JENNIFER Surat
Favorite Part of Job? The favorite part of my job is working with the amazing and talented individuals and companies that Central Vermont attracts. I am also so fortunate to work for a super boss and Board of Directors on a daily basis.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My parents have been my most inspiring mentors. Their love,sacrifice and dedication inspire me to be a better person, wife and mom. They have always pushed my sister and I to reach for our dreams and believe in ourselves to acomplish our hopes.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I have an artistic side and enjoy photography, painting and wood burning. My husband and I make custom request signs, and decorate rustic log furniture creations.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Although I rode horses for many years growing up, we own two miniature horses and I really enjoy working with them and hanging out in the barn with the our two kids, Connor (5 years) and Chloe (1 1/2 years). There is something that's good for your heart when being around kids and animals.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Fishing on the shore of Martins Pond in my hometown of Peacham with my husband and kids, soaking in the sun, while my husband detangles my five year old's line and my daughter giggles and throws rocks in the water. I don't know if you can call it fishing but it sure is fun!
Favorite Social Media: There are some great cooking blogs I enjoy as well as some facebook sites and Etsy is always fun. I have to admit I am a Pinterest fan too!
Favorite Website: Vermont Life has a great website!
Vermont Business Person you would most want to Network with: Besides Ben & Jerry, and numerous other Vermont business owners it would be very intriguing to network with our current and past Governors.
Career Highlights: I started my career with Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation fresh out of Lyndon State College. I don't think I really knew the importance of economic development until I really spent some time in our office. I began as an Administrative Assistant to the Executive Vice President and was promoted to Executive Assistant, Assistant Director and then to my current position as Director of Development. Economic Development is so much more then the average individual thinks of when they hear the word "development" and in Vermont, that word is quite scary to many individuals when in fact it should be exciting.
Community Involvement: I have been actively involved with the Vermont March of Dimes since 2008, when my first born child came unexpectedly at 34 weeks (6 weeks premature). After experiencing what was a very difficult 7 days in the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) in Lebanon, NH, I vowed to help other parents and children also born too soon. I quickly formed a team of family and friends (Team Little Foot) to help raise money on an annual basis for this great cause. In 2011, we were named the Central Vermont Ambassador family for the Vermont March of Dimes to help raise money for this amazing cause. In my hometown of Peacham, Vermont, I am a volunteer for the Peacham Congregational Church and assist in several of their annual fund raising events including the Mother’s Day Brunch, and July 4th Pig Roast. It’s something I really look forward to doing every year. As our son just entered Pre-School, I am also a new volunteer for the Peacham Elementary School, and a new member/volunteer to the Peacham Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). I am also actively involved in the start of a new Miniature Horse Community Group in the Northeast Kingdom.
John Boutin, Publisher of VBM, Lisa Gosselin, VT Dept. Economic Dev. and Rising Star Jennifer Surat.