June 2017
"Les Nouvelles de la FACCMN"
June 2017 News
Greetings from the Executive Director
Greetings, Bonjour!
From Odile Hédoire-Young, Executive Director

“Why should I become a member?”
I am often asked this question and I can certainly list the many benefits, but I am more interested in working with you to identify what it is that is of benefit to YOU.

How does the Chamber work for you?

In the spirit of the Voyageurs, we provide the bridge for matters related to French-American business and facilitate French-American relations. For over 38 years, the French-American Chamber of Commerce, Minneapolis-St-Paul Chapter (FACCMN), a non-profit organization, has been serving the Franco-American community of entrepreneurs, businesses, individuals, young professionals and students. 

Our members have access to the FACC network of 115 French-American Chambers of Commerce present in 85 countries on all 5 continents.  Our network has one priority: the success of its 34,000 members, entrepreneurs, businesses, young professionals, individuals and students alike. In contributing to the success of its members, our worldwide network is also contributing to the success of the local communities.

As a member of the FACCMN, you also have access to resources closer to “home” i.e. the member’s list of French companies doing business in Minnesota and Minnesota companies doing business in France. Visit our career center where members can post jobs and résumés. Turn to us to facilitate contacts with partner organizations and government resources. The FACC assists in sponsoring the
J-1 visa and VIE program to ensure that generations of young talents gain valuable experience while benefiting our Minnesota host companies.

Looking for a trusted provider of service or goods? Our network can facilitate your search.  Looking to make connections? Meet and build relationships at our FACC Rendez-Vous du Jeudi, our collaborative Euro-Chambers professional development programs, our Euro-Cocktail and our one of a kind Annual Gala and Fête du Vin!

We all work hard to build our business and client base, but we also benefit greatly from networking and educational opportunities that increase our effectiveness in today’s competitive global market.  Get involved with the group of Young Professionals and see how being a part of our energetic and resourceful French-American Chamber of Commerce can make you more successful!

And remember, I am very interested in listening to what you have to say! If you would like to:
  • Leverage your chamber benefits
  • Work together to set some personalized goals
  • Share your chamber experience
Call or e-mail me, and together, we can go a long ways to grow your business for your benefit and that of our community.


A bientôt,
Odile

News from the Board of Directors
  Annual Meeting at the Minneapolis Institute of Art
The French American Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting on June 8th at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Following the president's report on Chamber finances and activities, members voted on the recommended slate presented by the Board of Directors. 

We would like to welcome and congratulate our new board members:

Véronique Liebmann  
Morgan LeNaour
Hélène Donzelot
Nicole Frank

We are also pleased to announce the newly appointed officers:

President - Nancy Heinerscheid
Vice President - Mark McNeil
Treasurer - Véronique Liebmann
Secretary - Morgan LeNaour 



Featured Company of the Month


A company on the cutting edge of recycling and waste solutions.     
Steve Cremer, CEO of Harmony Enterprises, Inc.
  Photo from the Rendez-Vous du Jeudi (May 2017)

     Harmony Enterprises was founded in 1962 in Harmony, Minnesota. In 1989 Harmony Enterprises began selling recycling equipment to Taiwan, with the help of the Minnesota Trade Office. In the mid-90's, the sale of Harmony products went global with products in over 25 countries worldwide. Today, Harmony Enterprises earns 30% of its business from international sales.
  
     Steve Cremer was a guest speakers at the Rendez-Vous du Jeudi, featuring Harmony Enterprises, a Minnesota based family business, that has achieved remarkable growth with sales in over 80 countries around the world. Harmony Europe is located in France and supports growing operations throughout Europe.       
      
Recent Events
Rendez-Vous du Jeudi (May)

"Un Grand Merci!" to Steve Cremer & Steve Riedel, MTO for your contribution to such a successful event! We had a great turnout and so many new connections were made between individuals, businesses, and young professionals. 

Thank you FALLS Agency for hosting such a colorful event and providing us with a beautiful venue! 

Rendez-Vous du Jeudi (June)

The FACCMN and the Young Professionals welcomed several new members during the "Rendez-Vous du jeudi" at Heyday!  
So many new faces and a fabulous time getting to know each other!

Félicitations aux futurs mariés Evelyn & Gabriel!
et 
Joyeux Anniversaire Grace!



We enjoyed wonderful appetizers, of which delicious artisanal cheeses and charcuterie 
and the best bread ever! Happy Hour at Heyday!

Upcoming Events
Fall Euro-Cocktail Meeting

Save the Date!

September 21, 2017

Details and location coming soon!

Annual Gala & Fête du Vin

Save the Date!

November 17, 2017

50th Floor of the IDS Center 

Details coming soon!

Welcoming: FACCMN Summer 2017 Interns
Grace Carle

Grace is a senior at Connecticut College, double majoring in English and French.
Allison Dickey

Allison graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a Bachelor's degree in Strategic Communication and Management
Victoria Prasek

Victoria is a senior at the University of Minnesota Dulut h, double majoring in Organizational Management and French Studies.
Further Information

Check out our social media!




Un Grand Merci !
French American Chamber of Commerce | info@faccmn.com | www.faccmn.com