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Two Valley Stream businesswomen honored

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The Valley Stream and Lynbrook Chambers of Commerce honored two bankers with ties to Valley Stream at the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce’s 30th annual Small Businesspersons of the Year awards, held at the Crest Hollow Country Club on Oct. 17 at the Crest Hollow County Club.

Valley Stream resident Linda Stephenson, branch manager of the Bethpage Federal Credit Union in Lynbrook, and Hempstead resident Diahann Ryan, branch manager of Nassau Educators Federal Credit Union’s Valley Stream location, were given the Small Businessperson of the Year Award by the Lynbrook and Valley Stream Chambers of Commerce, respectively.

Stephenson, who grew up and spent most of her life in Valley Stream, said she took pride in the distinction. “It really meant a lot to me,” she said. “I was a little taken aback, and I was very humbled and very flattered. When you’re doing things it’s easy not to realize that your work is really appreciated and seen as important. To be recognized by your peers is really a great thing.”

Stephenson, who has worked at the Lynbrook branch for over a decade, donates her time at a number of community events in Lynbrook and helps people with their income taxes as well. She has also represented Bethpage Federal when the bank has sponsored the Lynbrook Summer Car Shows and Night at the Theatre.

Ryan, who served as treasurer for the Valley Stream Chamber from 2008 to 2013, said she was not expecting the award.

“To be honest, I was shocked when I first found out,” said Ryan, who manages the bank’s former headquarters. “I was really surprised, but very honored and very pleased… I’ve done a lot and really enjoy working with the Chamber of Commerce. I really respect the people in the chamber and to have them single me out for such a great award really does mean a lot.”

Ryan began her career a teller at the Jamaica Savings bank in 1996 after graduating from Queensborough Community College. She joined NEFCU in 2000 as a member service representative in the Valley Stream branch. She has worked at the branch ever since, and was promoted to her current position as branch manager in 2005.

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