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ECONOMIC AGENDA
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Celette North America is the United States branch of the French company Celette, a leader in automotive collision repair equipment. It develops repair tools for most car manufacturers and is a recommended supplier of collision repair equipment to premium car manufacturers. |
| Celette North America has recently relocated its headquarters and distribution center from California to Illinois to better serve its markets and to be closer to key industry players. The new facility in Lombard, Ill., which covers 24,000 sq. ft., has been in operation since January 2007 and was dedicated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 10 in the presence of several officers from the French Trade Commission in Chicago. |  |
NEWS FROM INVEST IN FRANCE AGENCY
CLUSTERS: A NEW WAY TO DO BUSINESS IN FRANCE
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French clusters are the more sustainable since they fall within the scope of the European Commission plans regarding national clusters set up by EU members. In Stockholm next November 2007, Brussels plans to launch a long-term cluster-oriented European policy to enable national |
clusters in Europe to operate together, creating an effective network of Europe-targeted clusters without boundaries. (Complete Information).
A new guide "Guide to doing business in France" is now online Published by Lex Mundi, the World’s leading association of independent law firms, this free guide gives you all the important information you need for doing business in France.
About the Invest in France Agency: The Invest in France Agency is the economic development arm of the French government responsible for promoting foreign direct investment into France. Its mission is to help companies find the most profitable and competitive solution in France for their European business goals. In addition to facilitating access to financial and fiscal incentives, Invest in France provides key industry contacts, site selection studies and regulatory information and helps identify potential partners and acquisition opportunities. Services are customized, confidential and complimentary. Invest in France has 32 offices in 22 countries, including North American offices in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Toronto. For more information, please visit www.investinfrance.org.
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Invest in France Agency North America 205 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 3750 Chicago, IL 60601 Tél. (312) 628-1054 - Fax : (312)628-1033 http://www.investinfrance.org |
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Firmafrance.com : The official French Exporters Free resource |
Firmafrance.com was launched in France on June 25th, 2003 by UBIFRANCE, the French Agency for international business development, and the French weekly magazine on topical industrial news, l’Usine Nouvelle. It is the first and only B2B website which brings together 20,000 French exporters. Dedicated to foreign companies who wish to identify reliable suppliers and partners, it also gives companies the chance to announce their offers and seize business opportunities on line.
UBIFRANCE
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French Pavilion Premiers at NRA Show in May For the first time, a French pavilion showcasing nine of the France’s most dynamic kitchen equipment companies will be at the NRA Show, May 19 to 22 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Click (here) for complete information. |
| Modern Engineering Opens New Facility in Saint-Etienne, France The Modern Engineering group, an outsourced industrial engineering company headquartered in Rochester Hills, Mich., announced the opening of a new facility in France during a press luncheon held on April 17 in Detroit, Mich. Already present in China, India, Israel, and Romania, the group’s new facility in the Metrotech technology park near the city of Saint-Etienne in central France marks its first development project in western Europe. Click (here) for complete information. |
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Vogus Wines "Made in France" With Innovative Packaging, Available for Export Basing themselves on a "strength through unity" principle, three wine producers from the south of France have joined forces to enhance their production and find new market outlets. |
| Europe’s Largest Livestock Show Continues to Grow More than 77,000 visitors and 1,000 exhibitors are expected to attend the 16th edition of Sommet de l’Elevage this year, from Oct. 4 to 6 in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Located in the heart of the Massif Central in the largest beef production region in Europe, the show is expected to again confirm its position as the leading European livestock trade show with a comprehensive presentation of French and European breeds. |
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The 2007 Sommet will broaden its dairy cattle presentation by welcoming the prestigious National Holstein Show, the leading dairy cattle breed both in France and abroad. A recognized platform for business, this year’s show will again highlight opportunities to exchange information and build relationships at the heart of current events in the agricultural industry. Click (here) for complete information.
MAISON DE LA FRANCE/FRENCH GOVERNMENT TOURIST OFFICE
Need help?
To find a France Certified Agent in for your next trip, take a look at the Mdlf web site: www.franceguide.com/us
Programme France de Certification des agents de voyages
Le programme de formation des agents de voyages que propose la Maison de la France s’étend sur 3 ans. Il permet d’éduquer les agents de voyages américains sur la France d’en faire des spécialistes de notre destination et de nos produits. Ces agents bénéficient d’offres spéciales mises à disposition par les partenaires français et américains du programme sur la section professionelle sur site www.franceguide.com.
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France, Learn it, Live it, Sell it - Become a France Certified Agent Maison de la France offers a unique Certification program for travel agents in the U.S. |
The course prepares American travel agents to sell one of the world’s most popular destinations. You’ll discover the beauty and romance of France through maps, photographs, and information about niche markets that includes vineyard tours and barge cruising, and details about France’s famous food and wine. With in-depth information about France’s climate, history, transportation, accommodations, special events, dining, entertainment, and shopping, you’ll soon be selling France with confidence.
The program also provides sales strategies and sample itineraries. Upon successful completion of the course and test, agents will be invited by Maison de la France to participate in a low-cost educational trip to France. For criteria on the France Certified Agent program, visit www.thetravelinstitute.com and click on Destination Specialist Courses.
For Tour Operators, journalists and professional, please call: (312) 327-0290 (please note new phone number). For general information about tourism in France, please call: (514) 288-1904 (for the general public) or (514) 288-6989 (for travel agents) or visit www.franceguide.com/us.
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Pour bien préparer vos vacances en France Franceguide.com de la Maison de la France et Skifrance.fr de l’Association nationale des Maires des Stations de Montagne. |
To prepare your vacation in France two sites: Franceguide.com from Maison de la France and Skifrance.fr from the Association nationale des Maires des Stations de Montagne.
Maison de la France is delighted to provide you with information and helpful hints for you and your students’ next trip to France!. Don’t hesitate to contact Maison de la France at (514) 288 1904 if you need brochure for the Young Traveler or the general FranceGuide 2005 brochure that includes fun facts and celebrities’ interviews such as Tony Parker who grew up in France.
E-newsletter from the Maison de la France
E-News from France is the Maison de la France French Government Tourist Office monthly consumer e-newsletter. It provides up-to-the-minute information on travel to France, including hot deals, events and other news of interest to American visitors. For more information and to sign up click (here) or send an (email).
Through expatriate eyes!
Through expatriate eyes is a way to discover the Paris of Parisians! The faculties of expatriate friends - the booksellers, writers, journalists, wine merchants and restaurateurs that define contemporary Paris reveal the best of Paris - past and present. For calendar of events or other information please contact Terrance Gelenter at 415-388-4956. Visit the website: www.paris-expat.com/index.html.
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FRENCH-AMERICAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Chicago - Detroit - Minneapolis - Minnesota - Ohio |
BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
ILLINOISChicago
June 6: FACC Chicago Young Professionals Speed Networking
Guests will benefit from Patricia Ewert's "How to build high quality referral relationships" presentation, and have an opportunity to try out these new tips and compete for the title "Best Networker" in a Speed Networking activity. Pat is currently a director of Business Development with RSM McGladrey and frequently leads networking seminars for the firm's junior associates and various professional organizations. Among her many accomplishments, she has been recognized as the SBA Small Business Person of the Year for the State of Illinois, Woman Business Owner of the Year from the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). Her complete biography can be found on the website www.facc-chicago.com. All FACC members and friends are welcome! Join us at Tizi Melloul Restaurant (531 N. Wells) on Wednesday, June 6 from 5:30-7:30 pm. The $20 admission includes complimentary appetizers, and drink specials will be available at the cash bar. Please reserve your place by Monday, June 4: jjackson@facc-chicago.com or 312-578-0444.
June 12: Monthly Members Luncheon
Chef Gilles Arzur and the Sofitel team will provide what is sure to be a delicious meal and welcoming setting for you to meet with your fellow FACC members and network. Mark you calendar for the monthly luncheon for the second Tuesday of every month! Sofitel Water Tower Hotel, Café des Architectes - 20 East Chestnut. RSVP: 312-578-0444 or jjackson@facc-chicago.com.
OHIO
Cincinnati
June 21: Impact of REACH on your business
Join the FACC Cincinnati for a key seminar on a European regulation that will affect many US businesses! Tel:513-852-6510 for complete seminar information and to reserve you place.