The chic botanical-filled Marithé & François Girbaud Boutique in SoHo provided a unique setting for the January 10th French-American Chamber of Commerce Holiday reception. Sipping wine and Champagne, courtesy of Vranken Pommery America, FACC members and guests gathered to network and celebrate the new year.

Serge Bellanger, President of the French-American Chamber of Commerce, provided welcome remarks. Thanking members for their valuable support, he highlighted the success that was 2007 and assured members of an exciting year ahead for FACC events and services.

Offering remarks on the importance of a dynamic French-American trade and economic relationship, François Delattre, Consul General of France, stated that the partnership experienced a vibrant revitalization in 2007. This was symbolized by the historic visit of President Nicolas Sarkozy to Washington when, notably, he addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress and emphasized the strength of the French-American alliance and friendship.

A special raffle prize drawing concluded the memorable evening. The FACC thanks the generous sponsors of the raffle, and congratulates the following winners: Taste Generation style consultation, won Marc Sage, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP; Pierre Deux tote bag, won by Robert Appel, Schiff Hardin LLP; The Bubble Lounge gift certificate, won by Emmanuel Jaegle, Jade Associates; One night stay at The Shoreham Hotel, won by Claude Setton, JP Morgan Securities; Lalique “Vibration Oblong” vase, won by Mireille MacCarthy, Natural Source; A Sonya Sklaroff original painting, courtesy of G&O Art, won by Christine Guenver-Smith, Risk Strategies Company; A pair of round-trip business class tickets to Paris, courtesy of L'Avion, won by Paul Chatelus, Du Parc Lyons and Associates, Inc.

Following the event, guests were treated to a gift of "Extrait de Songe" perfume, courtesy of L'Artisan Parfumeur. The FACC extends its gratitude to Marithé & François Girbaud for hosting the event.