Lise Veronneau, of Burlington, has been named the new Honorary Consul of France to Vermont. The official conveyance is celebrated in a ceremony at Burlington City Hall, followed by a reception hosted by outgoing Honorary Consul of France to Vermont from 2008-2020, Ernie Pomerleau. Mayor Miro Weinberger along with French dignitaries are in attendance to honor both individuals.
"Vermont has a long history with France and the Quebecois descendants just across our Northern border in Quebec,” says Vermont Secretary of Commerce and Community Development Lindsay Kurrle. “France remains an important partner and investor to Vermont, and we look forward to continuing to grow our partnership, economic ties, and exchange of culture, products and ideas.”
Nominated by Ernie Pomerleau this role is appointed by the Consul General of France in Boston Arnaud Mentré representing the Ministry of France, and endorsed by the U.S. State Department. As Honorary Consul Ms. Veronneau volunteers to act as representative of the Consul General of France in Boston. Honorary Consuls advocate for French interests and French citizens in their state, in close cooperation with the Consulate General.
“Burlington is honored to once again have a community member accept this prestigious role, and I am confident that Lise will further the bonds of friendship between Vermont and France, she has demonstrated a commitment and ability to advance our shared goals of cross-cultural trust and understanding in her leadership of the Burlington-Honfleur sister city initiative.”
Ms. Veronneau has much experience fostering France – Vermont relations. She is an active leader in the Alliance Française of the Lake Champlain Region and in the Burlington-Honfleur Sister City initiative. Her past service to France was recognized in 2019 when she was bestowed the Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor. Ernie Pomerleau was recognized as Chevealier De La Legion D’Honneur in the same ceremony. Over the past 10 years Ms. Veronneau has worked to build international relationships with Honfleur Sister City projects. In addition to the many leaders in Vermont who work to foster connections on a variety of interests shared with France and Quebee.
“This is a wonderful day for Lise and our state,” said Ernie Pomerleau, President / CEO of Pomerleau Real Estate and prior Honorary French Consul for Vermont. “I know Lise will continue to strengthen France – Vermont partnerships that enhances the economy, arts, and international relations.”
“Thank you for the confidence you have shown in me by requesting that I be the next Honorary Consul of France to Vermont. I will be honored to lend my name and continue building relationships and helping promote French initiatives,” says Veronneau.
Vermont has long helped foster a positive French-American friendship. This new appointment is a next step in this long tradition.
