JESSICA Gingras
Favorite Part of Job? The best part about working in Government Affairs for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce is being able to connect with and be an advocate for businesses. Each business owner has a story, and a unique passion for not only what they do, but for Vermont. It's incredibly fascinating and rewarding.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My father for his dedication, incredible work ethic, and for always believing in me; and my mother for her loyalty, patience and sense of humor. I am forever grateful for the opportunities my parents have given me, and am so lucky to have such inspiring, caring and hardworking people in my life.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I played rubgy in college and I love Star Wars!
Favorite Downtime Activity: Even though I am a native Vermonter my favorite downtime activity is playing "tourist". Whether it be visiting a new brewery, hiking new trails with my boyfriend and our dogs, or discovering a new restaurant, I would say "Vermont" is my favorite downtime!
Favorite Vermont Escape: My family's land in Cabot, VT. It's a remote spot in the woods with an incredible view and there's never a shortage of nature, family, and bonfires there(some of my favorite things!).
Favorite Social Media: Twitter.
Favorite Website: www.thebloggess.com
Vermont Business Person you would most want to Network with: Senator Leahy, Senator Sanders and Congressman Welch.
Career Highlights: In my role as Government Affairs Program Manager at the Vermont Chamber, I am able to connect with businesses daily and be an advocate on their behalf in Montpelier. In the Spring of 2011 I had the honor of participating in a round table discussion with the White House Business Council, and some of Vermont's top business leaders. In the Spring of 2013 my advocacy team was instrumental in helping pass the first-in-nation state patent protection bill. The bill passed unanimously in both bodies, and small businesses in Vermont now have an avenue to defend themselves against patent trolls.
Community Involvement: I serve as the Membership Director for the Vermont Young Professionals group. The groups mission is to work to keep young professionals in Vermont and also attract new people the state. I also volunteer with the Adoptaplatoon organization. The program connects civilians with soldiers who are currently serving. As a participant you send letters, care packages and necessities to entire platoons and individual soldiers. For the last two years I have volunteered with the organization and have "adopted" three U.S. soldiers who are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
John Boutin, Publisher of VBM, Rising Star Jessica Gingras and Lisa Gosselin, VT Dept. Economic Dev.