PSBA 2018 Membership Dues Are Due Before January 1st

PSBA DUES ARE DUE!
PSBA members are reminded that 2018 dues are due by December 31st, 2017. 

For the first time in many years, dues have been increased to $50 per individual and $70 per couple/family.  By renewing prior to December 31st, save $10 and pay only $40 per individual or $60 per couple/family. 
The dues increase was discussed and approved by the entire board, with the following in mind:

- Rental rates at the Center for Urban Horticulture have increased 78% since 2015. 

- Travel costs and fees have increased for guest artists. 

- Aki Matsuri has been replaced by Japan Fair, which offers excellent exposure but at increased cost, with no opportunity for paid workshops or tree sales.

- Membership dues cover less than 50% of our operating costs, with the remainder coming from our annual auction and miscellaneous revenue such as raffles. 

The board works hard to control costs and balance the annual operating budget. VP Josef Leibfried has looked at alternative venues but so far has not found the same combination of accessibility, parking, facilities and staff support offered by CUH.  Josef has worked to contain cost increases by targeting West Coast artists where possible and re-introducing a "member roundtable" format for at least one meeting per year. Lynn Paietta's campaign to increase participation in guest-artist workshops has helped offset workshop costs.

Meanwhile, the board continues working for the future. 2017 saw the reinvention of the Spring Show under the leadership of Kyle Funakoshi. With the help of Edd Kuehn, Tony Fajarillo and Mark Epping-Jordan, we have invested in new exhibit stands that are easier to handle and will be reused over and over again at future events. The annual auction chaired by Aaron Pollock maintained its upward revenue trend. Thanks to the financial success of the 2016 PSBA Convention led by Linda Breeden and Doug Bradley, PSBA has for the first time established a convention savings account to grubstake our next major event. 

Be a part of our ongoing success by renewing your membership. Cash and check payments will be accepted at the upcoming General Meeting Monday November 27th. Or, renew online today. Click on the Join/Renew tab, and follow the prompts through our simple and secure payment system.

Thank you for your support of PSBA!