Dear members and friends
While all of our events continue to be online (see further in this newsletter for new ones), services to our members in this difficult period continue. Here are some of the resources we are offering to our members:
✅ Communicate to our audience. We have a mailing list of 33,000+ names, to which we send this newsletter once a week. If you are a member, simply send us what you would like to pass on and we will publish it. Here are examples of what this could be:
- General messages regarding your policies during this period
- Show your educational or promotional videos (see below for an example)
- Take out menus for restaurants
- Your online offerings
- Schedule of your online classes, webinars, etc.
- A story about your business, and how it is making the best of this situation
- Stories about your employees
-
Dedicated newsletters are also possible. Contact us for details.
✅ Organize a webinar or an online meeting or class with us. We will consider any interesting topic. It doesn't have to be about France, and it certainly doesn't have to be in French. The language of the Chamber is primarily English.
PS: Our members are hiring. Take a look at their job offers, below in this newsletter.
Important: as most organizations, the French-American Chamber of Commerce has been strongly impacted by the crisis. We are a non-profit (501(c)6, non-eligible for the Cares Act) and we do not receive or depend on any support from any government or governmental organization. We only live from our memberships and our events. Since we no longer have income-producing events and most of our webinars and online event are free or offered at a very small fee, as well as open to all, we ask that you seriously consider helping us via the following:
- When registering to an event, make a donation. Several options are available on the registration page.
-
Signing up for a membership. (This is the most helpful!)
-
Contact us to make a custom donation.
We thank you in advance!
Denis Chazelle
Executive Director
French-American Chamber of Commerce
|
|
Our Members Talk Business |
|
The Messas Law Practice
Expanding Your Business in the U.S. - Part 3 of 4
What You Need to Know About Employment Law in 5 Minutes
|
|
Lend Me Your EARs: CFIUS Makes Export Controls a Trigger for Mandatory Filings
On October 15, 2020, CFIUS will officially tie mandatory filings to U.S. export control regimes, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). While that change may draw a clearer line of what constitutes a mandatory filing, it also pulls your CFIUS review into the complex (and somewhat nerdy) world of export regulations.
|
|
If we can't connect in person...
let's connect online!
Follow us:
|
|
This newsletter is sent to more than 32,000+ recipients, mostly residing in the Washington, DC area. Members can advertise in it at no charge. Non-members can also advertise, for a fee. To sign up for a membership, or for more info, click here, or email us. You can also call us at 240-994-6932.
|
|
Important Information for French expatriates, residents or visitors
|
|
Thu
Nov 5
11am
Legal or Not, Here They Come:
New H-1B Rules
Free Event
|
|
Join Linda Rahal, Attorney/Shareholder/Chief Operating Officer at Trow & Rahal, P.C.
for a presentation on new H1-B rules. Q&A will follow.
- Analysis of the DOL and DHS interim final rules and their effect on H-1B and PERM;
- Exploration of new prevailing wages;
- Analysis of the new “specialty occupation” definition;
- Explanation of the new requirements for third-party worksites.
- Q&A
|
|
Wed
Nov 18
12:30pm
COVID Financial Challenges and Relief Solutions for Small Businesses
Free Event
|
|
Lunch & Learn
FACC Women in Leadership SERIES
The FACC Women in Leadership Committee has launched a Lunch & Learn Series for 2020-2021 to highlight leaders in our community that are spearheading initiatives that promote women in business, inspiring our local/global networks with innovative ideas, and acting as agents of change to address local, bi-national (French-American), and global needs.
Please join us for the first
Lunch&Learn in our series:
COVID Financial Challenges and Relief Solutions
for Small Businesses
|
|
Tue
Nov 17
4:30pm
Online
One-to-One
MBA Event
Free Event
|
|
Need to upgrade your business skills?
Choose the safest learning opportunity with an MBA! Tune in online for a unique MBA virtual event with top business schools. Meet MBA admission representatives from Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business, Georgetown University, Arizona State University - WP Carey School of Business, John Hopkins University- Carey Business School, University of Miami Business School, University of Maryland & many more!
|
|
Job Ref: 4228
Job Title: Project Manager
Salary: $75,178 USD, plus benefits
Vacancy type: Indeterminate
Under the direction of the Senior Project Manager, the incumbent is responsible for the management of large and small property contracts and other special projects at the Embassy, Official Residence and other crown-held properties. This includes: the preparation of all documentation related to large and small-scale contracts including invitations to tender, contracts and follow up correspondence; the review and assessment of surveys prepared by third party consultants, architects and engineers; and the organization of competitive bidding and preparation of submissions to the contract review board.
The incumbent will also plan, manage, recommend and co-ordinate the development of Major Work Programmes (Headquarters-funded projects) for the Embassy, Official Residences and other crown-held properties as well as develop and implement service standards. The incumbent will draft complex reports on a variety of subjects and conduct in-depth research from a wide range of sources to analyze trends and propose short- and long-term strategies
|
|
Job Ref: 4224
Job Title: Driver
Salary: $18.01 USD per hour, plus benefits
Vacancy type: Indeterminate
Under the direction of the Transportation Coordinator, the incumbent drives an official vehicle in the pooled category, transporting authorized passengers, as well as delivering and collecting items of material. The incumbent ensures the proper maintenance and operation of the vehicle; maintains vehicle log and records; and performs other duties as assigned. The incumbent may also be required to act as chauffeur for executive management (Ambassador/Deputy Head of Mission) at the Embassy.
|
|
Store Manager – 727 Sailbags Annapolis, MD
727 Sailbags is a French lifestyle brand which uses recycled sails to create and manufacture high-end handbags, ready to wear and home decoration items.
We are hiring a Store Manager for our very first Flagship store in the US, located in Annapolis, MD.
As Store Manager, you will be responsible for presenting exceptional customer service, driving retail sales and managing daily operations in the store. You will also be responsible for managing the fulfillment of web and B2B orders, shipped from Annapolis, MD.
|
|
Stephanie Messas
The Messas Law Practice
|
|
The Messas Law Practice, PLLC accompanies companies in each step of their US expansion. With years of experience, the firm can connect you to a large network of experts and help you come up with legal strategies to maximize your business while minimizing your risks. We want you to succeed because if you do, we do too. We customize our services to your needs with a practice based on litigation experience and years of advising clients like yourself in all industries alike. We speak your language, figuratively (no legalese) and literally (we speak French and English). Finally, the firm prides itself on its flexibility offering competitive and customized fee structures while being recognized for the quality of its services. If you would like to learn more, please visit the firm’s website at www.messaslaw.com.
[fr] - Le Messas Law Practice, PLLC accompagne les entreprises à chaque étape de leur expansion aux États-Unis. Armé d’années d’expérience, le cabinet peut vous connecter à un vaste réseau d’experts et vous aider à trouver des stratégies juridiques pour maximiser votre business tout en minimisant vos risques. Nous voulons que vous réussissiez parce que si vous atteignez vos objectifs, nous aussi. Nous personnalisons nos services à vos besoins avec une pratique basée sur de l’expérience en contentieux et des années de conseil à des clients comme vous, dans toutes industries. Nous parlons votre langue, figurativement (pas de termes légaux) et littéralement (nous parlons Français et Anglais). Enfin, l’entreprise est fière de sa flexibilité, offrant des structures tarifaires compétitives et personnalisées tout en étant reconnue pour la qualité de ses services. Si vous souhaitez en savoir plus, veuillez visiter le site Web de l’entreprise www.messaslaw.com.
|
|
Trancestral Language Services
Nina Gafni of Trancestral Language Services is a freelance French, German, and Italian into English translator, editor, interpreter, and language coach who specializes in legal, financial, medical, and genealogy matters, as well as in helping professionals adapt to life in the United States and abroad. She has over fifteen years of experience at the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as well as in the pharmaceutical and performing arts sectors.
|
|
Acquisitions Under $1 Million
We thought you might be interested in learning more about popular sectors for U.S. acquisitions under $1 million going forward into 2021. The market for deals under $1 million continues to grow in sectors that are doing well in weathering the limitations of COVID-19 or as the economy shifts to a "new normal". The sectors include home healthcare, last-mile distribution/delivery services, and home improvement among others. These acquisitions can also be used to obtain E1/E2 or other investment visas for you and your family if you are a foreign national looking to move to the U.S. See the full market report with all 10 sectors and analysis by clicking on our website: here.
Regardless of the choice of industry or the size of the deal, three important points remain: be knowledgeable, align yourself with a professional, and be flexible. Initial assumptions may not prove true. Be ready to PIVOT! Finally, consider buying a 50% stake in a business, giving the owner incentives to stay on and fully integrate yourself into their operations and the market, with a provision for buying full control in 1-3 years. This is particularly important if you have not done business in the USA before or are unfamiliar with the industry sector. Sellers typically offer help with refinancing, otherwise, federal Small Business Administration Loans can be available. For foreign buyers, it may be possible to borrow against foreign assets for an M&A deal.
A good example from the fast-growing virtual health/home healthcare sector is a Licensed Medicare And Medical Certified Home Health company for sale in California for $500,000.
To set up a free private consultation to learn more about active opportunities for acquisitions under $1 million please set up a meeting here: Private Consultation
For more information on deals and opportunities, please contact the phone number or email address below.
|
|
Caroline Vaquette - OurOffice |
|
Hello,
My name is Caroline Vaquette and I am the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at OurOffice. OurOffice supports companies of all sizes to start or strengthen cultures of inclusion.
Our Value is to help companies understand Why and How Diversity can support their Business Drivers and their development.
I am delighted to provide, for all companies between 50 and 2000 employees, with a Complimentary Advisement Session focused on Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace.
This free advisement session will provide valuable insight that will lead to improved hiring results, reduced employee turnover and higher employee engagement.
If you're interested, feel free to reach out - if not, I hope you have a great week!
|
|
FACC Helpline
With the help of our member Mr. Venkat Ramineni, the FACC has setup a Helpline to help our members and French nationals facing the below uncertainties:
1. PPP Loan is the lifeline to all businesses with less than 500 employees. Yet, it is plagued with issues and most businesses are unable to secure the funds.
2. French nationals are stuck under ESTA, E-2, L-1 and other status. They need help to extend their status because they can’t fly back to Europe and/or lost their job.
3. Companies in the US and France with unpaid invoices and signed contracts are unsure of the available contractual resolutions.
Mr. Ramineni and his team is extending their help in connecting those in need with the members of Congress, Bank senior executives, and lawyers for the next 60 days. Please understand that while we all strive to assist you, some issues may be beyond our powers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
