Lise Veronneau, of Burlington (center with flowers), with outgoing Honorary Consul Ernie Pomerleau (far left). Courtesy photo.

A defender of French relations in Vermont

Vermont Business Magazine Lise Veronneau, of Burlington, has been named the new French Honorary Consul in Vermont. The official transfer was celebrated in a ceremony at Burlington Town Hall on Wednesday, followed by a reception hosted by the outgoing French Honorary Consul in Vermont from 2008 to 2020, Ernie Pomerleau. Mayor Miro Weinberger as well as French dignitaries were present to honor the two people.

“Vermont has a long history with France and the descendants of Quebec just across our northern border in Quebec,” said Vermont Secretary of Commerce and Community Development Lindsay Kurrle. “France remains an important partner and investor for Vermont, and we look forward to continuing to develop our partnership, our economic ties and our exchange of culture, products and ideas.

Appointed by Ernie Pomerleau, this post is appointed by the Consul General of France in Boston Arnaud Mentré representing the French Ministry, and endorsed by the US State Department.

As Honorary Consul, Veronneau will volunteer to represent the Consul General of France in Boston. Honorary Consuls defend French interests and French citizens in their state, in close collaboration with the Consulate General.

“Burlington is honored to have a member of the community accept this prestigious role once again, and I have no doubts that Lise will strengthen the bonds of friendship between Vermont and France, she has demonstrated her commitment and ability to advance our goals. commons of intercultural trust. and understanding in his leadership of the Burlington-Honfleur sister city initiative.

Veronneau has a lot of experience in promoting France – Vermont relations.

She is an active leader of the Alliance française de la région du lac Champlain and the Burlington-Honfleur Sister City initiative.

Her past service in France was recognized in 2019 when she was awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur française. Ernie Pomerleau received the title of Chevalier De La Légion D’Honneur at the same ceremony.

For the past 10 years, Veronneau has worked to establish international relations with the projects of the sister city of Honfleur. In addition to the many leaders from Vermont who work to foster links on a variety of interests shared with France and Quebec.

“It’s a wonderful day for Lise and our state,” said Ernie Pomerleau, President and CEO of Pomerleau Real Estate and former Honorary Consul of France in Vermont. “I know that Lise will continue to strengthen the France – Vermont partnerships that improve the economy, the arts and international relations.”

“Thank you for the confidence you have shown me by asking me to be the next honorary consul of France in Vermont. I will be honored to lend my name and continue to build relationships and help promote French initiatives, ”said Veronneau.

Vermont has long helped foster a positive Franco-American friendship. This new appointment is a new step in this long tradition.

About the Honorary Consul of France in Vermont

Honorary Consuls of France are either French citizens or citizens of the host country appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and delegated by the Consul General. In this case, Consul General Arnaud Mentré at the Consulate General of France in Boston. As Honorary Consul, Lise Veronneau will volunteer to represent the Consul General of France in Boston. Honorary Consuls defend French interests and French citizens in their state, in close collaboration with the Consulate General. They can, for example, certify a translation or legalize a document, but they cannot issue passports or visas.