Sep 5, 2018
faccwdc.org
 Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  View our profile on LinkedIn
Connect! FACC News and Commentary 
Let's Connect! - A Word from Denis Chazelle
Executive Director of the French-American Chamber of Commerce
It's the French " rentrée" and we have a busy September on deck. Here are the highlights:

- Thu, Sept 6: Fabulous Animals at the Wharf - In collaboration with our members Ligne Roset,  Batignolles in DC and Boulangerie Christophe, we will hold a cocktail reception for French Artist Herve Maury's exhibit at the new and beautiful Ligne Roset furniture showroom at the Wharf.

- Wed, Sep 12: Everything you need to know to buy in DC (presentation in French). Produced in association with our members French Morning and Jade Associates.

- Fri, Sep 14: Networking de "la Rentree" at the French Embassy. With wines from our member Cork & Fork, and a presentation about French learning language books from our member Bonjour Books. (Prices increase at the end of the week)

- Thu, Sep 20: Networking at the new Audi Field (home of our member DC United) - Members Only. Very limited space.

- Wed, Sep 29: Soccer/Football Night - Montreal Impact Vs DC United - With no less than 6 French players, and an opportunity for kids experiences.

Looking forward to seeing you there.
 
Denis Chazelle 
Executive Director
French-American Chamber of Commerce

TalkBusinessConnect! Our Members Talk Business
Does your company want to communicate here to our 30,000 contacts? Please contact us.  
From The French Desk at Sheppard Mullin 
Stuck in the Middle With You: EU Blocking Statutes, Iran Sanctions, and the Thousands of Businesses Caught In Between

Imagine telling your company's Board of Directors that the company will have to knowingly violate the law. Further, you might note, the American Law Institute's Principles of Corporate Governance state that, with very limited exceptions, a director who knowingly causes the corporation to disobey the law violates his duty of care. The protections of the Business Judgement Rule may not be available to a board member who, charged with navigating the Scylla and Charybdis of a conflict of laws, steers right into the shoals of noncompliance.
 
Trow & Rahal Immigration Strategy Editorial
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Extends and Expands Suspension of Premium Processing for Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions 
 
The USCIS is extending the suspension of premium processing for pending cap-subject H-1B petitions to February 19, 2019. Starting September 11th, the USCIS is also expanding the suspension of premium processing to all H-1B petitions filed at the Vermont and California Service Centers.
   
Premium processing is the option to file a petition with an expedited fee of $1,225 to have the case adjudicated within 15 days.
   
While H-1B premium processing is suspended, the USCIS will not accept a Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, for pending cap-subject H-1B petitions. The USCIS will also reject any new H-1B petitions filed with a Form I-907 that is not exempt from this suspension.
   
Which H-1B petitions can file using premium processing?    The USCIS will continue to accept premium processing of H-1B petitions that are exempt from this suspension, which include:
 
(1) H-1B petitions filed by organizations not subject to the annual H-1B cap (cap-exempt) that are filed exclusively at the California Service Center; and
 
(2) H-1B petitions filed exclusively at the Nebraska Service Center by an employer requesting a "Continuation of previously approved employment without change with the same employer".
 
Can an H-1B petition be expedited?  Yes.  Petitioners can request expedites if they are able to demonstrate that they meet one of the following criteria:  
 
- Severe financial loss to company or person
- Emergency situation
- Humanitarian reasons
- Nonprofit organization whose request is in furtherance of the cultural and social interests of the United States
- USCIS error
- Compelling interest of USCIS 
   
Please contact Trow & Rahal to schedule a consultation if you think this new policy will apply to you.
Connect! Attend Our Events
FACC Events  
FACC Committee Meetings 
CommiitteeMeetings Through dynamic speakers, engaging dialogue, and networking opportunities, the French-American Chamber of Commerce's committees help you make the most of your professional opportunities.
 
The object of the Committees are twofold:

- Open a dialog between the Chamber's management and its members to better respond to their needs, via events, speakers, actions, etc.
- Empower the group to have its own activities, such as networking events, speakers, etc.
 
The following Committee Meetings are currently scheduled. They are " meetings de rentrée " and will be a combination of networking and planning for the full year.

- Young Professionals - Wed, Sep 5, from 6p to 8p (tonight) - Register
- Women in Business - Tue, Sep 11, from 6p to 8p - Register
- Global Business - Tue, Sep 18, from 6p to 8p - Register 
- Green Economy - Wed, Sep 26, from 6p to 8p - Register

If you are a Chamber member and you are interested in actively participating in the Chamber's activities and one or several of these committees, simply register and we will make you a member of the Committee. If you are not yet a member and you are interested in actively participating in the Chamber's activities, please contact us, as the committees are interested in expanding. Non-members must contact us before registering.  
 
Free events for FACC members    
FACC Event 
FabulousFabulous Animals at the Wharf 
Tomorrow, Thu, Sep 6      
  An Artist Cocktail Reception for French Artist Herve Maury's Exhibit at the at the new Ligne Roset furniture showroom at the Wharf.

Join our members Batignolles in DC and Ligne Roset for a cocktail reception with the artist for the opening of his exhibit in this beautiful space at the new Wharf in DC. 
Partnership Event
buyindcEverything you need to know to buy in DC - Tout savoir pour acheter à Washington DC - Wed, Sep 12
 
French Morning, in partnership with the French-American Chamber of Commerce, is organizing this event targeted to French expats ( the event will be conducted in French) so you can get familiar with the process of buying property in Washington, DC.

You live in DC and want to stop paying rent and become a property owner? Not easy to do so in a market and with rules you do not master. Come and find out everything you need to know about buying property in the DC region.

Vous habitez à Washington DC et vous souhaitez arrêter de verser un loyer à un propriétaire mais plutôt le devenir vous-même ? Pas facile de s'y retrouver dans un marché immobilier dont on ne maitrise pas bien les codes.

Pour y voir plus clair et éviter les pièges de l'immobilier, French Morning, en partenariat avec la Chambre de Commerce, vous aide dans vos démarches et organise le mercredi 12 septembre à 6:30pm une conférence suivie d'un cocktail en présence de professionnels du secteur.
Vous rencontrerez Dana Scanlon, agent immobilier au Dana Global Advantage Team associé à Keller Williams Capital Properties et Marc Trost, expert comptable au sein du cabinet Jade, membre de la Chambre. Les places sont limitées.

Important: The presentation will be conducted in French.
 
FACC Event 
networkingembassyNetworking de "la Rentrée" at the French Embassy
Fri, Sep 14       
 
Prices increase at the end of the week
 
- C'est la rentrée! Come and experience with us what it means to the French!

- Network with fellow Francophiles, French VIPs, diplomats, professionals and business people in the wonderful Maison Francaise at the French Embassy.

- Chef Mark Courseille of Le Cafe Descartes at The French Embassy will prepare a buffet featuring excellent French food.

- Our member Cork and Fork will offer some wonderful Mont Gravet French wines (red, white and rose) for your tasting pleasure. 
 
- It's "la rentrée" and our member Bonjour Books will present a selection of their "coups de coeur" for the season, including language learning resources, books in français facile, new releases from France's Rentrée Littéraire, and more!

- Open Bar featuring French wines and beers
- Dress Code: Business, Business Casual or Cocktail Attire
- This event is organized in collaboration with our member Mer Events LLC.

FACC Event 
networkingaudiNetworking at the new Audi Field (DC United stadium)
Thu, Sep 20    
 
Come network with us and discover this beautiful, state of the art stadium!

Opened just last July, Audi Field is the home stadium for our member DC United, and they are inviting us for a private evening of networking.
 
The state-of-the-art urban facility has a capacity of 20,000 fans and features 31 luxury suites, a bike valet, and 500,000 total square feet of mixed-use retail and residential space on site.
 
DC United has reserved Suite #1 for us, the largest suite in the stadium. Please note that there is a maximum of 40 attendees, and that this is a members-only event.

FACC Event 
soccernightSoccer/Football Night - Montreal Impact Vs DC United
Sat, Sep 29
 
 
Already close to 150 tickets sold. Get yours before we sell out.  

The French-American Chamber of Commerce - Washington DC and Rochambeau, the French International School, are proud to offer their members, students, parents, friends and families an amazing night of euro-style football and fun!
 
The game is between the Montreal Impact and Washington's own team, DC United, at the shiny new  Audi Field next to Nationals Park at the Yard in DC. DC United features French player Frederic Brillant, while the Montreal Impact has an amazing 5 French players. The entire Montreal coaching staff, including the Head Coach, is also French.

Additionally, you may have heard a certain Wayne Rooney has joined the team! So much excitement!

Tickets are excellent seats in the new stadium, and are available for just $40 per seat (FACC members and Rochambeau parents are eligible for a 15% discount; See below for details - Tickets through DC United ticket sales will sell for as much as $50 or $60). Please register soon, as there is only a limited number of tickets available and previous game nights have all sold out! Prices are subject to increase at any time.

Also, the following game experiences will be available for our group:

- Home Team Bench Warmers: 15 kids get to watch the warm-ups from where the players sit during the match
- Fan tunnel: 15 kids to high-five players as they enter the field.

Please note that these activities are first-come first-serve for children 16 and under.

FACC Event
French-American Business Week - Oct 17 & 18


- Wed, Oct 17 (9a to 1p): THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION
- Wed, Oct 17 (2p to 6p): THE FUTURE OF AEROSPACE & DEFENSE
- Thu, Oct 18 (9a to 1p): THE FUTURE OF COMMERCE
- Thu, Oct 18 (2p to 6p): FRANCE IS BACK! ONE YEAR LATER, THE MACRON EFFECT
- Thu, Oct 18 (7p to 10p): CLOSING RECEPTION "AU CHAMPAGNE"

Member Events
networkingaudiThings To Do DC Embassy Events 

- EVENING AT THE EMBASSY OF ARMENIA: Thursday, September 6th 7 PM

 
Meet the Ambassador and join us for a rare visit to Armenian soil.  Featuring Armenian food and wines, live Armenian music, diplomats, art, film and more. 

 

- EVENING AT THE EMBASSY OF PARAGUAY: Thursday, September 6th  6 PM


A special Paraguayan visiting musical troupe is in DC for tonight only!  Join the ambassador for a private performance.  Includes Paraguayan food, bar, concert, art, film and more!
 
For details and to register at the Student Rate, visit www.ThingstodoDC.com   
Partner Event
Washington Acceuil - Le Grand Café de la Rentrée 
Thu, Sep 20

Washington Accueil Association's purpose is to welcome francophone individuals and families in DC and to help them get settled in their new environment. We are affiliated with FIAFE (Fédération Internationale des Accueils Français et Francophones à l'Étranger), a federation of similar associations in the world. Our members are volunteers willing to help out and share their passions. We organize meetings, events, visits, sports activities, dinners and run a Job and Career Club. We help French speaking newcomers to build a network of friends and find information about United States and the DC region.
 
Please join us for our first event of the 2018-2019 season, "Le Grand Café de la Rentrée" on September 20 from 10 to 12, at the Maison Française (French Embassy).  This event is free and open to non-members but a pre-registration is mandatory by sending an email to bureau@washingtonaccueil.org with your first name and last name. During this event, you will meet our team and find information on all our activities. Our activities are usually in French, except for some cultural visits and neighborhood tours.

Partner Event
"Déjeuner sur l'herbe" à l'Ambassade de France
Sun, Sep 23
Grand déjeuner en plein air, organisé par le Comité Tricolore pour la communauté Française de Washington, dans les jardins de, et sur une invitation de l'Ambassade de France le Dimanche 23 Septembre 2018 de midi à 16h. 
 
Member Event 
soccernightCork and Fork Masterclass - Loire Valley
Wed, Oct 24 
 
 This Masterclass will be conducted in French.   
  
Cette classe desire réveiller vos sens culturels et gustatifs. C'est le reflet de tous les vins que vous avez appréciés. Les souvenirs savoureux font partie de votre ADN, transmis par vos ancêtres. À chaque goût de vin, à chaque expérience culinaire, ils évoluent continuellement. L'aspect le plus primitif de la jouissance humaine est le plaisir olfactif et gustatif. Nous explorerons les aspects philosophiques du vin et les fondements culturels des régions. Le viticulteur, Dominique Landragin, vous guidera à travers les vins, tandis que le guru gastronomique de Cork & Fork, Anna Landragin, créera des accompagnements alimentaires pour chaque classe de cette série d'automne. 

About the Speaker's Philosophy [fr]
About the Speaker's Philosophy [fr]

Member Event 
007 Benefit - 8th Annual Black Tie - SPECTRE - Writing's on the Wall
Sat, Oct 27 
Connect! Our Members Are Hiring
- Rochambeau - The French International School: several job opportunities
- LR Paris: self-starter, ambitious and revenue-driven sales representatives to join its Washington D.C. Sales team. Email or apply here.
- Ligne Roset: full-time and part-time experienced Sales and Design Consultants.
- OJC Consulting: business consultants and web applications specialists. 
- Global Language Center: French teaching positions. Email for more info.
- Embassy of Canada: several positions.
- Friendship Place: volunteer and employment opportunities.
- Laduree: assistant manager, sales associates, waiter/waitresses, bartender, and cooks. Email for more info.
- Justin Bradley: Job Postings
- Xdin and Alten: Job Openings 
Job Offers from the Association of Corporate Counsel
Please note that the Association of Corporate Counsel is recruiting bilingual individuals, with a preference for with a preference for French, German, Cantonese or Mandarin.

If your company has job offers, please contact us so we can advertise them here to our mailing list of 30,000. 
Connect! French-American News
Infographic of the Week
Investor Confidence in France


Connect! With Our Members
New and Renewing Members
Things to Do DC - Small Business
James T. Kim Real Estate - Small Business
✔ Remy Gerbay - Associate
Jennifer Bergamot-Rose  - Associate
Le Cafe Descartes - Small Business
Renewing Member 
Things To Do DC 
How many times have you asked yourself: "What should I do tonight? Where should I go? Is there anything exciting going on this weekend in DC?"
 
Well, look no further! "Things To Do® is the premiere organization for young professionals to socialize and network.  With a membership of over 175,000, we produce a wide variety of original, interactive social, educational and cultural events that enrich your social and cultural experiences. 
 
Renewing Member 
Le Cafe Descartes 
 Le Café Descartes's mission is to create a memorable French culinary experience for everyone that walks through our doors. Le Café Descartes, at our core, provides homemade, gourmet meals for the distinguished palate which are executed with meticulous attention to detail and bolstered by first-class customer service. Our goal is to provide an unforgettable made-to-order experience that transports you to France!
 
New Member 
James T. Kim Real Estate 
James T. Kim Real Estate is ready to equip you with the tools you need to purchase, sell, or lease in the DMV, even before you think you need them. By taking a holistic approach to every investment, James T. Kim Real Estate helps its clients build long-term wealth. 
 
Renewing Member 
Bergamot Rose      
A sou
Dans le bleu - LIVE at Atlas Performing Arts Center
 
nd palette of world rhythms infused with a French twist.  Inspired by early '90's new wave,  Bergamot Rose's songs are composed of tart lyrics balanced by vibrant rhythms and instrumentation. The group's upcoming album "Songs of Truth" explores the intense emotional landscape of relationships, finding oneself and uncovering the truth.  Why Bergamot Rose?  Bergamot protects the heart - the Rose - in all of us, while radiating sunshine, joy and beauty.   
    
Connect! With the French-American Community 
Comité Tricolore  
For more than fifteen years, the Comite Tricolore (Tricolore Committee) has been at the core of a strong and supportive associative network in Washington, D.C 's francophone community. Solidarity, tolerance and cultural understanding are the guiding principles for the charitable action of the Comite Tricolore.

The Tricolore Committee (501c3) is the associative network of a strong and supportive Francophone community in the Washington, DC area.  
 
It is an apolitical, philanthropic non-profit, open to French, Francophone and Franco-American clubs or associations of the Washington, DC region which share a common interest in French culture and in the strengthening of the relationship between France and the United States.

The French-American Chamber of Commerce is a proud member of Comite Tricolore and supports its mission and goals by making a yearly donation:

 

Washington Accueil Association
Do you speak French?  Newly arrived in the area or oldtimer, you have many reasons to join Washington Accueil Association!
 
Washington Accueil Association's purpose is to welcome francophone individuals and families in DC and to help them get settled in their new environment. We are affiliated with FIAFE (Fédération Internationale des Accueils Français et Francophones à l'Étranger), a federation of similar associations in the world.

Our members are volunteers willing to help out and share their passions. We organize meetings, events, visits, sports activities, dinners and run a Job and Career Club. We help French speaking newcomers to build a network of friends and find information about United States and the DC region.
 
Connect! With Our Friends & Partners   
French Treasury in The U.S. 
The French Economic Footprint in the U.S.
From our partners at the Economic Services of the French Embassy, an interactive map showing the French economic footprint in the U.S., state by state.

Some numbers:

- France and the U.S. trade over $ 100 billion per year.

- There are $251 billion of French FDI stock, making France the 5th largest foreign investor. The U.S. is France's #1 source of foreign investment with $80 billion FDI stock.

- French firms support 590,600 jobs in the U.S., making France the 5th largest foreign employer in the U.S. U.S. firms employ around the same number of people in France.

- French affiliated firms invest $7 billion in R&D annually, 12% of the U.S. foreign R&D.

Click here to access the interactive map.  
 
Connect! With Us 
Want to have your event or services advertised here?
This email goes out to 30,000 subscribers. Call or email us to find out how to advertise to our audience, and enlarge yours.

Join the Chamber
We invite you to experience the unique rewards of membership in the French-American Chamber of Commerce - Washington, DC Chapter. Select from six levels designed to satisfy a wide range of business objectives.

- Young Professional
- Associate
- Non-Profit 

- Small Business

- Corporate
- Councilor