Dear Members and Friends of FACC,

We have now closed the door on 2007 and are proud of what RMFACC has achieved thanks to our Members and many supporters. We introduced new programs, achieved record results on existing programs, and more than doubled revenue. We are excited at the prospects for continued growth in 2008 and the introduction of additional new programs.

I am pleased to announce that we are introducing a proactive service to assist companies with their plans to export to and invest in France - more on this in upcoming newsletters. Our collaboration with the Colorado Nanotechnology Alliance has already resulted in three referral this month for our services.

Finally, we are pleased to have been invited to participate in activities surrounding the visit in March of Ambassador Pierre Vimont. His visit will be followed in May by David Appia, Minister Counselor of Economic Affairs, who will be our Guest of Honor at the 2nd Annual L'esprit de France.

On behalf of all the staff and Board members, we wish you a very Happy New Year.

Bob Snyder
FACC President

Welcome our newest Board Member!
Vincent Trinquesse , a French native, has been living and working in the US since 1999. He is the Executive Assistant for the Consulate General of Canada in Denver. Prior to this, he was the Marketing Manager for EchoStar Satellite LLC/Dish Network where he promoted 5 different French language television and radio channels accross the USA.

Small Business Members:

Amelie Company is currently looking for and Account Executive and an Account Coordinator to join their team. If you have experience in account management or account services, then we'd like to hear from you. Send resume and cover letter to: dleupi@ameliecompany.com No phone calls please.

For a complete description of these positions, please visit: www.ameliecompany.com/careers.html

Where : Patton Boggs, LLP, 1801 California, Suite 4900
When : Thursday, January 24, 3-6pm
Cost : Members $20, Nonmembers $35
Register Online : www.blacktie-colorado.com/rsvp . Enter event code: forecast08

Patricia Silverstein, chief economist for the Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, and president of Development Research Partners will share her 2008 Economic Forecast for the Denver metropolitan area. The national and local economies are maintaining a tenuous balance, and she will provide valuable information on how this will impact you and your business.

Denver International School
1958 Elm Street · Denver · 80220

We are accepting applications for the 2008-2009 school year!
For additional information, please contact us at info@dischool.org or 303.756.0381

La Baguette de Normandy has just opened its doors in Parker.
French Bakery: Bread, pastries,chocolate

La Baguette de Normandy
16524 Keystone blvd, Parker
Tel: (720) 628-3501
Open Monday Saturday 7.00am-7.00pm
Closed Sunday

FRANCE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS WITH FOREIGN INVESTORS

Today, attracting international investors is a top priority for the French government, with foreign direct investment (FDI) targeted to boost growth and generate jobs. France already offers many attractive benefits, and President Sarkozy is making the business environment more friendly than ever with new economic reforms. These changes give France a stronger competitive edge, and are driving closer ties with its principal global investors.

Foreign investment is welcomed freely in France.
International investors who do business in France benefit from the same advantages as French or European companies, including tax credits and R&D funding.
France openly welcomes foreign investment, with only one exception to this general rule: the French government oversees the authorization of investments linked to 11 sensitive sectors (including 4 defense related and 7 public order and safety activities) defined in the decree of December 2005, which is a clarification of a previous regulation. No refusals have been recorded related to this decree. France's regulations follow the same type of rules in other OECD countries. In the US, investments that might have national security implications are known to be carefully scrutinized, and foreign companies looking to acquire an American business must get authorization from the Committee on Foreign Investments. The UK, too, has rules that allow intervention in investment activities deemed to be in conflict with public interest.

International investment is an important growth factor for the French economy.
The French economy is driven by FDI.
France currently ranks 3rd in the world behind the US and the UK, with FDI inflow of $81 billion. America is the leading foreign investor in France, supporting 550,000 French jobs. Almost $1 billion worth of commercial transactions occur between the US and France every business day.
Foreign investment generates close to 2 million jobs in France.
Almost 20,000 international investors from all over the world are helping the French economy boom, supplying double the amount of jobs compared to 10 years ago. Some 40,000 new jobs were created in 2006 (+33% over 2005) as a result of foreign projects in France, marking the highest level ever reported by the Invest in France Agency.
Foreign companies are key research partners in France's innovative clusters.
Innovative research initiatives being driven in France's 71 officially labeled clusters are open to foreign companies, who are free to take part in projects that are already underway or initiate new projects. Funding benefits that are available to French or European companies are also available to foreign companies.

French companies are becoming more and more global.
Major foreign acquisitions of French firms are on the rise.
In 2006, there were 460 deals involving mergers and acquisitions of French companies by foreign firms, totaling over $54 billion, compared with $45 billion in 2005. Notable deals include:

• Mittal (India) bought the French-Luxembourg steel group Arcelor.
• Retail group AS Watson (Hong Kong) bought the French perfume and cosmetics company Marionnaud.
• Transport and infrastructure firm Abertis (Spain) bought the French highway network Sanef.
• Fast Retailing (Japan) bought the French clothing brands Princess Tam Tam and Comptoir des Cotonniers.
• Print company Paragon (UK) acquired Lithotech France, making it the largest print provider in France.

International investment funds are buying companies in France.
International investment funds are putting money into France, including:

• Wealth management giant Merrill Lynch (US) bought the French electrical supplies distributor Rexel (ex-PPR).
• Real-estate investment group Starwood Capital (US) purchased the French hotel and luxury retail company
• Private equity firm 3i (UK) bought the French transport operator Keolis.
• Private equity firm BC Partners (UK) bought the French frozen food retailer Picard Surgeles.

The French stock exchange is more international than any European market.
Nearly 47% of the capital on the CAC 40, the benchmark index for the French stock exchange, is owned by foreign investors. In April 2007, Euronext (which includes the Paris bourse) joined forces with NYSE to give birth to the world's largest and most liquid stock-market platform, with average daily trading value totaling some $120 billion and capitalization of listed companies totaling $28,500 billion. France is a top world business destination of choice.
International companies recognize France as a friendly business partner.
Paris ranks 2nd after Tokyo among the world's leading cities for the location of Global 500 company headquarters.
Thousands of talented international professionals are working in France.
France is a key country of choice among highly skilled professionals. The French government promotes a new selective immigration process that opens doors to over 300,000 jobs for foreigners in France in a variety of dynamic sectors. Research presents other opportunities, and France greeted 20,000 scientists from around the world in 2006. New regulations are being launched to make it easier than ever for foreign talent to work in France.

To find out more about France's welcoming business environment for foreign investment, please visit www.investinfrance.org.

To find out more about France's welcoming business environment for foreign investment, please visit www.investinfrance.org

Learn the impact of the US income & estate tax systems on non-citizens".

Thursday, February 7, 2008
6PM to 8PM
Hosted by Amuse by Michel
1475 Lawrence Street, Downtown Denver

Appetizers will be offered and a cash bar is available.

Cost: $12 members; $17 non-members
Please RSVP by Tuesday, February 5
Call: 303.695.7818. Payment is required in advance.

Make your reservations now for the 9th Annual International Business & Rodeo Day, an evening of international networking and fun at the National Western Stock Show. Now in its 101st year, the stock show offers a look at the important business of agriculture, which continues to attract overseas visitors and global interest to our state. In 2006, agricultural exports grew 23% to $1.16 billion, accounting for 14% of Colorado's $8.4 billion in exports.
International Business & Rodeo Day is your chance to meet over 200 people from our region who are involved in international business and to support Colorado's efforts to shape our image as a recognized global community. Your ticket includes complimentary drinks and a western buffet at a private reception in the National Western Club, a reserved seat at the rodeo, and full-day access to the exhibition floors.

Date: Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Time: Reception at 5:00pm, Rodeo at 7:30pm
Location: National Western Club in the Hall of Education, 4655 Humboldt Street (go to www.national western.com for a map)
Cost: $25 for WTC, FACC and participating international chamber members; $35 for non- members
Registration: Download a registration form here. Credit Card reservations and payment may be faxed to 303-592-5228. Call 303- 592-5760 or visit www.wtcdenver.com for more information.

Sign-up for Winter 2008 Classes Now! Classes start January 7th.

• Register online at www.afdenver.org
• at our front desk at 571 Galapago St.
• by phone 303-831-0304
• or by fax 303-573-0378

Come to the Alliance Française for an afternoon of French Immersion. Enjoy a relaxed, natural atmosphere in which to practice conversation with other French learners. Brush-up on forgotten grammar and put it to use through interactive games and role-plays.

Dates: Sat., January 19th (Beginner Levels 103 and 104)
Sat., January 26th (Intermediate Levels 201 and 204)
Sat., January 26th (Advanced Level 301 and higher)
Time: 1-5pm (4 hours)
Where: 571 Galapago St.
Cost: $52
To Register : 303-831-0304

Date : Thursday, February 21 6-9pm
Location : Reed Photo Gallery and John Fielder's Colorado (833 Santa Fe Drive)
Cost : $26 members, $31 non members
RSVP : 303-831-0304 or online.
Please note this event usually sells out about 2 weeks before.