Deanna Alterio Brennen named a NYS Senate "Woman of Distinction"

Senator George Maziarz today announced that Deanna Alterio Brennen of Lewiston, the President and CEO of the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce, has been recognized as a 2014 New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction.”

“I have had the pleasure and privilege of working closely with Deanna for many years in promoting businesses activity in our region,” Senator Maziarz said.  “She is a respected leader and she goes out of her way to be a positive agent for change in Niagara County.  She fully deserves this mark of distinction.”

Deanna Alterio Brennen is a leader in the Niagara County business community.  In addition to growing up in a family business and being a small business owner herself for many years, Deanna has provided professional leadership in helping other businesses succeed throughout her career.  Her real world experiences with owning and operating Quote & Quill and Arbor Tree & Land Care established a foundation from which she could use her talents to help others achieve great results in the business world.

For more than thirteen years Deanna worked for the NCCC Small Business Development Center and assisted small business owners in turning their dreams into a reality.  She served as Associate Director of Economic Development and International Trade and she was certified as a business advisor by the New York State Small Business Development Center in 1999.

In July 2007 Deanna was named President & CEO of the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce, the largest business advocacy organization in Niagara County, and she has been instrumental in carrying out that organization’s mission to advance economic development, promote commerce and tourism, and provide a host of value-added services to chamber members.

In light of her business acumen and her desire to give back to her community, Deanna has served on many boards of directors and important decision-making panels such as the WNY Regional Economic Development Council, the Western New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board, the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency, the Greater Lockport Development Corporation and many others.

Deanna Alterio Brennen was honored at a reception in Albany on May 13^th, where her photograph and biography were on display during a special public exhibit at the Legislative Office Building.

The Senate’s “Woman of Distinction” program was created in 1998 to honor women who exemplify personal excellence, or whose professional achievements or acts of courage, selflessness, integrity, or perseverance serve as an example to all New Yorkers.  One woman from each Senate district is typically recognized. 

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