Kirkland Downtown Association memberships bring community together, fund events

The Kirkland Downtown Association’s (KDA) new membership program
is aimed at connecting residents, businesses and organizations in
Kirkland. It is also aimed at sustaining the the non-profit organization
and the events it produces each year.

A membership allows an individual or family to be directly
connected to the community through a special newsletter, discounts and
offers from business members. For Kirkland organizations and business
owners, it is a way to connect with the community and expand their
reach.

“The membership program is truly for anyone who enjoys the
downtown, including surrounding communities,” said KDA Executive
Director Barbie Collins Young. “Those who love the feel of downtown and
enjoy the many events that happen here can be proud they will have
played a part in making it happen. We understand that the community is
spread throughout many neighborhoods, but consider the Kirkland downtown
to be the ‘living room’ for the community.”

The revenue generated will go directly to the non-profit’s
operations budget, which is currently supported through sponsorship and
grants. The membership levels begin at $49 for an individual membership
and up to $249 for a Platinum business membership.

“These levels offer distinctive business and marketing support
and outreach,” Young said in a release. “These members have the
opportunity to do specific outreach to other members to assist with
their promotions and offer specials to bring people through their doors,
while offering benefits to each other.”

All member names will be displayed at kirklanddowntown.org and
the first 400 to sign up receive a re-usable “I shop local, I shop
Kirkland” shopping bag sponsored by the KDA and the City of Kirkland.

“This program has been in development for about a year,” Young
said. “The KDA needed a sustainable stream of funds in order to properly
plan its initiatives.”

The KDA began taking members in February during “a soft roll-out,” mainly to ensure the online system was working properly.

“This will help fund our staff and staff expansion, which
includes management and operations of the 60 days of events the KDA
currently produces each year,” Young said. “The majority of the funds
will cover those operational and staffing expenses used for events and
community activities.”

The KDA helps to produce many of the events that have become
traditions in Kirkland. Some of those events include the Wednesday
Farmers Market at Marina Park, the summer concert series, Fourth of July
celebration and fireworks, Classic Car Show, Summerfest and Winterfest.

“This brings sustainability to an organization that does so much
for the community by providing activities, excitement and events,” said
Glenn Peterson, who is the KDA Board of Directors vice president of
membership and administration. “It’s a great feeling for a person to
know they have skin in the game.”

The Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce and the KDA work
together on many projects, and this is no exception. The KDA is offering
a 20-percent discount for chamber members on their Silver and Platinum
categories.

“We are excited about this partnership that will create an even
more robust Kirkland,” Chamber Executive Director Samantha St. John
said.

Membership details and sign up information can be found at www.kirklanddowntown.org.

Credit: Matt Phelps