2012 Man of the Year
Dale Bare, USE 1023
Dale Bare proudly states that he is a "born and bred son of Botetourt County, Virginia." Dale started his work career in 1979 as an 18 year old at Mohawk Rubber Company, now known as Yokohama Rubber Company. He signed a union card 30 days after his hire date and has been an active member since that time. Dale has served his local in many capacities including being on the newsletter staff for ten years, shop steward, served on the election committee and safety committee, and is also delegate to the Western Virginia Labor Federation.
Dale has worked for the USW political program for the past eight years and toughly enjoys talking with fellow union members about politics. Talking to members while standing on their front porch or during phone banking encourages them to open up and tell you how they feel about an issue or a candidate.
Union membership is not confined to one member of his family. Joshua Bare, Dale's oldest child, is a ten year member of the IBEW. His oldest daughter, Lindsay, works for Advance Auto in Roanoke at the Crossroads corporate office. Hillary, the youngest of the children, currently lives in Augusta County with her husband, Willie where they manage a cattle a farm. Dale enjoys spending time with his two year old grandson, Liam, who will be joined by a new brother in September.
Dale and his wife, Deborah, currently make their home in the Cloverdale section of Botetourt County. He is the son of Fred Bare and Jean VanNess Bare of Troutville.