NEWaukeean: Sarah Tomczyk

What is your job and its responsibilities?
I recently joined Westown Association BID #5 as the Marketing & Events Coordinator and get the privilege of promoting and working in a great part of our city west of the river. Westown is host to the Shamrock Club St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which was a great success this year as everyone could use an excuse to get outside after the long winter we had!

I also am in full swing with planning Westown Wednesday’s summer activities with one of the oldest farmers markets in downtown, along with the River Rhythms summer concert series. Being a tight knit office, I often wear many hats in running our events social media and BID membership activities as well.

What is your favorite Milwaukee event?
Being a foodie at heart I would have to say that Downtown Dining Week is one of my favorite events. It is unlikely that I have a day during that week where I’m not enjoying the fabulous restaurants Milwaukee has to offer. I’m proud to check out so many of Milwaukee’s hidden gems and what better way to get a perfect sampling with the three course meals. Too many to choose, in a weeks time!

Is there an issue you believe all Milwaukeeans should turn our attention to?
NEWaukee is doing a great job in reaching the young professional demographic in Milwaukee, but I think that many companies and organizations are still struggling to keep and retain the millennial generation. We have some of the best schools right in our downtown area with Marquette (Alumni shout out!), MSOE, UWM, MIAD, and MATC. It’s no secret that Millennials are finding it more and more difficult to find entry level jobs in the Milwaukee area while at the same time working in their specialized field. We need these companies to start tapping into this generation for their ideas and insights in building a better Milwaukee and not be as afraid to experience change and acknowledge the true potential this workforce can bring to the table.

What is the perfect thing to do in Milwaukee on a Sunday afternoon?
Once again the foodie at heart wins and I would like to think finding the best Bloody Mary is a Sunday staple. I recently experienced, yes it is an experience, The Loaded Slate Bloody Mary! If you can have a mini pretzel bun cheeseburger, wings, and a friend pickle on your Bloody Mary then you have found another Milwaukee gem. Topping the afternoon off with a stop at the Milwaukee Cupcake Company and you can’t go wrong.

How does Milwaukee vary from other cities you’ve lived in/visited?
Although it’s a cliché I really think what is great about Milwaukee is it is Smallwaukee.

Not only does everyone have a connection in some way shape or form, but the collaboration and creativity that is fostered from these relationships is really building Milwaukee’s full potential. Change and improvements are fostered through the close knit relationships and ambition from all groups involved.

What do you think of Milwaukee as a place to socialize and play?
What I love about Milwaukee is it is the opportune city to socialize and play with the variety of activities it has not just during the summer but throughout the year. It also caters to a multitude of audiences whether it is our Farmers Markets, variety of concert options, yoga at the Art Museum and numerous events along the lakefront and Bradford Beach. Each weekend is a new opportunity with all of the great festivals to meet up with friends and explore as well!