Happy Spring! Fresh News from the FACCMN

Happy Spring!

Spring is back and brings some fresh news from

the French-American Business Community in Minnesota

Greeting from Odile Hédoire-Young, Executive Director

For those of you who don't know me, my professional background is in International Business Development, for the most part in the private industry sector with the exception of few wonderful years with the Minnesota Trade Office.

Leading a non-profit organization is still new to me. My perception of non-profits used to be that income generation is not of the essence — however, in the position I am in, I now say aloud that it has to be a priority! Our Mission and Vison are our fundamentals and if we are not financially sustainable we cannot accomplish our mission.

Non-profits are highly solicited and too often face an on-going financial challenge because they deliver services without equating the revenue. Our passion tends to make us forget that we need to bring the money first and deliver the service next, not backwards! I will never forget what a client of mine told me many years ago: "Odile, here in Switzerland, we feed the cow first, then we milk it!"

Leading a non-profit is quite an expedition and I am learning that the trek to financial sustainability is filled with obstacles and great rewards. I am learning that the majority of the giving comes from generous individuals who believe in our mission and share our vision. As spring is finally making its way to Minnesota, the fresh blooms, new green grass, timid bright colors are generating new energy and enthusiasm. As I see the great potential we have to serve our French-American business community and strengthen the relationship between Minnesota and France, I would like to say Thank You to you all generous supporters who help us fulfill our Mission ! With sincere gratitude on behalf of the FACCMN, Odile.

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Welcome New Member Company Pack3.0!

Pack 3.0 is a provider of simulation technologies and engineering services to the packaging industry.

At our March 2018 Seminar, Serge Bat kam , founder of Pack 3.0, brilliantly presented how he brought the digital simulation technology developed for the aerospace and automotive industries to the packaging industry.

Discover how Virtual Prototyping totally redefines the approach to the perfect packaging: rethink design, materials, CO2, quality, cost and time to market simultaneously! See the website

FACCMN New Team Member

Julie Derycke

Intern at the FACCMN

Graduating from a French Business School with a Master Degree in Art and Entertainment Industry Management, Julie is doing her end-of-study internship here, at the French-American Chamber of Commerce in Minnesota.

She wants to expand her professional experience in Minnesota and is looking to be hosted as a J-1 Intern from January 2019.

She has a wide range of skills and experience in Communication, Project Management, Digital Marketing and Event Organization. She speaks French, English and Spanish, and loves to cook.

Take a look at her resume

Advantages of the J-1 Visa

Discover the advantages of becoming a host company!

• Host a young & highly educated international talent

• Contribute to a valuable educational and cultural exchange program

• Benefit from being a member of the strong FACC network

• With fast and streamlined Visa process entirely managed by the FACC

• Strengthen the relations between our two countries

June 13th - Webinar on Immigration & J-1 Visa Program Updates

Need help finding the perfect J-1 Intern/Trainee?

See our website or contact us at [email protected]

Reciprocal Program for Americans

FACC has an agreement with OFII that mirrors the J1 visa program

• Americans between the ages of 18 and 35

• Candidates must possess relevant degree or experience

• Simplified “CDD” contracts between 3 and 18 months in duration

• Candidates must be paid at least the SMIC

• Open to any field or industry including culinary arts and hospitality

Contact the FACCMN at [email protected] if you wish to take advantage of this program

FACCMN Trade Services: how can we help you or your business?

Market & Prospect Research
Exploratory Mission
Trade Mission
Virtual Office Hosting
Office Space / Conference Room Rental
J-1 Visa Assistance
Recruitment and Job Search Assistance
Relocation / Soft landing
Seminars
Advertising

Inquire about our services. Contact the FACCMN at [email protected]

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News from the French Treasury in the U.S.

De la part du Service Economique Régional de l'Ambassade de France aux Etats-Unis, veuillez trouver ici le Flash Tech du 8 avril 2018.

From the Regional Economic Service of the French Embassy in the United States, please find here the Flash Tech of April 8, 2018 .

UPCOMING EVENTS!

May 31st - French Innovation Weeks @ Minneapolis

Planning Session1

With Consul General of France Guillaume Lacroix @ FACCMN

Researchers, Entrepreneurs, Leaders in cutting-edge French technological advances, are invited to participate in the planning of French Innovation Weeks in Minnesota.

Sign-up now space is limited

June 13th 12noon-1PM - Webinar: Immigration & J-1 Visa Program Update

Join us for a timely update on J-1 visa exchange programs, in cooperation with Business France and the FACC New York.

June 21st - Annual Meeting of the FACCMN

Members are invited to the Annual Meeting of the French-American Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Chapter.

The Chamber will present an activity report and members will elect the directors to serve on the board. The elections will be followed by a networking event. Candidates, proxies and agenda to follow by e-mail.

Rendez-Vous at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) from 5:30PM to 7PM

Save the date!

PREVIOUS EVENTS!

Spring Euro-Cocktail 2018

The French-American Chamber of Commerce, organizer of the 2018 Spring Euro-Cocktail, would like to thank ALL who contributed to the success of this beautiful event! Un Grand Merci to guest speaker monsieur Guillaume Lacroix, Consul General of France in the Midwest, who joined us in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the FACC Minnesota Chapter.