| Welcome to our New Members |
Senior Corporate Member
Invest in France Agency Invest in France Agency (IFA) promotes and facilitates international investment in France. The IFA network operates worldwide. IFA works in partnership with regional development agencies to offer international investors business opportunities and customized services all over France.
Small Business Members
Action Coach
The #1 Business Coaching firm in the world with over 1,200 coaches in 29 countries around the globe. Business Coaching is a step-by-step relationship-driven process. It starts by helping business owners to gain focus and clarity on their challenges and objectives, increase their knowledge with proven tools and strategies and hold business owner's accountable to achieve results. 303-669-0799 www.actioncoach.com/yolandaduperret
Bella Bookkeeping LLC
Bookkeeping services, including payroll, sales taxes and A/R, A/P services, etc. Custom tailored to fit your needs as a small business owner so that you can have more time to do what you do best. "Keeping Your Books Beautiful!"
Cheese Importers
Cheese Importers is a family owned and operated Colorado business importing and supplying the finest restaurants, hotels, caterers and grocery stores with the highest quality cheeses, specialty meats, olives, oils/vinegars, pastas, chocolates and much more. We also have a Europen Style Market open to the public in Longmont, with another opening in Lafayette in Spring 2009. 303-443-4444 www.cheeseimporters.com
Vince Pietrobon, P.C.
A full service CPA firm providing accounting and tax preparation services to individuals and small businesses. The practice also provides planning and management tools as part of a CFO and Controller service. Mr. Pietrobon has over 14 years as a CPA, and over 25 years in finance and accounting for both Fortune 100 firms, and start-ups.
Associate Members
Aline Chambre Reed Foster Albin Madurel
Faculty Member
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| Member Company Profile: Keyria, Inc. |
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Keyria, Inc., the former Ceric, Inc., is the North and South America business unit of Paris based Keyria.
Ceric, Inc. was a wholly owned subsidiary of Ceric S.A. located in Paris, France that was incorporated in 1961. Ceric, Inc. commenced US operations in 1987 with business activities that included design and construction of turnkey brick and tile plants, plant modernizations and the installation of technically advanced manufacturing equipment. Over the next several years, the company successfully diversified their interests to include concrete products and technical ceramics.
 During the period from incorporation to the Keyria acquisition in late 2007, Ceric, Inc. developed a well respected reputation for innovation, quality and service in the building products industry. The Ceric, Inc. 1997 introduction of robotics to the North American brick industry is only one example of the company's creative and cutting-edge technology that has helped to revolutionize brick manufacturing.
The two owners and founders of Ceric S.A. were very successful in building the small start-up firm into a thriving enterprise. The company grew primarily through acquisition of some of the most well known European companies providing services to the building products industry. Of prime concern to the owners, when they decided to sell, was to target a purchaser that had the financial strength and the vision to build the company in order to compete in very difficult and changing markets for building materials of the future. The sale of Ceric S.A. to Legris Industries, headquartered in Rennes, France, was finalized in December of 2007.
The corporate name change, in April 2008, affirms the objective to promote the entire Keyria group of companies and respective technologies, including Ceric and Adler in France, Keller-HCW in Germany, Morando in Italy, Equipceramic in Spain and the other related companies in these business units. A close working relationship with our sister companies will help to insure Keyria, Inc. customers will benefit by having access to the most up-to-date technologies for the manufacture of building products.
 Keyria, Inc. currently employs over 30 engineers of various disciplines as well a dedicated staff of support personnel. The broad expertise of this group is key to the continued development of the Keyria, Inc. leadership in the design, engineering and automation of complete factories for clay and concrete building products, technical ceramics and gypsum materials. Not satisfied to only consider present day building materials, Keyria, Inc, has also partnered in the development of proprietary, green-type building materials.
The hallmark of Keyria, Inc. success is based on a design-build concept derived from vertical integration which permits greater control over the construction and commissioning phases of new plant construction. This integration process allows the incorporation of major pieces of technologically advanced equipment specifically designed to function as a unit and to meet the customer's precise needs. The ultimate objective is to provide a more cost effective manufacturing facility with greater ease of operation and maintenance. Without question, melding of American technology with advanced European equipment is a distinct advantage for prospective North and South American customers.
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| Upcoming Events |
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International Business & Rodeo Day- RSVP BY TODAY!
at the "Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza"
 January 10, 2009
5:00pm Reception
7:30pm Mexican Rodeo
$35 for FACC members, $45 non-members,
$30 children 3-11yrs.
 Your ticket includes:
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A western-style buffet and complimentary drinks at a private reception in the National Western Club
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A reserved seat at the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza
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Full-day access to the exhibition floors.
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Special food and children's activities will be available for attendees bringing their families.
In honor of the 10th year of collaboration with the National Western Stock Show we timed our event to coincide with the spectacular Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza. Mexico has long been one of Colorado's top trading partners and we are pleased to showcase the Mexican Rodeo to the international business community. Filled with cultural pageantry, the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza features bull riders and bareback riders, trick roping, mariachi and the daring Paso de la Muetre or the "Death Jump". Jerry Diaz, a fourth-generation champion charro (a traditional Mexican cowboy) highlights the action-packed line up. The Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza sells our every year - sign up early so that you don't miss out!
For more information call 303-592-5760
Small Business Roundtable:
How to be Prepared for the 2009 Economy
Wednesday, January 21, 8:30am
Alliance Francaise, 571 Galapago St., Denver 80204
Join us for an interactive discussion facilitated by Yolanda Duperret with ActionCoach. Yolanda began business coaching by applying the financial, marketing, sales and team-building skills acquired from 12 years of experience working as an international banker. She will help to navigate through the challenges Small Businesses will face in the 2009 Economy. This event is currently only open to FACC members, although we will accept non-members on a "space available" basis.
Participants are asked to submit a few questions/ topics of discussion before the event. Ms. Duperret will then choose the most commonly asked as well as the most pertinent as starting points for the roundtable discussion.
This event is FREE but you must RSVP by Friday, January 16 to 303-695-7818 or online.
Euro Networking at The Wine Loft
Thursday, February 5
6:00-8:00pm
Join the British-American, French-American, German-American & Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce for an animated evening of networking. Don't forget to bring your business cards!
Cost: $12 members, $18 non-members. Appetizers included. There will be a cash bar. RSVP to 303-695-7818 or online by Monday, February 2.
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| Economic News |
According to a latest report by KPMG (Guide to International Business Location, 2008), France has the lowest business set up costs in Europe.
These include the following areas:
- Lower energy costs. France ranks better than the US, Germany and the UK for electricity rates (cost per KW) for industries.
- Lower real estates costs. The French business real estate market ranks 3rd in Europe by investment volume, behind the UK and Germany. Considered the most dynamic market in Europe, the business real estate market in France has once again broken the record for transactions volume (2.65 million sq.m. of office space distributed in Paris region) and investments totaling €28.5 billion in 2007. The French market is attractive to international investors who represent 60% of building purchases in France. The Paris Region is the leading European business real estate center, with an office park of 49 million sq.m., a business park of 30 million sq.m. and a warehouse park of 29 million sq.m.
- Lower labor costs. Despite strong rates of social contributions, labor costs in France remain competitive because pay rates are considerably lower than the EU average. Various social contribution exemptions also help to reduce labor costs for the employer. Given the reduction in social contributions for low-wage salaries in particular, global labor costs in the industrial sector in France are among the lowest in the EU-15. Current employee costs (including social security charges) are lower in France than in Germany, the UK and the Netherlands.
Click here to read more
Taken From: Business Brief From France, the Invest in France Agency Newsletter, December 2008
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Members' Corner |
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Senior French Executive to Keynote CORE Sustainability Conference
 Bob Snyder and RMFACC were instrumental in arranging for Claude Graff, Executive VP, Renewable Energy for the giant French Schneider Group in Paris to make a keynote speech at CORE's 2009 Sustainable Opportunities Summit at the CO Convention Center, March 17 -19, 2009. CORE expects 900 attendees at the Summit, which is co-hosted by the City of Denver. 65 experts from around the world will discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with creating a more responsible and sustainable global economy. More information: www.summit.org.
Prepared Escargots at Whole Foods
 White Toque is proud to announce that you can purchase their Prepared Escargots in shell in the Fresh Fish department at your local Whole Foods Markets. Only 10 Stores are carrying the Escargots, so do not hesitate to ask to your local Whole Foods Market in which store you can find this gourmet item. Thanks for your support.
Contact Monia Sabathier at 551-556-8508
DISH Network introduces its new African combo channel: 3ATelesud/Afrotainment
3A TELESUD is a 12-hour-a-day French-language channel broadcasting a variety of content for the audience of the African and West Indies descent and the African Diaspora. 3A TELESUD offers a variety of African and West Indies programming including news, talk-shows, magazines, documentaries, music videos, live concerts and much more.
AFROTAINMENT TM is a 12-hour-a-day English-language channel broadcasting top quality African movies and TV Series from Nollywood (the prolific Nigerian film industry) and other major African motion picture houses.
Subscribe to 3ATelesud/Afrotainment for only $9.99/month or take 5 French channels for $19.99/month
Call 1-888-483-3887 for more information.
Special Offer for FACC Members - 10% discount off Kompass!
 Kompass helps you grow your business through two services: our database and our advertising system
Contact potential customers through our reliable and in-depth database.
Kompass is a comprehensive in-depth B-2-B database, with more than 2.4 million International and domestic companies listed, which link buyers and sellers worldwide. Save your prospecting time! Contact potential customers! An effective tool for creating sales leads and executing your sales and marketing programs:
- Identify new business sources and locate suppliers and partners.
- Optimize your prospecting activities and track qualifies sales leads.
- Increase your information on specific companies and update your customers' database.
- Enhance your telemarketing and direct marketing activities.
Be contacted by buyers searching for your products.
- Promote your activities on Kompass and reach domestic and international buyers searching for your specific products or services. Every month, more than 4.5
- Cost effective method to reach domestic and international buyers
- Easy links to your email address, catalog, and website
- Increase website visibility and search engine optimization
 You will enjoy a 10% discount if you subscribe through the FACC Rocky Mountain, start today!
Denver International School Open House - January 25th!
 We invite you and your friends to take this opportunity to look into language immersion for your child! Please join us sometime on Sunday, January 25th from 1 to 3 pm at our Lowry location (effective for the 2009-10 school year - 206 Red Cross Way, Denver, CO 80230). Take a personal guided tour regarding our French, Spanish and/or Mandarin programs and speak with administrators about your child's education. We are accepting applications for the 2009-2010 school year!
For additional information, please contact us at info@dischool.org or 303.756.0381.
 Job Opening: Alliance Francaise The Alliance Française is seeking a Part-Time Bilingual Administrative Assistant ($10/hour, 24 hours/week). Responsibilities will include answering phones and emails, assisting students with class registration and library borrowing, and taking payments.
 Job Opening: Amelie Company
We are looking for a highly organized and detail-oriented Account Service Professional to work mainly with our client, TV5MONDE. TV5MONDE is the French-language television channel broadcast to over 165 million households around the world. This bilingual (French-English) account coordinator will be responsible for TV5MONDE print and online marketing campaigns, semi-monthly program guide and program management and scheduling in the U.S.
 Job Opening: Denver International School
Denver International School is searching for a strong, self-driven individual who will get out in the community to raise awareness of the school. The 2008/2009 school year will be one of big transitions and changes for Denver International School and a creative and ambitious Director of Marketing and Communications is necessary to capitalize on opportunities for press, public relations, growing awareness and communications of the school.
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| Past Event Reflections |
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Euro Networking at the Christkindl Market
On Thursday, December 11 the French-American Chamber of Commerce, the German-American Chamber of Commerce and the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce hosted their Holiday Euro Networking event. The event was held at the German Christkindl Market in the warming tent from 6 to 8pm. Over 35 guests enjoyed hot cider, hot wine and beers, specialty hors d'oeuvres from Germany and interesting networking.
10th Annual Beaujolais & Beyond Photos Online Now!
Over 500 guests enjoyed the Festival.
"Beaujolais 2008 was my first FACC event and it was fantastic. The food and wine were terrific and took me to France for an evening. I will be back next year. " - Anne Brenner, 2008 Festival Guest
"A pleasant evening of food, wine and entertainment. The event was meticulously organized and the variety of food from the city's top chefs will keep you busy all evening. Come hungry. If you love good food and wine, you owe it to yourself to participate next year." - Chilaka Karthick, 2008 Festival Guest
"My wife and I had a great time and had a chance to get to know a lot of new people. This was one of the best events I've attended this year. I'll be bringing more guests with me next year." - Bradford Dempsey, FACC Member
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| Important Visa Update |
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From January 2009, travelers under the Visa Waiver Program like France or other UE countries - will be required by the Department of Homeland Security to obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to their departure. The requirement does not affect US citizens returning from overseas or citizens of VWP countries traveling on a valid US visa.
Instead of filling out the green I-94 visa waiver in the plane, travelers from countries exempt from visa requirements - UE, Japan and Australia - will have to register online via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA will be mandatory as of January 12, 2009. Please visit http://www.consulfrance-losangeles.org/ for further details. |
| Alliance Francaise Events |
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French Dinner at Crepes n' Crepes
 Wednesday, January 14, 7:00pm
Crepes n' Crepes, 1512 Larimer (downtown Denver) Good food, good company, good ambiance - all it takes to celebrate the beginning of the year French style. Dinner at Crêpes n' Crêpes will include soup/salad, savory and desert crêpes, wine and coffee.
Cost: $32 AF & FACC members, $36 non-members (includes: meal, wine, tip & tax)
Preview Les Pecheurs de Perles
 Thursday, January 22, 6:00pm
Alliance Francaise Gallery, 571 Galapago St.
While many opera lovers may be familiar with Georges Bizet's most famous work, Carmen, relatively few people have had the chance to enjoy his earlier work Les Pêcheurs de Perles (The Pearl Fishers). Opera Colorado will produce the Rocky Mountain regional premiere of the little-known opera at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in February. Preview the performance with Opera Colorado General Director Greg Carpenter. Learn what makes French opera distinct from other traditions, including how Louis XIV has had a lasting impact on performances today. Members of the Opera Colorado Outreach Ensemble will perform selections from the opera. Limited seating available. The presentation is in English.
Cost: $8 AF & FACC members, $10 non-members. Free for high school and university students. RSVP 303-831-0304 or online
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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.
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Dear Members and Friends of FACC, 
