FACC committees are composed of professionals with a keen understanding of and experience in transatlantic business.

About: The committee aims to increase FACC members' visibility, analyze the French-American business community and develop strategic action tools.

Ask the Chairman:
What is the purpose of the Business Development Committee?
“A tool for the executive director, the committee is rooted in action. It supports the development of the Chamber with regard to membership, events and services. Ideas are generated and followed by an appropriate course of action until tasks are satisfactorily completed.”

What are the objectives for the coming years?
“There are many exciting economic development happening in France and New England. We are determined to be the best bridge for business exchange, deepen our knowledge of our ecosystem, promote business and serve our members. Among our objectives, you’ll notice trade services, unifying the young professionals in our community, creating perennial and relevant events.”

What are your personal motivations and what kind of fulfillment do you get from your involvement at the FACCNE?
“My main motivation remains an opportunity to give back. I grew up in France and chose to live in the U.S.A.; I am thankful to these two countries. There no question that it is fun to work with like-minded volunteers. I am also proud to have been an agent of change and witnessed a clear evolution of the FACCNE in the last few years.”

-- Francois Ducroux, Committee Chairman

Members:

About: The Task Force was created in 2010 to develop better methods of responding to the business and trade-related needs of the FACCNE network.

Ask the Chairman:

What is the background of the Trade Services Task Force?
“The FACCNE enjoys an excellent reputation among its sister European Chambers as not only a well-managed organization, but a go-to partner. As we have grown in reputation, we have become a reliable resource to all things French. As a dynamic and growing organization, the demand for expanded services has grown as well. In close collaboration with Consul Christophe Guilhou, FACCNE has formed a task force to address two objectives: 1. Increase awareness of the extent of the economic relations between France and New England and the commitment of the French Consul to promoting technology and innovation 2. Position the FACCNE as a go-to referral network for resources in support of French-American business and professional development requests. The key challenge is capacity, not capability. As this region , and Europe itself, crawls out of the economic downturn, the Chamber is fielding many requests for assistance in the areas of trade missions, business introductions and visas."

What are its goals? "The task force is in the process of compiling a resources inventory of our professional services members and their offerings with the intention of formalizing a process for the referral of business and the delivery of ‘in-demand’ services. Your input is welcome — we would not be as successful without the support of these dedicated professionals.

— Jim Collins, Head of the Task Force

Members:

About: The Young Professional Committee is charged with creating and maintaining fun and educational networking opportunities for the students and young professionals of the Boston area eager to thrive within the French-American business community.

Ask the Chairwoman:
Why did you create the Young Professional Committee and what made you realize the need for this committee? “Boston is a place with a vibrant French community. This has been demonstrated by the success of multiple French social events that I had been attending. However, these events did not address the specific professional needs of young Francophones in the early stages of their career. As a member of the Business Development committee I committed myself to making it a priority issue and my fellow members were receptive and encouraged me.”

What services does the Young Professional Committee offer? “FACCNE YP Committee provides specialized services for students and professionals in the earlier stages of their career. Our plan is to create unique networking opportunities and educational events specifically for individuals under the age of 35 interested in both their own professional development as well as promoting cultural understanding and business opportunity in the French-American community. We want to be part of the social and economic fabric of Boston.”

How many people are involved in the Young Professional Committee and what your objectives are for the coming year? “The FACCNE YP Committee is composed of 7 French and American young professionals. We come from different backgrounds and with a strong experience in our student and trade unions. The FACCNE YP held its first event [in April 2010] and attracted nearly 70 attendees with many indicating an interest in joining. I am personally motivated to make our committee not only a dynamic place for students and young professionals to address their career development needs but to develop into an influential social network within the Boston community and participate through volunteering and other means of support.”

— Cathy Bolliet, Head of FACCNE YP

Members: