On May 15, members of the French-American Chamber of Commerce – New York convened at the University Club for the 113th Annual Member Meeting.

Serge Bellanger, President of the FACC, opened the meeting by welcoming members and guest speaker, Kathryn Wylde. He also recognized the French government officials that were in attendance including Gérard Belet, Minister Counsellor of Economic Affairs, Embassy of France; Chantal Chauvin, Deputy Consul General, The Consulate of France; and Hervé Ochsenbein and Elisabeth Puissant of the French Embassy Trade Office.

FACC members approved the minutes of the 2007 Board Meeting. They were then presented with the 2007 Activity Report and Financial Statements, as well as the 2008 Outlook and Budget. Mr. Bellanger provided an overview and analysis of several issues including the J-1 visa exchange program, the FACC branding initiative, the 25th Anniversary of the Person of the Year award gala, and the FACC national network.

Finally, Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO, Partnership for New York City gave a candid assessment of the financial and economic state of New York and its impact on the real estate market, financial services and the securities industry. She also discussed the impact of the crisis on the international business community.

Closing the meeting, Mr. Bellanger extended thanks to Ms. Wylde, the French Embassy Financial & Trade Services, and the FACC membership. The meeting was followed by a networking reception, and a lunch for the Board members.

 The FACC thanks its members for their ongoing support.