Saratoga News

Photograph by Robert Scheer

Pat Andreson is the first woman president of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce in 16 years.

Andreson installed as president of Saratoga Chamber of Commerce

By Torre Peña

Pat Andreson became the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce's first woman president in 16 years at the organization's annual installment dinner and awards banquet on Jan. 25.

"This is the year of the woman in business," Andreson said, referring to her own appointment and the chamber's recognition of Kristin Davis as business person of the year.

More important for Andreson, however, are the goals she has outlined for the chamber and her vision for maintaining a successful business environment in Saratoga.

The chamber, the city and the community are working better than they ever have, Andreson said. As president, she hopes to strengthen these relationships.

"My personal goal is to continue this enthusiasm so that our businesses here in Saratoga and the outlying districts can continue to grow," she said. "When we think of our business community, it's the Village, it's Argonaut, it's Quito, it's Gateway, it's all of Saratoga."

Developing ideas for educational workshops and seminars since October, Andreson has a head start on her one-year term as president, said Sheila Arthur, the chamber's executive director.

Small business accounts for about half of the chamber's membership, and Andreson plans to provide these businesses with the information they need to be successful.

"When you're a small-business owner, sometimes it's hard to leave your business," Andreson said. She adds that the chamber keeps business owners up to date on any city developments.

By providing information about advertising, marketing and business planning, the chamber can increase business productivity for small business owners and bring them up to speed on current business trends, Arthur said.

"Pat is really focused on educating the business community and increasing business awareness," she added.

The fundamental purpose of the chamber is to provide business owners the opportunity to network and to act as a liaison between business and the city, Arthur said.

It was networking potential and business exposure that first attracted Andreson to join the organization nearly 12 years ago with her own small business.

"Being a member of the chamber has been such an asset to our business," she said.

Andreson opened the Backyard Pool Center in 1985 with her husband, Fran Andreson. Originally, they sold patio furniture as well as pool equipment. Three years ago they downsized and now only sell pool supplies, parts and equipment.

Immediately after establishing their business, Andreson was active as an ambassador for the chamber.

Her first responsibility was membership retention, and since then she has formed strong ties with members of the business community.

"It was one of the most exciting things, because you're actually out there with the people on a one-to-one level," she said.

Andreson has also chaired the chamber's annual crab feed and, for the last two years, chaired the membership committee.

While working in her store, where she can be found most days of the week, Andreson's affable manner is evident, whether she is helping a customer choose pool equipment or dispensing advice to the pregnant mail carrier suffering from morning sickness.

"I really like working with people," she said. "We consider our customers our friends."

Andreson's involvement with the community includes volunteering for Celebrate Saratoga, the Farmer's Market and Saratoga Market Days. It's a way to give something back to the community for the support received from her customers, she said.

Now, as president, Andreson appoints committee chairs for chamber-sponsored events like Celebrate Saratoga.

"Now she's my boss," Arthur said. "She will help build policy and goals for the chamber."

Not only is she the first woman president since 1981, but her presidency marks the first time that both a husband and a wife have been president, Arthur said. Fran Andreson was the chamber's president in 1991-92.