NBA Meetings are continuing to be a success, and you are invited to the next meeting! To fit your busy schedule, NBA Meetings have moved to 8:30am on the second Tuesday of each month through at least the Fall and Winter months of 2024 and 2025

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Here is the  Quarterly NBA report and notes from the meeting are below

Niwot Business Association

Quarterly Report October 2024

8 October  2024 / 6:00 PM  

ATTENDEES

See list
NOTES FROM THE PRESIDENT

Niwot had a wonderful summer full of concerts and events…THANKS to the NCAA and ALL OF THE NBA MEMBERS who volunteered for Flower Fest, the Honeybee Festival, and Rock & Rails and Dancing Under the Stars and Why Not Niwot? Also, thanks to all who helped with the Old Oak Summer Concert Series and Fourth of July pancakes and parade. Whew!  That’s a lot to pack into Summer 2024! The NBA Exec hopes you enjoyed it all! 

Now, into the 4th quarter for all businesses in the NBA. The NBA Exec has met with L.I.D. and Boulder County Commissioners and has reinforced the idea that Niwot businesses need financial help. With wage increases, increases in water costs, requirements for retirement and FAMLI, all of these are strains on NBA businesses, and the Exec Board is working hard to help. For now, the best things NBA members can do is support each other and support the NBA. The NBA wants to hear your ideas on how to make this better for your business and your neighbors’ business. Please share your ideas and concerns at NBA Meetings!  The more we all know, the better we all can do!

NOTES FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

Fall is just around the corner and we have some great events in planning – everyone is invited to the events meeting at Deb’s office on Friday September 6th – we will be discussing the pumpkin walk, Holiday Magic, Events in 2025 and a possible Health and fitness event in January.

The Honeybee Festival is going to be great with 60 vendors coming to town  – should be a great day for the town.

NOTES FROM THE SECRETARY

ACCESS TO MONTHLY MEETING NOTES

If you wish previous reports,  NBA bylaws, or meeting notes, please send your request to [email protected]

The October meeting will be on Tuesday October 8th, 6pm at Left Hand Grange and will be sponsored by Left Hand Animal Hospital. Learn more about Left Hand Animal Hospital  at https://lefthandanimalhospital.com/. For this meeting, the NBA WILL BE INDOORS! For this meeting, the NBA will be discussing the Niwot Master Plan. Come and give your input! 

The NBA Board of Directors has volunteer positions to be filled and, if you are interested in these positions, or to learn more, please email [email protected].  

 Please read about the NBA Exec Board positions here Succession Planning/Primer for NBA Executive Board Final Version 

ELECTIONS WILL BE IN FEBRUARY 2025 for the NBA EXECUTIVE BOARD!  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN POSITIONS, PLEASE REACH OUT TO [email protected]

The meeting schedule has been emailed to each of you, and please reach out to [email protected] if you wish a paper copy.  It is also listed below.

For the rest of 2024 and at least the winter months of 2025, NBA Meetings will be at 8:30am to meet NBA member’s busy schedules. 

FOR 2025, I WILL BE REACHING OUT TO BUSINESSES TO HOST MEETINGS AT THEIR BUSINESS FOR SOME MONTHS. THE NBA MEETINGS WILL BE ABOUT NETWORKING AND DISCUSSING BUSINESS CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES EACH MONTH. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HOST, PLEASE REACH OUT TO [email protected]

For 2024, there will NOT be a monthly report sent to NBA members and a QUARTERLY REPORT will be sent to each NBA member instead in January, April, July, and October. Monthly meetings will be used to discuss a topic relevant to all businesses, and there will be time for NBA members to ask questions. Future topics include business speakers to teach how to optimize your business, speakers that are experts in maximizing your time and your work/life balance, and a mixer to network with each other. 

If you have a topic that you would like discussed, or if you would like to be a speaker, please reach out to [email protected]. 

NOTES FROM MEMBERSHIP

• Membership Dues have exceeded $21,000 this year.   Thanks to all of you for your continuing support of the Niwot Business Association!   
• Remember that with your membership, you have access to weekly advertising in the Niwot Newsletter. If you need help taking advantage of this, please reach out to [email protected]

NOTES FROM NIWOT MARKETING

We are now up to nearly 2,800 subscribers for our weekly email! If you have any email addresses to share, please forward them to [email protected] 

NOTES FROM TREE CARVING COMMITTEE:

Eddie Running Wolf’s Tree Carving:  

The Spear Lodge Man tree sculpture was cut down on Saturday, Oct 3, 2021 and was moved to Jeff Wolcott’s bay late Fall on Niwot Road.Repairs have begun, and this will be a labor of love and time. The sculpture will have a NEW home, possibly at Left Hand Valley Grange Park and a permanent structure will be built to protect it from the elements.  Maquettes that are 18-24 inches tall are being designed to be sold to help fund this project. This is a NEW Link to video about the repairs https://niwotsculptures.weebly.com/#/

Restoration of Spear Lodge Man is now complete, and Dustin Wolf (Eddie’s son) continues to work on restoring Cheyenne Holy Man and Eagle Catcher. The NCAA recently received a grant of $25,000 from the Boulder County Parks & Open Space Foundation towards the cost of creating a structure to permanently protect the tree carvings. 

Maquettes

The project to have maquettes of Eddie Running Wolf’s Tree Carving is coming into being. Dave Lee and the class at CU have made 3D print images of this sculpture. Thank you to Dave Lee! Here, also, is a link with a video about restoration. https://niwotsculptures.weebly.com/

Requests for Streetscapes will be made to the L.I.D. by Eric Bergeson and Angela Hudgins for now. Anyone interested in helping Niwot Streetscapes, please reach out to any NBA Member and to Eric.                     

NOTES FROM VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

• Alison Steele of Niwot Market is the NBA Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers are what makes Niwot hum with zest and activities all year long! 
• Interested in serving the community with us?  Have a youth group or student in mind to volunteer?                                                                                                Contact Alison Steele at [email protected]
• Other ideas for events? Reach out to any of the NBA Board members by clicking on any of the email addresses in this report, or by contacting [email protected]

NOTES FROM ROCK & RAILS

• As a reminder for 2025, NBA members are required to volunteer at Rock & Rails as part of the NBA/NCA joint agreement. Please mark your calendars NOW for Thursday night volunteer shifts for 2025!

• The organizing committee would like to thank all of our generous sponsors: Gunbarrel Motors, Niwot Tavern, 1914 House, Cottonwood Square, DRF Real Estate, Niwot Natural Medicine, Nourish & Company, The Pomeroy Group, Porchfront Homes, Slifer Smith & Frampton, The Wheel House, Zenith Realty, Bank of Estes Park, Bootstrap Brewing and High Country Beverage , Harness Energy, Hampton Inn, Niwot United Methodist Church, Warren Carlson & Moore, Creative Design Solutions, Fletemeyer & Lee Associates, Fritz Family Brewing, Lake Valley Golf Club, Niles Family Dentistry, Summit Commercial, Edward Jones, Fly Away Home, Inkberry Books, Left Hand Animal Hospital, and We Love Trees. 

• Rock & Rails has seen record receipts from the Tip Jars, averaging over $2,000 per night, in spite of challenges from adverse weather. Alcohol sales, which cover event expenses and contribute to net proceeds, are also up over 2023.  

STREETSCAPES

A new streetscapes committee has been formed and is currently working on updating the banners throughout town, as well as planning for future projects to help update town. 

NOTES FROM KEEP NIWOT STRONG

EVENTS

See https://niwot.com/upcoming-events/ 

NOTES FROM EDUCATION OUTREACH

This position is open for applicants. 

To reach out for linking your business with Niwot High for mentorship or jobs, reach out to Adam Lotito [email protected]

NOTES FROM THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR

We are excited to have so many new members this year! We look forward to getting to know you better and helping you get connected. 

For all members, I am always available if you need assistance in getting your business listing updated on the website or help with weekly advertising. Advertising stats have been shared with those who have been using this feature and if you ever need more information, please reach out. You can reach me at [email protected] 

NOTES FROM TREASURER

Specific questions about the NBA budget can be directed to [email protected].

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE L.I.D. Strategic Plan

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Meeting Notes

October NBA Meeting

Eric Bergeson NBA president opened the meeting by saying that the NBA has moved meetings to the mornings for at least the Fall and Winter, as NBA members gave feedback that morning meetings would fit their schedules better. Please give feedback to NBA Exec members about having meetings in the morning once monthly!
Eric introduced Chad Fleetmeyer and Dave Lee as they have helped coordinate the Niwot Master Plan 2023.  He noted that the focus of this meeting will be this. 
Eric thanked Left Hand Animal Hospital for hosting this NBA meeting at Left Hand Grange, and invited Nancy Bureau, DVM and Sheri Peterson, Left Hand Animal Hospital’s practice manager, to talk about their business. Nancy spoke about Left Hand Animal Hospital as just up the road at 304 Franklin and being honored to be part of Niwot and part of the NBA. Left Hand Animal Hospital is proud to be one of 3 Fear Free Veterinary practices in all of Colorado, and one of less than a thousand in all of the USA. Being a Fear Free certified hospital means that animals are not afraid to go to the vet, and changes how animals and pet parents feel about the vet to be positive and caring. Sheri spoke about LHAH and that she is proud to be part of Fear Free practice, and she brought goody bags for NBA members that have treats and toys for their furry friends, as well as literature about LHAH. Learn more about LHAH here https://lefthandanimalhospital.com/. 
Nancy also spoke about the Great Pumpkin Parade and Pet Costume Contest on Saturday October 26th. Over 35 pets and pet parents competed for amazing prize packs last year, and Nancy invited NBA members to come out for fun and laughter for this family friendly event. 
Eric asked the NBA for announcements  Kate Head noted that the 11th Anniversary of  Pebble will be this Saturday and there will be a celebration at Pebble. Come join the fun! See https://pebbleartjewelry.com/
Pat Murphy spoke about the Great Pumpkin Parade and Pet Costume Contest is  Saturday October 26th from 10-2 with street closure on 2nd Ave during that time. The Pet Costume Contest is at 12:15p. She encouraged Niwot families to attend. 
Patti Ashley at Psychotherapy & Authenticity has a  Grand Opening Oct 20th . See https://pattiashley.com/
Emily Kintzel spoke about Trunk or Treat at Niwot United Methodist Church at 7405 Lookout Rd on Sunday October 27th from 1-3pm.   Nacho Mama’s will be the food truck there for the event….come for lunch and candy and fun! Reach out to Pastor Emily at [email protected] with questions! 
Dave Lee spoke about the Niwot Master Plan. A Master Plan is a long term plan for a vision for the future; this helps keep Niwot on track rather than having a future that is randomly created. The Master Plan is a long term vision. The L.I.D., Boulder County, and private land owners have all been involved in this to try to advocate what is best for Niwot as a town. It was identified that there are 10  different areas of focus in Niwot. 
The 1st area is the Diagonal Hwy and Children’s Park and the concert venue. Niwot could use a better entrance from the highway. RTD is creating a much larger parking area at the Diagonal and the bicycle path from the center of the highway into Niwot. Signage could be improved to highlight Niwot there. So many travelers speed by Niwot, never knowing it is here. Creating anchor points with the current buildings and adding signage at the entry points to Niwot and  at the mid ground of the highway would help make Niwot pop to travelers on 119. 
Niwot actually has 2 centers at 2nd Ave and  Cottonwood Square and linking them together with an anchor on each end and using the Sculpture Park as a destination link between the two is important. Changing some of the curbs, narrowing part of the street close to the highway on 2nd Ave to slow traffic, and potentially add a  metal cast replica of Eddie Running Wolf’s Chief Niwot sculpture in the center of the road to slow traffic are ideas. Also,  changing the road surface to invite diagonal parking would help with traffic flow. 
The Left Hand Grange is a practical and very beneficial way to highlight Niwot. Taking the Old Fire Station out and turning that into a courtyard for meeting space, weddings, and celebrations would make the Grange even more accessible. Changing the metal shed behind it to make it more attractive and still use it and improve it for storage would enhance the area. Changing the parking along the Franklin St side of the Grange to diagonal parking would allow more spaces. 
The park at the corner of 79th and Niwot Rd could be altered to improve connectivity between Cottonwood Square and 2nd Ave would mean altering the sidewalks through there to enhance the Sculpture Park. The park could be enhanced to encourage Niwotians to stop, have picnic lunches there, etc. 
At Cottonwood Square, widening the sidewalks to invite outdoor eateries and improved patron experience would help businesses there. Changing the spaces between buildings to be garden like walks with congruous sidewalks to encourage walking traffic would help businesses. Lighting and landscaping can help make these spaces feel nice. Narrowing the parking spaces to keep the same number of spaces and use the above principals to improve the patron experience would help businesses. 
Niwot Rd is already under construction review  from Boulder County. The sidewalk along Niwot Rd from Cottonwood Square in front of the gas station to the corner of 79th is supposed to be altered. Currently this sidewalk is uneven and while the dying trees have been removed and the open drainage ditch is no longer used, upgrading the sidewalk and improving the crosswalks would be huge helps for connectivity and use by patrons. Adding to this sidewalk on the same side of the street to link the housing at Somerset and housing around by sidewalk would encourage walkability. 
The Grange Park is part of this, and the first step is to create a structure to protect and house Eddie Running Wolf’s sculptures. Moving the LOBO trail a bit to get it out of the wet area there and enhance the riparian habit and make it a biologic resource for school kids and bird watchers. Turning the pond into a kid’s fishing pond would enhance this area for families. Strengthening the links between nature, original native people’s legacies, and turning this into an educational outdoor area would bring families to this area. Improved signage on the Niwot Trail system and the LoBo trail would help people know more about Niwot and where to go and what to do (“riparian trail”, “downtown”, etc)
Improving signage to Niwot on the Diagonal and creating strong signage on Hwy 52 and on 83rd and 95th and Niwot Rd near the high school would help identify Niwot for travelers and Niwotians alike. This would help the commercial district as it is currently easy to drive past the Niwot commercial district to be missed by Niwotians and travelers alike. NBA members spoke about the weeds and trash that accumulate at the edge of Niwot Rd and spoke about ideas to improve signage and the appearance as people drive into Niwot. 
Much discussion was had by attendees including ways to slow traffic to get travelers to slow down and see Niwot and to encourage exploration of Niwot, including roundabouts, signage, etc. Comments about encorporating fire mitigation into this vision were discussed.  A future NBA meeting will be had (and will be advertised ) for additional input on signage, traffic flow, etc. 
Dave noted that this town is great at making things happen, and he used Children’s Park  and Whistle Stop Park and the Sculpture Park as examples for this. 
Due to all of the great questions, this meeting ran OVER and ended at 9:55am. Thanks for all of the great questions and input!
Your feedback  on the Niwot Master Plan is encouraged! 

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