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Expect Great Things
in the New Year! | 2011 |
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Dear Members and Friends:
Happy New Year! As we launch into 2011, I would like to take this opportunity to give you a recap of 2010 and also a preview of what you can expect from us in the New Year. Despite global economic hardships, the Rocky Mountain French-American Chamber of Commerce had a good year. As always, we offered an interesting calendar of events filled with enrichment opportunities, networking and education for you and your businesses. Among the most popular were the workshops dealing with social media including "LinkedIn and Twitter 101" (which was sold out!) and "The Power of E-mail Marketing" using online tools such as Constant Contact. As social media is becoming a "must have" skill in today's business world, the FACC will continue to work hard to offer opportunities for our members and friends to improve these skills and enhance your business practices at little or no cost, to meet the contemporary demands of today's consumers.
We are also pleased to announce that our two annual fundraising events were very successful once again in 2010. Our 4th Annual l'Esprit de France Gala was themed around renewable energy and sustainability initiatives in celebration of successful French-American collaborations including the signature of an agreement between NREL and TENERRDIS, the French national cluster in renewable energy based in Grenoble. And our 12th Annual Beaujolais and Beyond Food and Wine Festival was the most successful to date with over 700 guests and amazing food, wine and entertainment!
As many of you know, the FACC has created a cross-border initiative that has been very successful and continues to grow. This is CORA (Colorado Rhône-Alpes Economic Development Partnership) whose primary mission is to facilitate cross-border investment between Colorado and the Rhône-Alpes region of France. To learn more about what we are doing with this initiative and our recent successes, visit the website at www.coranetwork.org.
Feeding off the momentum from 2010, we will continue into the New Year with motivation, inspiration and celebration! In continued efforts to go "green", we will no longer be mailing out a hard copy Member Directory to our members, but have instead created an online directory where members can search and even update your own profiles if and when any of your contact information changes. Members will, however, still receive a Carte Privilèges for 2011 to continue to benefit from the many discounts and special offers exclusively offered to our members. Watch for more information to come on those topics. Our event calendar will also continue to develop based on your needs and wants so please feel free to contact us anytime if you have suggestions of workshop topics or event ideas.
Thank you for your continued support and on behalf of the staff and Board of Directors, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Virginie Ganivet, ED
virginie@rmfacc.org
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| Hein & Associates LLP
Senior Corporate Member
Accounting firm offering tax, business and audit services.
 Contact:
Vera Divenyi
vdivenyi@heincpa.com
www.heincpa.com
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FACC News and Upcoming Events
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FACC Assists French and American Companies
with their Trade Needs
We can be considered a valuable resource in your business development. From researching and finding local contacts and generating new sales leads to identifying business opportunities and assisting with visas, a FACC representative will offer direction and advice throughout the duration of your project. This can be particularly helpful when dealing with cultural differences, which are often under-estimated when doing business with the United-States.
Click here to review our business services.
Thinking of becoming an FACC member? Join the many individuals and businesses already taking advantage of the benefits of membership. Learn More or Join Now!
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 New FACC Member Benefit for 2011 Offered by France-Amérique and France Today
 Current FACC Members get 10% off any new subscription. Contact sara@rmfacc.org at the FACC for more information and to get the promo code. Founded in 1943, France-Amérique is America's largest French-language publication. France-Amérique serves as an integral link between France and the United States. Each issue provides readers with a review of current events, culture and art-de-vivre, plus exclusive profiles of personalities and coverage of French life in the U.S. from coast to coast. www.france-amerique.comNow in its 25th year of publication, France Today is America's only monthly magazine in English devoted to French travel and culture. Each issue is filled with well-written and beautifully illustrated stories on the most compelling destinations, fascinating people, museums and exhibits, food and wine, hotels, fashion, design, literature, shopping, real estate, classifieds and much more. www.francetoday.com
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 FACC Business Service: VAT Refund
We help American companies to retrieve the VAT/taxes they paid during their business trip to Europe.
Do you participate in professional events in France but don't know how you can claim your VAT refund?
Claim your VAT refund through the French American Chamber of Commerce, it's easy and fast!
On your behalf, the FACC through the French American Chambers of Commerce and Industry network can claim the VAT refund on your main expenses in Europe. VAT is refundable for the following expenses:
*Tradefairs, spacebooking, flowers, hostess services, translators, telephone bills, electricity bills...
*Restaurants bills, foods and beverages
*Gasoil (80 % of the VAT are refundable)
*All kind of furniture for business activities
*Commercial cars and vans rental
*Services such as: advertising...
(The VAT is not refundable on the following expenses: hotels, tourism car renting, airlines and trains tickets, taxi trips and presents).
For more information please contact Virginie Ganivet at virginie@rmfacc.org
or at 303 695 7818 x101.
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 International Business and Rodeo Day 2011*
Friday, January 14, 2011, 5:30 - 10:00 pm
Mark your calendars! The 12th Annual International Business and Rodeo Day will feature the Gambler's Choice, a show jumping performance with a unique course and high energy performance. This will be an exciting evening of international networking and entertainment at the National Western Stock Show! Cost ranges from $30-$45, children and families welcome! Click here to download the registration form More info at 303-592-5760 or visit www.wtcdenver.org
*This is not an FACC organized event
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Who Are We?
Colorado Rhône- Alpes Economic Development Partnership. Mission: To facilitate crossborder investment between Colorado and the Rhône-Alpes region. No other European region and US state have as much in common!
Learn more about this FACC initiative >>>"Grenoble-Isère and Golden, Colorado Come Together with Renewed (and Renewable!) Energy"
Click Here to view a recent interview with Dr. Dan Arvizu, Director of NREL, featured in the Grenoble-Isère Report, November 2010. CORA has a new partner: Infinite Power Solutions, Inc. (IPS). The President and CEO, Ray Johnson, was named Colorado's Cleantech Entrepreneur of the Year by the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association in October 2010. Learn more about our new partner at www.infinitepowersolutions.com
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 Need a Change in 2011?
Check Out Our Job Board!
New and exciting job opportunities are posted on our Job Board frequently. Bookmark our page and keep and eye on what's available. Click Here to visit our Job Board
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 DIA Named Best North American Airport
Denver International Airport is an Ambassador Level Member of the French-American Chamber of Commerce and they have been named the "Best North American Airport" by Business Traveler magazine for the sixth straight year! "DIA is honored to be the only airport ever to receive this award six consecutive years," says Denver Aviation Manager Kim Day. "The 30,000 people who work at the airport are to be congratulated for balancing safety and security with providing and enjoyable experience for travelers." Click here to read the full article in the Denver Business Journal Quote source from The Denver Business Journal, December 2010
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Ball Corporation, HQ in Colorado
Acquired European Company "Aerocan"
The European company "Aerocan" is 51 percent owner of a joint venture aluminum plant in Beaurepaire, France. It is a leading supplier of aerosol cans and bottles in Europe. Click here to read the full article >>>
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6th Annual French American Competition  for Innovative Entrepreneurs
Deadline January 31st
The Young Entrepreneurs Initiative (YEi) is an entrepreneurship competition for American-based entrepreneurs interested in France for venture creation or international developments.
YEi provides its winners with customized mentoring and networking support as well as the opportunity to go to France meet potential partners.
Applications are due January 31, 2011.
Any innovative entrepreneur residing in the United States regardless of age, nationality or professional situation, may apply. Most of our applicants are from the Biotech, IT and Green Energy industries.
For further information, visit www.yeifrance.com.
Contact: Audrey Guazzone, audrey@yeifrance.com 617-714-3583
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Colorado Innovation Investment Tax Credit:
Implemented by the CO Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT)
HB 09-1105 created the Colorado Innovation Investment Tax Credit (CIITC). CIITC provides an income tax credit (against Colorado income taxes) for investing entities that make investments during calendar year 2010 in small, innovative Colorado companies that are involved in research and development or manufacturing of new technologies, processes, and/or products. Note that the investing entity cannot be a C Corporation. The tax credit is equal to 15% of the investment up to a maximum tax credit of $20,000 for investments in any one business.
As of November 1, 2010 approximately $400,000 remain available for this tax credit program.Learn more >>> |
Fiducial is your One-Stop-Shop for all Bookkeeping,
Accounting, Business Counseling, and Tax Needs
 Founded in France, Fiducial is an international service provider serving small businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals. At Fiducial, we believe that the day to day activities of every business owner should be focused on building their business and growing revenue. We create the environment and build the trusting relationships that allow them to do just that. Call today for a complimentary consultation.
Contact Ray Underell at 720-980-8989 or 303-423-4040www.fiducial.com
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 Denver Montclair International School
Invites You to Attend:
1. Film Screening of "Speaking in Tongues"When: Thursday, January 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Denver Post Building, 101 West Colfax, Denver Cost: Free but advanced reservations are required RSVP: to kate.paquette@dmischool.comClick here for more information
2. Open House
When: Sunday, January 30 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: DMIS Gymnasium, 206 Red Cross Way in Lowry For more information, please visit us online at www.dmischool.com, or call (303) 340-3647 to schedule an interview and campus tour.
3. World Tea Fair
When: Sunday, January 30 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Sample different kinds of tea and tea culture from around the world at this family-friendly event. Tickets: $10, adults. $5, children ages 3-17. Purchased at the door.
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Muriel Martin: Fully Bilingual French-English Licensed Realtor
Manage the sale and/or purchase of your home or investment properties in Colorado. "Buy or sell with me, get a week in France free!"
Muriel also rents short and long term, privately owned and fully furnished residences in France: Paris, Burgundy and the French Riviera.
For all your Real Estate needs, call Muriel: 303-898-2134
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 Bring A Biscuit: Professional Pet Service All-inclusive animal care. Available days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Services include: dog walking, pet sitting, overnight stays, transportation, dog/cat massage, treats. Planning a getaway? We are available to care for your pets! Book early and save! FACC members receive a 15% discount!Contact: Johnna DiStefano-VanDyke Tel: 303-241-3236 Email: bringabiscuit@gmail.comWebsite: www.bringabiscuit.com
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Community News and Events
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4th Annual Sustainability Champion Award
Application Deadline is January 6
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Environmental Partnership (CEP) have partnered with CORE and ColoradoBiz Magazine to bring the 4th annual Sustainability Champion Award. This award recognizes teams who have gone above and beyond required duties in the creation and implementation of a program or initiative that has made a measurable contribution to the environment, the economy, and society.We are soliciting applications from small, medium and large Colorado organizations.
Contact Natalia Korobova at natalia@corecolorado.org for more information.Click Here to learn more and to download the application
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 Gain Insight on the Foreign Exchange Market
"Charting the US Dollar's Course for 2011"
Wednesday, January 19
7:45 - 9:00 a.m.
Join Wells Fargo for an opportunity to gain foreign exchange market insight. Featuring Vassili Serebriakov, Wells Fargo's currency strategist, and hosted by the Foreign Exchange Group. Cost: Free, but advanced registration is required by January 12 RSVP: to John Soukup, 303-863-6913 or john.c.soukup@wellsfargo.comWhere: Wells Fargo Center, John D. Hershner Room, 1700 Lincoln St., Denver Other Details: Continental breakfast will be served. Directions for complimentary parking will be provided upon registration.
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 Brest Committee Wine Tasting Fundraiser
Z Cuisine French Bistrot in the Highlands
Wednesday, January 26
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Here's an extra special cure for the winter doldrums, the hugely successful and popular, "Denver Sister Cities International-Brest Committee" Wine-Tasting event.
This fundraiser will help us provide scholarships for
our high school students to travel to France this March.
Thanks to the generous support of Patrick Dupays and his authentic French bistro,
"Z Cuisine", the event will feature a range of French wines and appetizers. Voted the "Best French Restaurant" by the Rocky Mountain News in 2009, the reviewer said "There's nobody in Denver like Patrick Dupays at Z Cuisine".
Cost: only $25 per person
Where: ZCuisine, 2239 West 30th Ave, Denver
RSVP: Spaces will be very limited so please book early! Online at www.denversistercities.org or email to info@denversistercities.org, mail a check to 2480 W. 26th Ave., suite 20B, Denver, CO 80211, or call 303-832-1336.
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