On June 5, as part of the First Wednesday Discussion Series, Jean-François Phelizon, President & CEO of the Saint-Gobain Corporation and Executive Vice-President of the French-American Chamber of Commerce- NY, shared valuable insight and career advice with Young Executives.

Emphasizing his "strong support" of the FACC's Young Executive Committee, Mr. Phelizon drew on his career to offer guidance to those YE's wishing to enhance their own career prospects. Mr. Phelizon opened the discussion by providing an overview of Saint-Gobain worldwide. Established in 1665, the company ranks 123rd on the Fortune Global 500 list and its businesses include construction products, high-performance materials, packaging, flat glass and building distribution. He also described the activities of Saint-Gobain in North America which, in 2006, represented 16 percent of the company's net sales worldwide.

In describing the diverse career opportunities offered by Saint-Gobain in particular, Mr. Phelizon emphasized the importance of proposing early responsibility, succession planning, potential for international management and expatriate assignments to employees. Offering guidance to the Young Executives, he highlighted the value of professionalism and careful career planning. Specifically, he advised attendees to learn from the experience of others, deliver results, take risks, be flexible, and learn a foreign language. A question and answer session followed the presentation, offering Young Executives the chance to engage in a true dialogue with Mr. Phelizon.

A cocktail reception concluded the evening. The FACC would like to thank Nixon Peabody LLP for graciously sponsoring and hosting the event.