Photograph by Kathy De La Torre
Saratoga's Business Person of the Year does not live or work in Saratoga, but she's been involved in its business community for years.
The Chamber gives party planner a gala of her own
Pearl Medeiros is named business person of the year
By Leigh Ann Maze
After planning parties for others for more than 15 years, Pearl Medeiros finally had a party planned for her.
Medeiros, who was recently selected as the 1999 Saratoga Chamber of Commerce business person of the year, was recognized Feb. 5 at the Chamber's installation of officers dinner at Chateau La Cresta at the Mountain Winery.
"It's marvelous," she said. "I'm speechless when it comes to saying how much I appreciate this honor."
Medeiros has co-owned Brannons Party Rentals and Consultants in Willow Glen for about nine years. "It's a bride one week and a corporate event the next. ...I'm a people person. I enjoy working with people and helping them plan their events," she said, explaining why she has been in the event-services industry for close to two decades.
Medeiros provides party supplies, equipment and advice to the brides, businesses and other party hosts. She also uses her planning skills to the benefit of her family and the local community.
Medeiros served as chairperson of Celebrate Saratoga! in 1994, when it was held on the yet-to-be-opened Highway 85, and she is planning this year's event. The single mother of three also has planned her children's graduation parties, birthdays and weddings. Her children--the youngest is 26--have helped her with her business over the years, and she has been very involved in their lives. "From PTA on up, you name it," she said.
Medeiros, 56, was born, raised and still lives in San Jose on a street off Saratoga Avenue. Although neither her home nor her business is in Saratoga, Medeiros has given a lot to Saratoga's business community. Brannons Party Rentals was located on the border of Saratoga and San Jose for many years until she outgrew the building five years ago, and her ties to the Saratoga business community remain strong.
Medeiros has served on the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce board of directors since 1991 and is now president of the board. Medeiros has served on several Chamber of Commerce committees for events, including the Saratoga community parade and annual crab feed at Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church. She has been a member of the Saratoga Rotary Club since May 1997 and has chaired several committees for the organization. For the past 14 years, she has been a member of the National Association of Catering Executives, whose members include Coca-Cola and Hilton Hotels.
"One of the best clubs I've ever joined is the 'grandmother's club.' I love it," Medeiros said, adding one more item to her long list of professional and personal credentials.
Saratoga, California Since 1955
