NBA

The Niwot Business Association (NBA) got down to its own business at the last meeting, held Jan. 10 at Rocky Mountain Christian Church.

NBA president Eric Bergeson announced that NBA membership dues for 2023 would be $200, which is the first increase in over a decade. For the past several years, the NBA has had two membership tiers: Basic membership at $100 annual dues, and Gold membership at $200 for additional perks, including more exposure on the NBA website, http://www.niwot.com.

"We based this increase on several factors, including inflation, value provided, and comparison to other similar organizations in Boulder and Longmont," a handout from membership chairperson Julie Stenz said, explaining the decision by the Executive Committee. Similar membership dues in Longmont and Boulder are at least double that amount.

The statement continued, "In 2023, we will also add new initiatives that include a new membership portal and updated website, along with a partnering program for home-based businesses to work with brick-and-mortar storefronts in the business district during NBA-sponsored events. We think this will add more visibility to all of our members that want to participate."

Bergeson announced that the annual election of directors will take place at the February meeting. Each of the current NBA officers (Bergeson-President, Deborah Reed Fowler-Vice-President, Nancy Bureau-Secretary and Mary Coonce-Treasurer) are willing to run for office again, he said, and invited other interested members to consider running. Several volunteer coordinator positions are also open, including Streetscapes Coordinator and Education Liaison.

Mary Horrocks of Open Studios also spoke to the members present, thanking the Niwot Cultural Arts Association and building owner John Fischer for allowing use of the former feed store building for artist displays and sales during the holiday season.

"We're very interested in being able to use that building again," Horrocks said. "We would like to make Niwot the center of our activities." She also proposed bringing a Plein Art Festival planned for June 3 to June 11 to Niwot, featuring three artists from around the country selected by a panel of jurors. "Juried Plein Air artists from around the country spend a week capturing our beautiful Boulder County scenery on paper and canvas," their website states. "They compete for notoriety, cash rewards and the opportunity to market and sell the art produced during the festival week."

The festival also features a community section where all comers are welcome to paint outdoors in the fresh air. The organization is hoping to raise $15,000 to $20,000 from donors and Niwot businesses to fund the cost of the event, including promotional costs. "The week-long painting would start June 3, with the winners announced June11," Horrocks said.