The Vermont Retail and Grocers Association’s Board of Directors have named Erin Sigrist as President-Elect of the state-wide advocacy group. Sigrist, who joined the association in June 2015 as vice president, will succeed Jim Harrison, when he steps down at the end of 2016.
“Erin brings the right mix of skills to this role. Her experience in advocacy combined with her passion and commitment to the mission of the association and businesses in Vermont will serve VRGA well,” said Todd Keyworth of Harborside Harvest Market and VRGA Board Chair. “She will build on the solid foundation built by Jim and ably lead the association into the future.”
Sigrist, a native of the Finger Lakes Region in Upstate New York, will become president in January 2017. She hails from a retail background and gained experience in advocacy, public policy, event planning, grassroots, and membership development and retention in various roles prior to joining VRGA; including government relations specialist at Downs Rachlin Martin, PLLC, account executive at Capital Connections, LLC, and sales and marketing assistant at Seneca County (NY) Chamber of Commerce.
“Retail has long been a major part of my life. “It’s an honor to have received the confidence and support of the Board as I follow in Jim’s footsteps,” Sigrist explained. “Having grown up in an independently owned hardware store watching the evolution of the industry and the shifting economic and political landscapes, I look forward to working closely with, and representing, our members as we continue to grow VRGA.”
The Vermont Retail & Grocers Association represents approximately 800 retail stores and 250 suppliers to the retail and grocery industries; including the Vermont Specialty Food Association. Current members include clothing stores, sports stores, supermarkets, food co-ops, beverage stores, convenience stores, and general and country stores among many other merchants. Associate members include manufacturers, wholesalers, brokers, and service providers.