It’s been responsible for best friends, business deals and romance. That’s why people flock to NEWaukee events like moths to a flame. They know they can find a good crowd of new people or their old friends. What began in 2009 as a social group has evolved into networking, civic engagement, charity and much more.
Why has NEWaukee fared so well while other groups fight for members? “It’s grown organically,” says event director Mark von Hodenberg. “We present opportunities for people to come together and do with it what they will. There is no agenda, just a common message of making Milwaukee better.”
Every month, NEWaukee hosts an event at a local establishment (usually a bar) with typically 250-400 in attendance. Events are always free and there is almost always live music along with food/beverage specials and other giveaways.
Over the past six months, NEWaukee has also been supporting a variety of charities. The featured nonprofit this month is America SCORES Milwaukee, which receives 10% of the food and beverage sales from an event.
The event last night took place at Catch 22 on Milwaukee St. (formerly Zims). I was impressed with the ambiance – it definitely felt more upscale and cozy than your typical sports bar. Mike Brumm provided the acoustic soundtrack for the evening. His claim to fame is coming up with the name NEWaukee. He plays a mean guitar, too.
I had the chance to speak with some NEWaukeeans to find out what they like about the group. See the faces of NEWaukee in the video below:
“I’m not sure what’s next – whatever benefits the city. We have a large network that is engaged, so we are ready for anything,” admits von Hodenberg.
NEWaukee will be hosting its first-ever “Young Professionals Week” in Milwaukee April 16-21. There will be 17 different events held throughout the city. Each of the coffee socials, lunch seminars and networking events will be centered around a timely and important theme like transit, women in leadership, innovation, the arts, the environment and volunteerism. For more info and a schedule of events, check out their website.
