Page 17 - LRCC FOCUS MAGAZINE JUNE 2024

Lansing 5:01 hosts its annual DAM JAM MUSIC FESTIVAL at Lansing's Brenke Fish Ladder that celebrates Michigan artists
as they perform in Lansing's most unique pop-up music venue, in-the-round of the historic architectural wonder.

“We are looking to retain and attract East Lansing this summer through events
emerging professionals to consider living designed to illustrate our community’s Like the state
and working in Lansing long-term,” said value proposition as a talent destination,” of Michigan, Lansing
Sell. “We look to our backyard in terms of Sell said. and the tri-county
homegrown talent.” region have seen
Originally from Williamston, Michigan, Sell relatively flat
Sell launched the nonprofit Lansing 5:01 said he’s found Lansing to be a wonderful population growth.
nearly nine years ago to entice young place to raise his young family. The Census data shows
professionals to Greater Lansing by Greater Lansing region has much to offer that from 2021
showcasing the region’s varied quality young professionals: cultural diversity, to 2022:
of life opportunities. The Lansing 5:01 modern downtown housing, interesting
name suggests that Lansing has dynamic restaurants, a live music scene, Big 10 • Lansing had
offerings after the workday has ended. sports, reasonable traffic, and 20 miles of 112,963 residents,
Lansing River Trail to walk, bike, and kayak. up 1%
As Lansing 5:01’s executive director, Sell • Clinton County had
works with several part-time staff and a “We know that for the last almost two 79,748 people, up
volunteer team of young professionals decades, young people have been flocking 0.41%
to offer networking events ranging to major markets where they can live, work
from breakfast series to summer and play downtown and get access to all • Eaton County had
music festivals. Since the nonprofit’s these different types of amenities,” he said. 108,992 people,
inception, Sell estimates Lansing 5:01 has “I think no matter who you are and what up 0.04%
attracted more than 30,000 emerging you’re interested in, there’s going to be • Ingham County had
professionals to the Lansing region with something here for you.” 284,108 people, up
some 70 different events.
‘Lansing: Be our neighbor’ 0.03%
“We are anticipating that we’ll welcome Source: Michigan Economic
another 200-plus interns and over 7,500 Lansing 5:01’s community outreach Development Corporation
emerging professionals to Lansing and has primarily been via events. Now, the

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