Since she was 10 years old, Deb
aware of her elected officials, kept up with issues affecting business,
and strived to make a difference.
She's been the President and CEO of the
Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey that
represents all seven counties in the area and thousands of business
owners.
She graduated from Rowan University in 1976 with a
bachelor’s in communication and in 1987 with a master’s in the same
concentration.
DiLorenzo is a South Jersey native who has seen the
business community and the landscape change drastically. "I remember in
1971 when my father was teaching me to drive, and we went to Cherry
Hill. At that time there were only a few housing communities,
a
few big homes and a mall in Voorhees," she said. Now those communities
are bustling with homes and commerce.
From state government to membership needs and
today's financial market, DiLorenzo has opinions on nearly everything
that affects business. She can tell you what state laws are going to be
passed, how the zoning maps are changing or what new bills will do for
small business owners.
"The Chamber of Commerce is very plugged into smart
growth, and what's changing in this community," she said. DiLorenzo also
helps facilitate members to meet and learn about each other's needs. "In
times like these business people need a chamber of commerce more than
ever," she said. The Southern New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is there in
good times and in bad; it is celebrating its 135th
anniversary. "We were started right after the civil war," DiLorenzo
said, and its her job to keep the booming organization current for its
nearly 2,000 members.
She says hard work has paved the way for her
success. She thanks her parents for always emphasizing the importance of
education as well as a strong work ethic.
DiLorenzo also has a loyalty to her employer that
is rare in today's job market. She has been with the Chamber of Commerce
for 14 years. Before that she worked for a trade association for four
years, a public utility company for eleven years and served as a
legislative aide to a State Senator for two years. Since the 1970's,
she's only had four jobs. "I picked a career that I could really enjoy,
and I've stayed with it," she said. That commitment to companies has
paid off for her.
Those strengths have helped her in her personal
life as well as her professional life. Her commitment to excellence and
hard work shines in many facets of life. She volunteers time for
organizations and sits on several boards. "I believe strongly in giving
back to the community however I can," she said.
DiLorenzo was most recently appointed to the
Governor's healthcare commission, and she has served on other Governor's
commissions over the years. "This widens my own horizons, because I
didn't give up on learning when I finished my master’s degree," she
said.
When not at work or volunteering, DiLorenzo is wife
to her husband of 27 years, another example of that steadfast longevity.
She has a son, Anthony, who is preparing to graduate college and a
daughter, Angelica, who is entering high school this year.
