LAMORINDA WEEKLY | business briefs


Barbara McDaniel, left, tries on a white spring jacket that Patrizia Marrone pairs with a black and white scarf. Photo Sophie Braccini

Patrizia Marrone a Fast Success on Fiesta Lane

11 Fiesta Lane, Lafayette - (925) 736-0220

Patricia Marrone has been curating women's clothes in San Francisco and the East Bay since 1980. She recently moved her successful Blackhawk Plaza store to Lafayette on Fiesta Lane (near the Cooperage). Marrone specializes in unique apparel, accessories and shoes that she selects in shows from all over the world. She was voted Diablo's "Best of the East Bay" several times in either the women's shoes shop or boutique category. Her clients immediately followed her to her new location in Lafayette, making the store an instant success. New customers are also finding their way to the large and bright retail space, full of feminine dresses, tops, shoes and other accessories, from casual to the most sophisticated. "My objective is to build relationships with my clients," she says. "In my store women come looking for a special look they will not find anywhere else. Together we create a total look that uniquely fits them." Marrone says she's had an eye on Lafayette for some time, but wasn't ready to move until now. "Lafayette is perfect for what I offer," she says. "People of all ages come here, sometimes mothers and their daughters." One of her clients who has been shopping with her for 20 years, Mrs. Cheung, came to the boutique with her daughter - and now her granddaughter. Patrons will find apparel from Marrone's favorite designers such as Sarah Pacini or the Crea Collection, and Donald J Pliner shoes, among many others.

Orchard Manager Named February's Moraga Employee of the Month

Ken Mulhern, who was a key manager at Orchard Supply Hardware, was named the Moraga Employee of the Month for February. Mulhern handled several different roles at OSH including being the lead manager for the store's support team and heading the store's community outreach program, Neighbors Helping Neighbors. He supervised receiving all goods from the company's distribution center and supervised employees for the customer pick-up area. "Ken was a terrific employee," said Orchard Supply Assistant Manager Victoria Whitman. "He was passionate about customer service. He listened to the customers and provides really good advice on whatever project they are undertaking. He was also really involved with the community and was heading a local project to assist Los Perales Elementary School." Mulhern was promoted to manager of the OSH San Ramon store. In winning the award, the Moraga Rotary and Chamber of Commerce awarded Mulhern a gift card to CVS as well as a gift card to the Golden Palace in Moraga.

News from the Three Chambers of Commerce

Lafayette

Monthly Mixer at GemLust at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 at 3529 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

The Lafayette Chamber's Young Professional Group will be meeting from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26 in the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Conference Room. For more information visit the group's meetup page: www.meetup.com/Young-Professionals-Group-Lafayette-CA/.

Citizen of the Year Dinner honoring Marechal Duncan at 6 p.m. Friday, March 27 at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa, 3287 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Reservations required.

Dogtown Downtown from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11. Dog Parade starts at 10 a.m. from the Lafayette Plaza Park to the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. In addition to the parade there will be demonstrations, exhibits and contests.

Save the date for Earth Day in Lafayette from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26 sponsored by Sustainable Lafayette, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, and the City of Lafayette. This year's theme: transportation. For more information, visit http://www.sustainablelafayette.org/our-events/earth-day-festival.

Moraga

Chamber of Commerce business meeting from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Friday, March 27 at the Hacienda de las Flores, 2100 Donald Drive.

Registration opened for businesses and groups that want to participate in the 2015 Moraga Faire on May 9. For information, contact Kathe Nelson at Kathe@moragachamber.org.

Orinda

Save the dates: Orinda Trivia Bee Friday, April 24, and State of the City Luncheon on Wednesday, April 29. Orinda Rotary and Orinda Chamber of Commerce jointly sponsor the Trivia Bee. Teams of six compete for the title in a multiple round trivia competition. Attendees come dressed in costume and decorate tables in keeping with the chosen theme for their team. The event takes place at the Orinda Masonic Lodge, 9 Altarinda Rd in Orinda. For information, contact Candy Kattenberg at info@orindachamber.org.