ERIC Durocher
36 | Town of Dover | Economic Development Director
Residence: Dover
Career highlight(s): The career highlight I'm most proud of is my business resiliency work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I was able to provide guidance and assistance through one of the toughest Economic hardships in recent memory. I am also proud of my contributions to the 
growth and success of our local Chamber of Commerce.
Community Involvement: My community involvement includes 11 years of coaching our local youth baseball teams. I coached our local Babe Ruth team for 5 years and the Leland and Gray Rebels Varsity team for 6 years. Coaching is one of the most complex and rewarding things I have ever done. I cherish the memories and experiences I received while coaching.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? I was born and raised in Vermont. While I have taken the opportunity to travel to many other parts of the world, Vermont has always been where I call home.
Favorite part of your job: My favorite part of my job is the opportunity to interact with and have a positive impact on our local businesses and Economy. I am lucky to work within such an amazing community. Also, being part of an incredible team in the Town of Dover.
Most inspiring mentor and why: The most inspiring mentors throughout my career are my long-time bosses and dear friends, Kit Martin and Art Monette. Throughout my nearly 20-years working for them, they taught me the meaning of hard work, dedication, and respect. I am forever grateful for the lessons I learned from them and their involvement in my life.
What is the best career advice you have received? The best career advice I have received was given in book form when my predecessor handed me the reigns to the Chamber and a copy of Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War'. It was a symbolic and valuable gesture.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: Few people know that in addition to my degree in Business Administration, I also have a Music Business and Industry degree. It allowed me to work directly with some of my favorite artists after College.
What three words best describe you: Three words that best describe me are: Committed, Organized, Happy
Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite Vermont escape is Sunset Lake
Favorite downtime activity: My favorite downtime activity is spending time with my amazing wife Amy and our beautiful daughters Zoey and Delilah.
Favorite Super Hero and why: My favorite super hero is Batman, only because my wife tells me he's not 'technically' a super hero
Favorite Social Media and why: My favorite social media is currently Tik Tok because of the creativity and humor it provides.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with: The person I'd most like to share a Vermont beverage with is my Dad, Richard.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: The cause I would support is anything that gives help to the people or organizations who need it.
What is the one song on your playlist that are you embarrassed to tell your best friend? The song on my playlist I would be embarrassed to tell my best friend is Old Town Road...
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years? In the next 5-10 years I'd like to see that I have taken every opportunity to learn and grow professionally.
What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years? The career goals I'd like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years are taking my department, our Town, and our local Economy to new heights.
How has your community service changed since the pandemic? My community service during the pandemic has changed in that it isn't as socialized as it was before. It's tough when you're used to working with large groups to achieve goals.
How has your job changed since this pandemic? I have seen a shift in my position from the normal tasks of economic development to include survival and resilience throughout the pandemic. I am proud of the things we accomplished to help our businesses in their time of need.