott Community College, Clair Community College and Kettering University Alumni run networking and employer-engagement events that welcome young professionals.

A Flint YPO Gathering

• Leadership tip: build public-speaking confidence with Greater Flint Toastmasters and Hi-Noon Toastmasters in Port Huron.
• Looking for a community to expand your creative venture, Michigan’s Forgotten Coast on the eastern side of Michigan’s Thumb region offers some great resources as an arts destination, including the Port Austin Artist in Residence Program and the Lexington Arts Council.
• Looking to take your small business to the next level? Lean into the network at The Underground in Port Huron, an incubator resource from EDA of St. Clair County.
• Give back to the community while making new friends with Pigeon Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Flint, Genesee Valley Rotary Club and Ubly Rotary
• Workforce/on-ramp help: GST Michigan Works! and Macomb/St. Clair Michigan offer coaching, training and employer connections for young adults and career-changers across the Thumb.
• Tap into Blue Water Young Professionals via the EDA of St. Clair County and expect socials, civic volunteering and ties into broader regional programming like “Morning Mingle.”
• Expand your network at the many events offered by the Flint & Genesee Chamber, including Connect Over Coffee, After Hours Wine Down and monthly luncheons.

Where to start:

• Pick one group and attend two events for networking—consistency matters more than volume.
• Add one professional skills group (Toastmasters or classes at a college or university) to help you polish your public speaking, tech skills or other career skills.
• If you’re pivoting into tech or entrepreneurship, layer in makerspace or startup nights (Factory Two, 100K Ideas).
• Finally, bookmark Michigan Works! for job fairs, resume workshops, interview practice and training opportunities.

The Thumb’s superpower is access: smaller communities mean faster relationship building, and mentors and peers you’ll actually see again. Start with one event this month and follow up with three new contacts to grab a morning coffee or consider meeting for an informational interview. You’ll be surprised how quickly your “I’m new to the area” introduction turns into “This group helped me take my career to the next level.”

Brianna Mosier and Jazzmin Scott are the dynamic duo leading the talent attraction, retention and development programs for Flint & Genesee Education & Talent (a division of the Flint & Genesee Group).  From intern programs and young professional group activities, to youth career readiness programs and leadership development initiatives, their organization is providing support and resources to help job seekers, students and businesses connect and succeed in Michigan’s Thumb. Their Make Your Move in Flint & Genesee is a great resource for anyone considering a move to,  or a new career in, Genesee County.

Samantha Schnettler of Huron County Economic Development Corporation, readily points to the resources on Michigan’s Forgotten Coast, for anyone considering the tip or the eastern side of Michigan’s Thumb Region for their next career move or home. Whether you are a remote worker, an artist, or an entrepreneur, there are many reasons to consider this part of the Mitten State.