NEWaukeean: Joshua Arter

What is your job and its responsibilities?
My name is Joshua Arter, and I am a Communications Specialist for Centare, a software development company headquartered in Brookfield. My responsibilities include social media upkeep, community management, internal/external communications strategy, as well as other marketing and PR initiatives.

What strikes you as the most unique thing about Milwaukee?
Milwaukee is a unique city in and of itself. The hometown vibe is always present. There is a great art scene, solid venues for live music, and an exploding foodie culture among other things. Milwaukee is the only city that when people move away, they truly miss Milwaukee. I think Milwaukee is unique because it’s unlike other cities in the sense that people who live here know it’s an amazing city with plenty to offer, but they don’t boast. It’s the hidden gem of the Midwest.

Do you see this as a good city for young people?
Milwaukee is perfect for young people. It’s becoming a very innovative city. I truly think Milwaukee has amazing potential and is poised on greatness (not that it’s not great already!). A lively nightlife, great lineup of festivals and events constantly going on. Young people are looking for that sense of community, and Milwaukee hits that on every level.

What is your favorite Milwaukee event?
My favorite Milwaukee event has to be Jazz in the Park. In my mind, it’s the epitome of summer. You can relax with friends, have a few drinks, and listen to some great music all while in the heart of the city.

What is your favorite Milwaukee building?
My favorite Milwaukee building is definitely the Iron Block. It’s so nice seeing Milwaukee’s history restored. The architecture is gorgeous.

What is the one thing you’d like to change about Milwaukee?
The one thing I would change about Milwaukee is the segregation. It’s so disheartening that we are consistently the MOST segregated city in America. One of the reasons Dustin Zick and I started Thanks For the Love, MKE was to showcase everything the city has to offer. We want people to see that there are points of interest outside of the usual Third Ward, Eastisde, etc. We’re hoping to be just a small part of a movement to get people out and doing things across the city in hopes of unifying it.

Josh had a recent viral success with his Tumblr blog Space Beards. It was featured as a Tumblr Tuesday favorite blog as well as a trending blog on Tumblr. It was also featured on The Daily Dot, Mashable, Trend Hunter, and Cool Material’s Sunday Hangover among others. You can follow Space Beards on Twitter – @SpaceBeards or check out the site here.

Joshua’s Photo Courtesy of Danielle Burren
Check out Thanks for the Love, MKE