| Welcome to our New Members |
Small Business Member
Adventure Travel West
We are a tour operator specializing in exceptional trips throughout the Western United States. We offer tours for small and large groups as well as individual travelers. Let us take you to famous National Parks as well as hidden wonders far off the beaten path...
303-697-6688 www.at-west.com
Non-Profit Member
American Institute of Wine & Food
The American Institute of Wine Food is a non-profit organization founded by Julia Child, Robert Mondavi, Richard Graff and others in 1981 to advance the understanding, appreciation and quality of what we eat and drink. We promote an exchange of ideas that benefit both professionals and dedicated enthusiasts through publications and programs.
303-333-2378 www.aiwf.org/colorado/
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| Member Company Profile: Invest in France Agency |
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In the last two years, numerous fundamental reforms have been creating a more flexible business environment for companies in France.
Recent reforms include major support for research and innovation with 71 dedicated clusters and the most generous R&D tax credit in the OECD, overtime incentives and the reduction of work-hour limitations for management staff, along with numerous income tax advantages and streamlined visa applications for expatriate employees.
Ask any of the 22,000 foreign companies already doing business in France, and they will tell you that France is the logical choice, offering its:
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enviable location at the heart of the EU market
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highly-skilled and very productive workforce
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unparalleled infrastructure
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low business, real estate, and electricity costs.
There are many factors making France the third leading foreign direct investment destination in the world, and the Invest in France Agency is making sure U.S. businesses are benefiting from them.
France's Foreign Direct Investment Experts
Invest in France Agency (IFA) is the French government's arm for economic development. The agency's primary mission is to promote and facilitate international investment in France. With 22 offices worldwide and partnerships with 21 French regions, IFA offers international investors business opportunities and customized services all over France.
IFA provides assistance at every stage of the investment process. IFA experts offer legal and tax advice, help during the set-up process, and after-care services. Working to simplify and accelerate administrative procedures, their assistance is free, customized and strictly confidential.
IFA also plays an advisory role to the government regarding reforms to make France increasingly business-friendly.
The business development experts in the IFA San Francisco office specialize in working with Colorado-based companies, and are always available to discuss new opportunities, recent advantageous reforms, and next steps for success in Europe.
For more information:
Invest in France Agency
88 Kearny Street - Suite 700
San Francisco, CA 94108
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Upcoming Events |
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Small Business Roundtable
Increase Your Bottom Line Profits - The 5-Way Formula
Wednesday, March 11
8:30-10:30am
This month Yolanda Duperret with ActionCoach will show you the 5-way formula and how to apply it to your business. The 5-way formula is a tool any business owner can apply to measure and increase cash flow. Every participant will fill out a 5-way worksheet for their business so come prepared with a calculator! 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.
Cost: This event is FREE for FACC Small Business Members. This event is currently only open to FACC members.
RSVP: You must RSVP by Friday, March 6 to 303-695-7818 or online.
ONLY FIVE SPOTS LEFT!
Grenoble-Isere, Rhone-Alpes: A European Center for Innovation
Tuesday, March 17
4:00-5:30pm
 Learn the latest on doing business in the Rhone-Alpes region when we are joined by Veronique Pequignat, head of the international business investment at AEPI (The Grenoble-Isere, France, Economic Development Agency). Ms. Pequignat will be in Denver to help Colorado companies identify business opportunities in the Grenoble area, update you on the latest French measures for boosting innovation and further explain why France is an attractive country for your activities.
She will be joined by Nicolas Leterrier, General Manager of Minalogic, the global competitive cluster micro-nanotechnologies & embedded software located in Grenoble. Minalogic fosters collaborative projects and research-led innovation in intelligent miniaturized products and solutions for industry. Minalogic has created a "Green Label" certification and attributes the label to projects involving its 130+ members which reduce the energetic consumption by at least 30%. Nicolas will present some of these projects, including "Smart Electricity", led by Schneider Electric.
Where: Colorado Convention Center, Room 112, 700 14th St., Downtown Denver
Cost: Free. $30 to attend the option Sustainable Opportunities Summit Kick-Off Reception if you are not already registered for the Summit.
RSVP: By Thursday, March 12 to 303-695-7818 or online.
This event is presented by
An initiative of the French-American Chamber of Commerce
Labor & Employment Law in the US & France:
Practical Tips for US & French Businesses
Thursday, April 9
5:00-6:30pm
Join the FACC and Davis, Graham & Stubbs at an informative and practical presentation highlighting some of the differences and similarities between labor and employment law in the United States and Europe, particularly France. Sybil Kisken, an experienced labor/employment lawyer and Treasurer of the FACC will share some legal insights during a presentation. Light hors d'ouevres and drinks will be served.
Where: Davis, Graham & Stubbs, 1550 17th St., Suite 500, Denver, 80202 Cost: Free for FACC members, $10 non-members RSVP by Monday, April 6 to 303-695-7818 or online.
 This event is sponsored by Davis, Graham & Stubbs
Euro Networking at Infinity Park
Thursday, April 23
6:00-8:00pm
Join the British-American, French-American, German-American & Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce as well as the World Trade Center for an animated evening of networking. Don't forget to bring your business cards!
Where: Infinity Park, 4599 E Tennessee Ave., Glendale, 80246 (between Kentucky & Mississippi, just east of Colorado Blvd.)
Cost: $12 members, $18 non-members. Appetizers included. There will be a cash bar.
RSVP to 303-695-7818 or online by Monday, April 20.
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| Interview with a Professional : Antoine Toffa |
 Originally from France, Antoine Toffa, born to a French mother and Togolese father, is an innovative entrepreneur living in Denver. After moving to the United States 16 years ago, he obtained his MBA from Harvard, and soon after moved to Colorado with his wife and children for what would be an incredibly successful career. In 1996, he created trip.com, an internet voyage website that was bought (and since morphed into orbitz.com) a mere three years later for $326 million. His second, not-so-successful enterprise, TamTam did not stop impede him from continuing to create innovative, niche-market businesses. His current projects include VideoBloom.com, an online video and advertising firm and UMapper.com, which according to the website, is the "first universal web-based map authoring application." In addition, Mr. Toffa serves on the board of directors for the FACC while gearing up his businesses for a booming 2009.
HC: What do you think made trip.com such an enormous success?
AT: There is always the combination of anticipation - that we've anticipated the markets at the right time - and luck. Also, [it turned out] that travel was really the right application for the internet. [...] We picked the right market. The reason was simple: travel requires a lot of information [for example], hotel pricing. [Also], the information is time-sensitive, so what could be a better medium [than the internet]?
HC: What have been some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your online businesses?
AT: The biggest challenge is always to grow at the right rate of growth: either you grow like crazy - [which] is a big stretch on your infrastructure [...] or you decide to have a more moderate rate of growth. With this economy it doesn't make any sense to burn millions in ramping up the whole system; you want to grow steadily [while] still being able to provide a great level of service to [your] customers.
HC: What helps to keep you and your obviously flourishing businesses ahead of the competition?
GD: You know, frankly, it's all about passion. What we do, we love. [...] Also, we focus on areas [where] we think we can make a difference - we try not to tackle every problem like Microsoft or Google, but [...] the problems [that] are more acute, [for which] there are fewer solutions out there.
HC: As noted by France-Amérique, you seem optimistic about the upcoming year. What are you anticipating for 2009?
AT: We're anticipating a very good year [and are indeed] very optimistic. We're on track to probably double [and perhaps] triple our revenues. We're very fortunate because we're growing [despite the economy] and have decided [not to cut back]. If anything, [all that has been] done is just slow down hiring a little.
Interview conducted by Hilary Crawford, FACC Volunteer.
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Members' Corner |
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An Interpreter as Eye-witness to History
Denver Plays Host to the Political Elite
I knew the assignment I had accepted would be exciting and even a bit scary, but I never imagined I would end up interpreting a speech by former President Bill Clinton. The five-day International Leaders' Conference held by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) during the week of August 24-28 brought a host of prominent officials, policy-makers, pollsters and pundits to Denver. They were to discuss the US electoral process and related topics for an audience comprising some of the world's top political leaders...
Written by FACC member Rhoda Miller for the Colorado Translators Association.
Amelie Company Has Moved
When you started your business it was to do what you enjoy, not accounting. Save time, save money, save your sanity... let Bella Bookkeeping LLC do it for you! Offering affordable bookkeeping services to small businesses and individuals with a personal touch, I customize my services for each client in order to meet your needs and budget. Bookkeeping services including payroll, sales taxes, A/R, A/P and more!
"Keeping Your Books Beautiful!"
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 Electric 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.
DISH Network's African Combo Channel: 3A Telesud/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!
Flash Privileges January 2009 Newsletter
The latest edition of the UCCIFE newsletter is now available by clicking here. This newsletter is for members of the FACC and lists current membership benefits available with your Carte Privileges Membership Card which you should have received earlier this year. If you have any questions about benefits offered, please don't hesitate to contact us at 303-695-7818 or by email at info@rmfacc.org.
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| Past Event Reflection |
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Euro Networking
On Thursday, February 5 the British-American, French-American, German-American and Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce held a Euro Networking event at The Wine Loft in Downtown Denver. Over 100 people attended making it the most successful Euro Networking event to date! We appreciated the patience and flexibility of our guests as the Chambers and The Wine Loft worked hard to accomodate the impressive number of people who attended. The event was held in the private room upstairs, which quickly filled up so guests flowed over onto the main floor near the bar. Several languages could be heard throughout the evening truly making it an International event! As one guest commented "This was the best Euro Networking yet. There were so many people that no matter which way you turned you had to meet someone new!".
Luncheon: Celebrate Diversity
On Tuesday, February 24 Edith Samouillet and Kathy Pennell with Right Management presented an informative luncheon on Diversity in the workplace and in your day-to-day life. Guests had a chance to share their experiences and questions about diversity with one another through an activity, discussion within small groups and sharing with the larger group. The event raised some great questions and everyone left with a new awareness of and techniques for embracing diversity in all aspects of life. Two lucky guests won copies of the book A Peacock in the Land of Penguins, a favorite of the presenters and a great book on diversity. The event was held at the Warwick Hotel which provided a wonderfully filling lunch and dessert.
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| Alliance Francaise Event |
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 5 a 7 French Conversation Happy Hour
Thursday, March 5, 5:00-7:00pm
571 Galapago St., Denver 80204 Sip a glass of wine with a slice of cheese, practice your French, enjoy our latest art exhibit, and meet other Francophiles from the Denver area. All levels of French speakers are encouraged to join us.
Cost: $5 AF & FACC members, $10 non-members FREE for those who bring something to eat or drink (call for details)
French Food for Springtime
Monday, March 23 or Tuesday, March 24
6:30pm
 Join Alain Veratti in his professional kitchen for a hands-on course that will also leave you with time to savor your food in good company. As always, ingredients are fresh, recipes simply delicious, and the atmosphere very friendly. Space is limited!
Cost: $25 members, $30 non-members.
RSVP: Call 303-831-0304 or sign-up online
Location: Stanley Bristish Primary School, 350 Quebec Crt., Denver CO 80204
Early Registration for Spring French Classes
 The new schedule of spring French classes is ready, and classes begin the week of March 30th! Sign up by Friday, March 13th and you'll receive a 10% discount on class tuition. View the new Spring Schedule Here or click here to Register Now.
Intensive Classes
Feeling rusty? Want more practice? Refresh your French knowledge through grammar review and plenty of conversational practice. Intensive classes take place March 23rd through 27th, Monday through Friday, from 6 to 8pm each evening. The cost is $130. Register by March 13th and receive a 10% discount.
Register for a regular spring class and receive an
additional 10% discount on the intensive class!
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| Community News & Events |
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Colorado Ballet Offers Half Price Tickets for FACC Members
 A Midsummer Night's Dream
Presented by KeyBank
Now through March 14
Ellie Caulking Opera House, Denver It's the ultimate story of love triangles, on-again, off-again relationships, and mismatched lovers trying to find their way through life and an enchanted forest. Bring all the mischief-loving members of your family! Each performance includes our orchestra and Colorado Children's Chorale.
Purchase your tickets today by calling 303-837-888 and use the code VISION or order online. This offer is only good for a limited time so order your tickets today!
Tournees Free French Film Festival
March 27-April 24
Colorado Film School, Community College of Aurora
9075 E Lowry Blvd., Building 965, Denver, 80230
Opening Reception, Friday, March 27, 5:30pm
Film: "Paris, j't'aime"
A total of six films will be shown at 6:30 pm on Thursday and Friday evenings in April in the film school's state-of-the-art theater. Friday evening films include some of the most popular and award-winning French films in recent years. Thursday evening films introduce viewers to cultural issues in French-speaking African countries. A short French language commentary will precede each viewing.
 For a complete schedule and to make online reservations to reserve your seat at this
Want to go deeper into the content of the films? A Special Topics "French Film" class is available in conjunction with the festival for college credit through the Community College of Aurora, Arapahoe Community College, and Red Rocks Community College.
The festival is sponsored by a growing list of organizations including: The Community College of Aurora's: CCA Foundation, Global Initiatives Committee, World Languages Program, and Aurora Language Center; Alliance Française de Denver ; Arapahoe Community College ; and Red Rocks Community College.
The Tournées Festival was made possible with the support of the Cultural Services of the French Embassy and the French Ministry of Culture (CNC).
Colorado Symphony Orchestra Offers 20% Discount to FACC
 FACC Members receive a 20% discount off tickets to the following performances by the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.
APR 17-18 (FRI & SAT 7:30) - FRENCH COMPOSERS Jean-Marie Zeitouni, conductor
Daniel Mueller-Schott, cello | CSO Chorus
Berlioz - Overture to Le corsaire
Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No. 1
Debussy - Nocturnes
Ravel - La valse
MAY 15-17 (FRI & SAT 7:30, SUN 2:30) - FRENCH GUEST ARTIST
James Gaffigan, conductor | Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano
Mozart - Eine kleine Nachtmusik
Ravel - Piano Concerto in G major
Beethoven - Symphony No. 2
Tickets may be purchased by calling the CSO Box Office at 303.623.7876 or visiting the box office located inside Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex at 14th & Curtis Streets, downtown Denver. The CSO Box Office is open from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday,, and 1 1/2 hours prior to performance. Please mention the Promotional Code FRENCH to receive the discount. |
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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