A Katy institution is no more.

The Katy Business Association, a 40-year-old networking group which served 106 area small businesses at its end, has dissolved.

The group was originally formed by Rosemary Nelson, the original owner of Cottage Door located in old Katy, and Patsy Jean Williams, a local Katy real estate broker, in 1984. Their vision at the time was to create a small organization where local Katy businesses could meet monthly and support each other, said former KBA President Olivia Martin in a previous interview with the Katy Times.

But times change.

“As our membership grew and the needs of our business community evolved, we recognized the importance of creating a sustainable, impactful program,” said Martin in an email to the Katy Times. “Joining forces with the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce was the clear solution—bringing more resources, greater opportunities, and long-term support for our members. The [Katy Business Association] board’s decision reflects our belief that unity creates strength, and partnerships open doors to endless possibilities. This collaboration preserves the heart and legacy of the Katy Business Association while evolving into the Katy Business Alliance. Together, we’re setting the foundation for a stronger, more connected business community.”

On December 31, 2024, the KBA’s board of directors sent an email to the organization’s members, announcing the dissolution of the networking group, and its absorption into the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce as the “Katy Business Alliance.” The email read in part:

“Dear KBA Members,

The Katy Business Association has been part of the Katy business community, fostering connections, providing resources, and cultivating fellowship among small businesses. Today, we are excited to embrace a transformative step forward, ensuring these opportunities continue to grow. In the spirit of John F. Kennedy's words, ‘Change is the law of life,’ we have thoughtfully decided to dissolve the Katy Business Association and transition into a dynamic partnership with the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. This evolution will empower us to create a stronger and new KBA known as the Katy Business Alliance, offering enhanced resources, support, and opportunities that will drive even greater success for small businesses in our community!”

The email further outlined how the new entity would work:

· Monthly business luncheons will continue on the fourth Wednesday of each month, focusing on impactful business workshops to support member growth and success. Luncheons will remain open to all—membership will not be required, and attendance will be $25 per person. Members

will receive invitations to upcoming Katy Business Alliance luncheons and workshops beginning in January 2025.

· The logo of KBA will remain the same, with a slight modification to the name "Katy Business Alliance." The mission of supporting small businesses in Katy remains unchanged and is strengthened through this partnership, the email said.

The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce will manage logistics, registrations, marketing, and financials, allowing the KBA committee to focus on creating meaningful programming and workshops, the email said, with the current KBA Board of Directors transitioning to a KBA Committee within the Katy Area Chamber.

Current KBA members will receive prorated refunds for their membership dues at $15 per month remaining, less credit card fees. Refunds of membership dues will be processed promptly, the email said.

The email also provided background on how the decision was made to disband the organization.

· On, December 18, the KBA board unanimously approved the dissolution of KBA as an independent entity and transfer of its remaining assets to the Katy Area Chamber.

· On December 20, the KBA board of directors sent a “Proposal for Dissolution and Authorization to Transfer remaining KBA Assets to Katy Area Chamber of Commerce,” to all KBA Members with full transparency. Attached was a Proxy with the Deadline date of December 27, 2024.

· The Board received a total of 26 Proxy Votes from KBA Members, 25 Voted YES for dissolution and 1 vote for NO for dissolution.

“We are thrilled about this new chapter for KBA and what it means for our business community,” the email concluded.

“The Katy Area Chamber has been looking for ways to support its community by giving everyone what they need most, time and money,” said Katy Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Matthew Ferraro in a statement to the Katy Times. “In an effort to consolidate programs and/or duplicate memberships to multiple organizations, we are eager to find collaborative partners that have similar initiatives for the community so we can work to become a single, organized resource to advance the Katy area.”

Ferraro said that the Chamber was approached by the KBA about an opportunity for long-term collaboration. The result of those conversations came to be a continued program of work, similar to what the KBA has been doing, Ferraro said, with no membership fee required to attend KBA events, and the opportunity to build on business networks with a more diverse audience to support business growth and development.

The KBA Committee will work together to produce the same content and environments that KBA members have loved for over 40 years, Ferraro said. With no membership fee required to attend the KBA

programs, previous members of KBA will be saving roughly $200 year, he said. The KBA programs will be open to the public and will allow Katy Area Chamber members to attend for the same price.

Portions of revenues generated from the KBA program will go to support business grants and future scholarships to be distributed through the Katy Foundation, the 501c3 extension of the Katy Area Chamber, Ferraro added.

Longtime members of KBA shared their support for the move.

“My perspective is I think it is time to move on and I am good with KBA becoming a part of the Chamber,” said Patty Raske, who has been involved with KBA since its very early days. “ I think they will bring positivity to the Chamber and great support.”

“At first, I was really sorry and disappointed to hear that the KBA was going to dissolve,” said former Katy mayor Skip Conner, who was honored by KBA in 2024 as one of its longest-serving members. “One reason the KBA started was that the Chamber changed its name and moved out of the City of Katy. The board was very thoughtful in its deliberations, excited about the association's future and the new partnership with the chamber. With a vote of 25 to 1, the majority of members agreed with the new arrangement. I can live with it.”

Other KBA members did not respond with feedback to the Katy Times by press time.