LANSING - "Connecting college talent to Downtown Lansing." This is the slogan and drive behind the Lansing 5:01 initiative. On June 14th, the initiative began it's three event series with it's Summer Kick-off Party and Concert. It is designed for college students participating in local internships to mingle and experience what Downtown Lansing has to offer.

According to Chris Sell, the Founder and Chief Architect of the initiative, Lansing 5:01 has been supported by many local employers in Greater Lansing and is led by a group of young professional volunteers.

"We have over 20 organizations that have sponsored this initiative," said Sell.

HOMTV, MSUFCU and Sparrow hospital are just a few among the many sponsors of the event.

The Kick-off Party was hosted at the Lansing City Market Riverfront and featured a free live concert by Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers. Local interns were also allowed to go kayaking on the Red Cedar River and receive food and drinks from inside the city market, also free of charge.

The event brought out over 200 interns.

Tyler Logan, a local intern and student at Michigan State University, said that he came to the event with the hopes of networking and meeting new people, but also ended up learning more about Lansing.

"I learned a little bit more about my community," said Logan. "I didn't know that the city market was here as well as the different stores that are in the market itself."

The Lansing 5:01 initiative will be hosting it's next event, The Hatching Anniversary and Mixer, on June 29. The event will take place at the Lansing Brewing Company and will begin at 5:01 pm.