ERIN Sigrist
Company: Vermont Retail & Grocers Association
Title: President
Age: 35
Favorite Part of Job: Working with the businesses around Vermont. Listening to their stories and experiences and being reminded of the good that each of these businesses do; whether it’s the creative ways they support their employees or all of the work they do to support their community or both.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My Grandmother, as described by my Grandfather: the “most damned independent woman you will ever meet.” She remained independent even when the social expectation labeled her as the Minister’s wife. She worked hard at causes that she believed in, working her way up to President of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of the Southern Tier (New York), was active in her local Rotary club, and served on several boards, devoting her time to making a difference in people’s lives.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I met Bruce Springsteen once. I didn’t know who he was until a friend asked if he was with the band. He responded with “Dude, I am the band.”
What three words best describe you: Stubborn. Driven. Loyal.
Favorite Vermont Escape: It has to be Lake Iroquois. We’re lucky to have a dear friend that shares her camp with us and many of her friends. It’s the most peaceful place in my life right now!
Favorite Downtime Activity: Relaxing by the water – with a good book or a glass of wine and friends.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which causes would you support: It’s shocking that there are communities in this world that still don’t have access to clean water. I believe it’s the foundation of any society. Clean water and saving the elephants.
What is the best career advice you have received: “You have two eyes, two ears, and one mouth. Use them accordingly.”
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont: I moved to Vermont with no job prospects and fell into an exciting industry where I established myself with the support of many friends and colleagues. I never planned to move to Vermont, but I’m proud of myself for finding my niche and working my way up these past eight years.
Career Highlights: Learning the legislative process and taking part in the discussion. Taking over an association from a predecessor entrenched in the position for nearly thirty years and realizing my ability to assess, strategize, and continue to learn as I work to guide the association into the next generation. Eliminating the motto “this is how we’ve always done it” from the office culture.
Hiring my first two employees.
Community Involvement: Having grown up in a community-oriented family it was instilled in me at a very early age to give back to your community. Prior to moving to Vermont, I participated on the Cooperative Extension and Red Cross Boards of Directors and was an active Rotarian. I continued my service as a Rotarian in Vermont in the Montpelier Rotary Club until shortly after starting with VRGA. During my time with Montpelier Rotary, I took pride in starting a project where we would collect gently used children’s books and give them away at the Montpelier Farmers Market. I also served as a Youth Exchange Counselor to our incoming exchange students, supporting their transition into Vermont life for a year, monitoring their school progress, their family life, and acting as a liaison between the student, the club and Rotary district. It’s an exciting experience and a privilege to create relationships that last a lifetime.
My husband encourages me to run for the select board or for governor one day. I’m pretty sure governor is out of the question, but maybe I’ll think about select board. Regardless, I’m looking forward to getting involved in my new home town of Northfield, and finding my way back to Rotary.
