On Thursday, May 7th, the 114th Annual Meeting of the French-American Chamber of Commerce – New York was convened in the auditorium of Calyon Americas.

Following a welcome by Thierry Simon, Deputy CEO, Calyon, Serge Bellanger, President of the FACC, opened the meeting with various statutory items, as well as a discussion on issues of interest.

FACC members approved the minutes of the 2008 Board Meeting and were also presented with the 2008 FACC Financial Statements and Activity Report, and with the Outlook and Budget. Elections to the Board of Directors were held.

The 2003 – 2008 Six-Year Evaluation offered an overview and analysis of various FACC priorities, including Membership, Events, International Career Development Programs and Trade Services.

Drawing on his presentation from the 2009 National Meetings in Dallas, Rethinking the FACC in a New Environment, Mr. Bellanger provided an analysis of the national FACC network performance in 2008, and explored today’s new business and economic environment and its impact on the FACC mission and activities. He also discussed the steps that can be taken by FACC chapters to effectively respond to this new environment.

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 assessed the impact of the crisis on the international business community and on the financial sector in particular, stating that a staggering 9% of New York City jobs and 35% of the payroll come from this troubled sector.

Following the meeting, members enjoyed the opportunity to network. The FACC would like to thank Calyon, and the entire FACC membership, for their valuable support.