French Consul, General Gael Maisonneuve, makes a point to visit Tallahassee at least twice a year.
"I've been to Tallahassee quite a few times," he said, noting matter-of-factly that he likes to visit the city.
Often times it's business that brings him to the capital city. However, his upcoming visit will allow him to mix a little business with pleasure.
On Monday, the Florida Chamber of Commerce kicks off its annual International Days event with an evening opening reception at the Florida State University Conference Center.
Frank Ryll, director of Global Outreach for the chamber, said the two-day event brings the international community together at the state capital.
"We've got two ambassadors to the United States coming from Colombia and Canada," Ryll said. "We also have the administrator for the Panama Canal; it's widening can be really beneficial to the U.S."
The event also puts a spotlight on international business, Ryll added.
"There's no great opportunity. We are in a global economy and people are realizing there are a lot of great activities around the globe," he said.
Maisonneuve is looking forward to the opportunity to share what the consul does.
"International Days is a good moment of interaction," he said. "For two days, international representatives are coming together to discuss how we can do business better. I think it's really great to know a little bit more."
But also during his visit, Maisonneuve is attending a celebration reception hosted by Alliance Francaise of Tallahassee at A La Provence in Market Square, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday.
"We are very happy to add the Alliance to the American family," he said. "I am very happy to have the opportunity to celebrate with them."
The local organization was founded in early 2006, said Mary Bradford, president. In November the group officially became an Alliance chapter, a position that can only be given by the Alliance Francaise in Paris.
"To be an alliance you can't just be like social clubs, you have to teach (French) classes and provide opportunities to learn more about culture and arts," Bradford said. "That's our main thing."
Since its inception the local organization has been offering French classes. It also hosts Bastille Day and Fete de la Musique events and the organization has participated in other community events such as Springtime Tallahassee Festival.
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