French American Chamber of Commerce

June 2008 Newsletter    

In This Issue
Message from our President
Company Profile: The Warwick Hotel
FACC Events
Past Event Reflection: L'Esprit de France Gala
FACC News
Members' Corner
Economic News:
Community News
Alliance Francaise Events
Upcoming Events
 
June 19: Meet our Members Networking & Reception: Alliance Francaise & Denver International School
 
 
Quick Links

Greetings!
 
The FACC actively promotes investment and trade with France and presents programs of importance to our members, including networking mixers and events featuring experts in French-American business. 
 
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the FACC, please feel free to contact us.
 
In our monthly e-newsletter, you will find the latest news of the Chamber. Please, feel free to forward this email to a colleague or friend.
Message from our President, Bob Snyder
 
Dear Members,
 
I am pleased to report that our 2nd Annual L'esprit de France gala was a great success.  The day of the gala was very busy for our Guest of Honor, David Appia, Minister Counselor of Economic Affairs at the French Embassy.  The morning began with a Business Breakfast that brought together 20 business and community leaders.  Following that was a VIP tour of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden. The afternoon concluded with a visit to the Fitzsimons Bioscience Park.

This was Mr. Appia's first visit to Denver and it is fair to say that he returned to Washington with a very favorable impression of Colorado, our economy, and technological resources.  This visit follows a visit to Colorado in March by French Ambassador Pierre Vimont.
 
As FACC continues to grow and go from strength to strength, the visits by Ambassador Vimont and Mr. Appia served to highlight our mission of developing business ties between Colorado and France.  These high level contacts will contribute in important ways to our ability to call on French government resources to the benefit of our members.
 
Sincerely,
 
Bob Snyder
FACC President
 
Member Company Profile: The Warwick Hotel
 

Come to the Warwick Denver Hotel, where comfort meets luxury and unmatched hospitality and service are second nature.

Warwick Hotel 
 
Warwick Denver Hotel is situated in the heart of Denver's trendy Uptown neighborhood, just minutes from the State Capitol, 16th Street Mall and the Denver Convention Center. Warwick boasts some of the most spacious and elegant guestrooms with impressive views of downtown Denver, the Front Range or the Rocky Mountains. The hotel is currently completing the final stages of a $20 million renovation, and will unveil a complete Warwick Hotelredecoration of all guestrooms, public and meeting spaces as well as the lobby this summer.
Boasting 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space, Warwick Denver Hotel is perfect for corporate or small business meetings and social events. State-of-the-art audio-visual and telecommunications services are available, including Wi-Fi Internet access and a 24-hour business center.
Featuring Denver's only downtown roof-top pool as well as easy access to the Denver Zoo, museums, theaters and amusement parks, the Warwick Denver is also an ideal weekend family getaway destination. Packages perfect for families, girlfriends or couples just looking for a touch of romance are all available online. 
 
Randolph's Restaurant & Bar at the Warwick Denver Hotel has become a favorite among neighborhood residents and visitors to downtown Denver. Named one of Denver's "Best Happy Hours" by 5280 magazine, and Denver's "Best Chill Scene" by CitySearch, Randolph's tantalizing menu is enhanced and redefined seasonally by Executive Chef David Snapp, along with Chef de Cuisine Jay Shedlin.  Boasting more than 25 years of combined experience, chefs Snapp and Shedlin continually strive to surprise and delight guests with their diverse and international flare.  Dishes are simple, yet satisfying and because the menu changes seasonally, there is always a new favorite to discover. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, plus a light fare menu is available in the bar from 11 a.m. daily. The restaurant is also home to a regular wine tasting series as well as intimate, upscale wine dinners showcasing its award winning wine list. 
 
 
Warwick Denver Hotel
Albin Madurel, Director of Food and Beverage
amadurel@warwickhotels.com
1776 Grant Street
Denver, CO  80203
303-861-2000
www.WarwickDenver.com and www.RandolphsDenver.com   
Upcoming FACC Events
 
Meet our Members Reception & Networking:
Alliance Francaise & Denver International School
 
Thursday, June 19
6:00-8:00pm
 
Alliance Francaise de Denver
571 Galapago St., Denver, 80204
 
$12 members, $18 non-members, drinks and appetizers will be provided.
RSVP to 303-695-7818 or
info@rmfacc.org by June 16.
Don't forget to bring your business cards to network!
 
We are sure you have heard of them, but to you really know everything they do? This is your perfect opportunity to find out more.
 
Interested in having your child learn French?
Looking for French movies, books, or CD's?
What to know what kind of accreditation DIS has?
Do you have questions about traveling to a French speaking country?
Are you looking to meet more Francophiles in Denver?
 
Then this is for you.
 
Meet with representatives of both organizations and take part in a short presentation where you can learn about all the services and programs offered by theses organizations.
 
 
The mission of the Alliance Française is to encourage the study of French language and cultures and to foster cultural, intellectual, artistic, and friendly exchanges between the French-speaking world and our local community.  
 
 
 
 
Denver International School is an independent school that fulfills the highest educational standards of the United States, China, France, Spain and other countries by offering early immersion bilingual international education, accredited by participating governments, in order to prepare its students to thrive in a diverse and competitive global society.  
 

 
2nd Annual International Business & Soccer Night
 
presented by the World Trade Center Denver and the Consular Corp of Colorado in cooperation with the French American Chamber of Commerce 
 
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Reception at 5:30pm, Game at 7:30pm
 
Colorado RapidsThis will be an evening of international networking and fun. International Business & Soccer Night is your chance to meet a multitude of people from our region who are involved in international business and to support Colorado's efforts to shape its image as a recognized global community. Bring the kids too as it's "Rapids Kids Night" at the stadium, with mascot appearances and give-aways.
 
Your ticket includes a stadium style picnic at a private reception, and a reserved seat at the game. Come experience the world's game as The Colorado Rapids host the Houston Dynamo at the world class Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Now in their 13th season, the Colorado Rapids enjoy a roster filled with notable international soccer players. Additionally, with the team's recent partnership with the world-famous London Arsenal Football Club, the Rapids have come into the  international spotlight and have benefited from collaborative coaching, player development, and business/marketing techniques.

 
For reservations, please call the World Trade Center
 
303-592-5760 or visit
www.wtcdenver.com
 
Click here to download the Registration Form 
L'Esprit de France Gala
 
2nd Annual L'esprit de France Benefit Gala
 
Bill Clarke and MimeOver 150 people enjoyed an exquisite five-course gourmet meal paired with French wines, remarks by our Guest of Honor, David Appia, Minister Counselor of Economic Affairs at the French Embassy in Washington DC as well as our Special Guest, Claudine Pépin, television host and daughter of acclaimed chef and food writer, Jacques Pépin.  
 
Bill Clarke was the MC for the evening and guests enjoyed being greeting by a curious mime as they perused the Silent Auction offerings.Ice Sculpture
 
Sarah Jane McMahon with the Central City Opera sang two beautiful arias and Angelica Daneo gave us fascinating insights into the upcoming exhibits at the Denver Art Museum
 
The newest initiative of the FACC, CORA - Colorado Rhone-Alpes- Economic Development Network, was discussed and the ice sculpture centerpieces showcased some of the similarities between our two regions.
 
 
AwardsWe also presented two awards for contribution to French-American business to Rick Spear, president of Leitner-Poma of America and Robert E. Joyce, President and CEO of Wheelabrator Group. 
Guests
 
 
 
Thank you to all who participated.  A portion of the funds raised from the event will be used to provide scholarships to international business students. 
Merci Beaucoup to our sponsors:
 
Rhone Sponsor
 
Wheelabrator Group
 
Saone Sponsors
 
Holland and Hart LLP              Invest in France Agency
 
 
Ardeche Sponsors
Bank of the West  Keyria  Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
  Dish Network                                     
 
 
Merci Sponsors
 
Central City Opera     Denver Art Museum  The Westin Tabor Center
 
 
 
 
FACC News
 
 
 Member Privileges Program
 
We would like to announce the re-launch of our new Privileges Program.  Below is the current list of participating partners.  Visit our Member Benefits page for a detailed list of discounts that you can take advantage of as a FACC member.  We are hard at work finding new discounts and benefits for our members. 
 
At each company listed below who has a storefront, you will find a FACC window sticker along with FACC brochures to let you know they are a participating partner.  Remember to present your Carte Privileges when taking advantage of any discount or offer.
 
New Features:
  • Expanded Benefits
  • Link to current list of benefits in monthly E-newletter
  • Window Sticker & Brochures at each business to let you know they are a FACC partner 
If there is a discount you would like us to pursue that you don't see listed, please let us know.   If you would like to offer a discount please contact Angela at angela@rmfacc.org.
 
  • Above the Rim Fine Wines 
  • Katherine's French Bakery
  • The Language of Food
  • Randolph's Restaurant and Bar
  • Alliance Francaise de Denver
  • Auto Europe
  • City Frames
  • City Image Print
  • France-Amerique
  • France Today
  • Gold French Properties
  • Muriel Martin Gold, Real Estate Agent
  • Standing Room Only DJ Services
Members' Corner
 
 Amélie Company Enhances Account Services Department:
Hires Two Fresh Faces
Amelie

 

Amélie Company, a Denver-based advertising, public relations and marketing firm, announces two additions to its Account Services Department.
Jessica Wirt brings over six years experience in marketing, sales, and customer service to Amélie Company. At Amélie, Wirt has focused her efforts on developing unique interactive communications for her clients.
Gwendoline Van Doosselaere brings years of professional experience in the arts, non-profit communications and entrepreneurial development. She assists in both Anglophone and Francophone projects at Amélie Company.  

 
 French Wine Tasting Dinner
Thursday, June 5, 2008, 6:30pm 
 
 
A four-course dinner with paired wines.  Cost is $60 per person plus tax and gratuity.   View the menu at www.lapetitemaisoncs.com.  Call 719-632-4887 to make your reservation.
 
Our Patio is now open! Enjoy dining under the Parisian market style lights with French music playing outside to set the mood.  If the evening turns a little chilly, we will get a wood fire burning in the fireplace.   
 
 


Enroll Today!!! 
 
Your Child's Gateway to Summer Excitement!!!  Denver International School offers week-long day camps in language (French, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese), sports, cultural exploration and creative arts.  Our camps are designed to challenge your child academically, physically and mentally in a fun, engaging environment.   Camps begin at 3 years-old and continue through 5th grade.
 
For a full schedule and registration, visit us on the web at www.dischool.org or call our front office (303.756.0381).
 


100% French! Reserve your child's space today!

The French Immersion Summer Camp is a camp designed for children from ages 5 to 12 years. Beginner or fluent, your child will be immersed in a French environment where all the activities will be taught in French, such as cooking, sewing/craft, theater, mask making, yoga, jewelery making, music and singing, language and storytelling, creative writing/poetry.

Where:  735 S. 46th St., Boulder, 80305
When:  8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
5 Sessions:
June 2-6 (full), June 9-13, June 16-20, June 23-27, June 30-July 3
Prices: $285 per child/per session. 10% discount for siblings/multiple sessions.
To register: 303.819.4084 or marie@thelanguageoffood.com 
 
Economic News
 
French Doctors Create Robotic Anesthesiologist
 
AnesthesiologistFrench doctors at the Foch Hospital in Suresnes, a western suburb of Paris, recently invented a new system to control the administration of anesthesia to surgery patients. The first robot anesthésiste, or anesthesiologist robot, is able to administer precise dosage and to manage a patient's level of consciousness.
 
The machine monitors the brainwaves of individuals during surgery through an electrode placed on the forehead. Tracking the patient's vital statistics to ensure safety, the robot induces sleep, maintains the patient's appropriate level of consciousness, and subsequently wakes him or her up. The BSI, or bispectral index, determines consciousness level, with 0 corresponding to an absence of cerebral activity, and 100 representing full consciousness. Individuals undergoing surgery should sustain a level of cerebral activity between 40 and 60.
 
The project was initiated after several instances of insufficient anesthesia doses in France and the United States when patients were able to recall what happened during their surgeries. Excessive doses of anesthesia are also known to limit life expectancy in certain cases.
 
The anesthesiologist robot is currently employed in two out of twelve operating rooms in the Foch Hospital, and a total of 50 examiners across France and Europe are also participating in this biomedical research.
 
From News From France Vol. 08.04 May 18, 2008 
Photo Courtesy: Foch Hospital

Community News

 
Gambro BCT Seeking Bilingual Customer Relations Specialist
 
GambroThis individual will hold responsibility for, providing customer support by finding timely resolutions to customer requests for product orders, equipment service requests, directory assistance and product and literature inquiries. Work requires specialized knowledge of, and/or experience with procedures throughout the organization and allows independence of action and discretion in the disposition of routine and non-routine matters.
 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Interface extensively with internal and external customers via the telephone
  • Assist Technical and Clinical Specialists with resolving customer issues
  • Work directly with customers and collaborate with Global Customer Support
  • Requires a comprehensive knowledge of products and department/business policies/procedures
  • Contribute to overall training of the department and in assigned areas be the "expert" for the department in his/her occupational field
Qualifications:
  • High-school education or equivalent plus 1-2 years experience in related field
  • Bilingual English & French
  • 8-hour shift with flexible schedule (6am-6:30pm)
  • Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
  • Exceptional interactive phone skills
  • Intermediate knowledge of PC software applications and operating systems
  • Resourcefulness and ability to problem solve, make decisions independently
  • Ability to establish workload priorities and manage a diverse workload with a high level of accuracy in an environment of constant interruptions.
This job is currently posted on the FACC website.  Please contact Gambro BCT if you are interested in this position elizabeth.pageau@gambrobct.com.  


  
International Business Seminar
 
Friday, May 30, 2008, 8:00AM-12PM

The South Metro Chamber of Commerce will host a free international business seminar featuring Kam Shah, Project Manager, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC; Suzanne Etcheverry, Senior Investment Insurance Office, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC); Lawrence Tang, Head, Investment Promotions, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office; Nurane Bashir, Economic Consul, Embassy of Chad; Lerato Mataboge, Economic Minister, Embassy of South Africa; and representatives from the Denver U.S. Export Assistance Center, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and the World Trade Center Denver. 
 
The event will be held at the South Metro Chamber, 6840 S. University Blvd. in Littleton.
To register,contact Valerie Fitch at (303) 795-0142 and mention that you are a FACC member.
Alliance Francaise Events

 

Alliance Francaise

French Summer Soiree

sponsored by Gay and Lesbian Fund
 
 
July 12th, 2008 5pm to 9:30pm

 Denver Botanic Gardens

$57 members, $67 non-members, $75 at the door

 

On July 12th, the Monet Garden at the Denver Botanic Gardens will go one step beyond the artist's famous ``jardin`` in Giverney, as guests enjoy a veritable cornucopia of samplings from six of the best French restaurants in Denver, along with wines from the region's best-known distributors and music that harkens back to that last trip to Paris, or the one you'd like to take.

Guests will stroll past mimes, stilt walkers, live statues... even a fortune teller and a caricaturist... take a private tour of the gardens.

 


 
Photographing People... From Denver to Paris and Beyond
 
Thursday, June 5th, 2008
 Alliance Française Gallery
 
Looking to get something more out of your pictures, then posed photos of you or your family smiling in front of all the classic monuments? Come take part in a photography workshop by Jon Yamamoto. 
 
Jon's current passion is documenting people and places. This exhibit is part of his ongoing project started in 2005 and 2007 on people in Paris and the city itself.  
$8 members, $10 non-members, a complimentary glass of wine will be offered afterwards. Please call 303.831.0304 or sign-up online. 
 

 
 Friday, June 6th, 2008
6:00-9:00pm
FREE! (including hors d'oeuvres)
  

 

Cine Club

Tuesday, June 17th, 7:00pm
Starz FilmCenter (900 Auraria Pkwy.) 
 
Film: Je ne suis pas la pour etre aime (en francais with English subtitles)
Cost: $7.00, includes the film and reception
 
Come be part of the new Ciné Club. For French and film lovers alike. The Alliance Française is kicking off a new program in collaboration with Starz Film Center. Every third Tuesday of the month for just $7 you can enjoy a new a French film, a French reception with wine and hors-d'oeuvres after as well as the opportunity de parler français. 
 

The Rocky Mountain French-American Chamber of Commerce aims to promote the local French American business community as well as to support local French and American companies with their trade needs.
 
phone: 303-695-7818