Fifth Third Move, New Red Wings Arena Bring Opportunity And Hope To Detroit (VIDEO)

By Edward Cardenas

DETROIT (CBS DETROIT) - The city had a banner day for the development and jobs Tuesday as Fifth Third Bank announced it was moving its Eastern Michigan Headquarters to Detroit, and a career expo was held at Cobo Center for the new District Detroit.

Nearly 150 employees of Fifth Third Bank will move from Southfield to the iconic One Woodward Avenue building in the coming months, and just after the announcement, the Detroit Resident Career Opportunity Expo kicked off at Cobo Center providing job opportunities and training services for those looking for opportunities with the sports and entertainment development.

Christopher Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., addressed the hundreds of attendees at the expo saying they were "building District Detroit, but your future as well."

"Together we are going to create one of the world's finest sports and entertainment districts right here in the city of Detroit," Ilitch said.

Nearly 1,400 jobs are expected to be created through the construction project, with more than $100 million in job income from the construction alone, according to developers. The expo was held to help attract and train some Detroiters who will fill 51 percent of the construction jobs for the development

"This is a great opportunity," said Christina Nava, a Detroit resident who attended the expo. "I am looking for job opportunities and training."

Just north on Jefferson from where the expo was being held, some of the 150 Fifth Third employees were celebrating the announcement of their move to Detroit. The move will mark the first time since 2007 a major bank will have its headquarters in Detroit.

"I'm thrilled," said Jeff Tishchler, of Fifth Third Bank. "Our people are excited, there is an energy. I'd do it today if we could."

Following the announcement, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said people want to move into the city, businesses as are residents. And even though Tuesday was a day of big announcements, he added that small businesses will also succeed.

"Small businesses follow big businesses," Duggan said. "It's going to create a lot of opportunities for a lot of people in the city."