Vermont Member Wins ‘Rising Star’ Award

Montpelier, Vt., Local 300 member Danielle Bombardier has a new title to add to her growing collection: outstanding young leader.

On Sept. 26, Bombardier was named one of Vermont Business Magazine’s "Rising Stars," an annual award given to 40 people under the age of 40 for their contributions to the Green Mountain State’s community and economy, says the websitehttp://vermontbiz.com/news/september/vbm-recognizes-vermont%E2%80%99s-rising-stars-class-2016. And she is the first person from her local to receive the honor.

"I was definitely surprised," Bombardier said. "I feel like a regular worker, not like someone who should win an award."

Tim LaBombard, Local 300 membership development director and the one who nominated her, would argue otherwise.

A former two-time volunteer with AmeriCorps, a national service program, Bombardier has cooked food for the Ronald McDonald House, participated in trash pick-up for Green Up Day and volunteers with Vermont Works for Women, an organization dedicated to promoting women and girls professionally. She also participates with other Local 300 members in an annual dragon boat race for breast cancer survivors.

Now a second-year instructor, Bombardier was named the 2016 apprentice of the year. And she was running the solar division at her job with Sherwin Electric as an apprentice – something that does not usually happen, LaBombard said.

"She deserves it," LaBombard said. "Danielle’s very bright and she’s always working to promote the local."

An inside wireman with a bachelor’s degree in molecular genetics, Bombardier also serves as her unit’s recording secretary and sits on the wellness committee.

The 40 winners were chosen from 140 entries by a panel of judges. This year’s class comes from areas including academia, finance, construction and entrepreneurship. The Magazine will honor the winners with an awards ceremony and feature them in the November edition.

Bombardier says she’s happy for the recognition, and not just for herself.

"This is good for the union and I want the union to succeed," she said. "It shows our community involvement – and that there’s a place for women in the trades."

"Women are a demographic that we need to focus on," LaBombard said. "Hopefully this award will show more women and girls that there are great opportunities for them in places they may not have thought of before."