KENNETH J. VACOVEC Senior Partner, Vacovec, Mayotte & Singer FACC Executive Vice President

Who are you? What is your professional activity? When did you become an FACC Board member?
We are a tax law firm, which provides a significant amount of services in the international tax area. I became involved as an FACC board member approximately 5 or 6 years ago.

What is your experience with the FACC? How, when, and why did you get involved with the Chamber? How has the Chamber contributed to your professional success in the area?
The firm has been a member of the FACC for at least 15 years. We became involved with the chamber because of our international activities, including significant tax work involving France and French-speaking countries. We became members to better understand the business relationships between France and the United States, and to be informed as to the developments in France, which effect the international business community. The Chamber has contributed significantly in this understanding, in addition to providing opportunities to develop a network of business relationships in the French-American community.

Tell us about a cultural short story you have experienced – i.e. a cultural shock while travelling abroad or adapting to the Boston area.
Several years ago, my wife and I took the train from London to Paris through the Tunnel. The most significant cultural shock was hitting 135+ miles per hour on French soil after having ambled through the English countryside (culture shock on wheels).

What is it you like/dislike/find challenging in working with a French-American community?
Working in the French-American community is delightful, especially dealing with the French culture, cuisine and attitude towards life. The most challenging aspect is to obtain cooperation between the various national business chambers serving the business community. One of the most encouraging developments over the years was to see the various national business organizations work together cooperatively to promote their own country interests while providing important membership services through conducting joint programs.