NBA Meets at Colterra

Niwot Business Association members were treated to exquisite cuisine and wine at the July 11 meeting at Colterra restaurant..

Chef Bradford Heap, owner of Colterra, welcomed NBA members and guests, and introduced the Buckners, local lamb and beef suppliers, emphasizing the environmental and health benefits gained by avoiding factory-farmed animal products. He also welcomed Michael Moss of Plowshares – a nearby organic produce grower who invited everyone to an Open House at the Farm on August 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oxford Road just off the Diagonal Highway.

Volunteer coordinator Jenn Porter spoke to the success of Rock & Rails, the Thursday night concert series, and asked for more volunteers to act as ambassadors to the public at the front gate. Biff Warren, one of the event’s co-managers, thanked the businesses for sponsoring the event, and for the help provided. Warren noted that revenue from beverage sales as well as tip jar proceeds for local non-profits is up over last year, with several of the more well-known bands yet to perform.

NBA members offered appreciation to Sarah Hoppes of Bank of the West for opening up parking spaces to concert goers. Hoppes sought and received permission to close the bank at 4 p.m. on Thursdays for the rest of the summer so that she and her staff could volunteer at the event.

Warren also gave an update on efforts to acquire land from Burlington Northern railroad to create a small parking lot north of the Excel Electric Building, and plans to schedule a public meeting later in the summer concerning parking in Niwot and other possible uses for the land.

NBA president Tony Santelli announced that Economic Development Director Julie Ankenbrandt would soon be moving to California, and that the search for candidates to replace her is underway. The position is funded by the Niwot Local Improvement District and the NBA. Applicants for the position can contact Boulder County to obtain the RFP for the position.

New members Juli Ellen, a photographer who relocated to Niwot from Gunbarrel, and Melissa Breslin of Digital Marketing introduced themselves.