Chers adhèrents, Chers amis,

On September 11, 2001, I was actually living in Manhattan. Practically 10 years later and living in Chicago, I was extremely moved to receive the information that I am about to share with you. Founded by French individuals, "The French Will Never Forget" is an organization dedicated to French-American friendship and helping to commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11 in Paris. Model Twin Towers will be built in Paris on the Place du Trocadero, framing the Eiffel Tower on 9/11.

Our National President, Ms. Elsa Berry, made a financial donation to the organization in the name of the French-American Chamber of Commerce. The FACC corresponding statement, enclosed here, will be displayed on site during the commemoration.

If you wish to also symbolically share your solidarity to the commemorative demonstrations and to this unique French-American initiative, please refer to the French Will Never Forget Facebook page.

August remains busy at the Chamber as we are completing the 2011 Edition of our Members Directory publication. I wish to thank each and every one of our members for helping us gather the necessary information. You should be receiving your copy through the mail in time for "La Rentrée!" We look forward to your feedback.

Last week, I had the privilege of organizing a "Mission d'Exploration" on the theme of the meat industry in Chicago. This "Day in the Life of..." would never have been possible without the extraordinary collaboration of Chicago professionals in this sector: from Jim Gratziano's Italian Deli store, the Kitchen of Jackie Chen (at the Chicago Cut Steakhouse), the warehouse of JDY Gourmet, the facility of Paulina Meat Market, to the extraordinary "boucherie" of Rob Levitt (The Butcher & Larder). Merci to all of them for so graciously sharing their experience.

August has also been a tremendous month for new memberships. We are delighted to welcome Roquette, Inc., our new BENEFACTOR member. (You can read below about Roquette's new ventures in Chicago/Illinois).

As a reminder, FACC Benefactor Members receive maximum exposure and several complimentary tickets to every FACC event, including monthly members luncheons, our annual La Nuit des Etoiles Gala and "Passport to France," held this year on November 17.

In September, we will also start our Fall Business Breakfast Seminar Series, so mark your calendars for September 20. More details to follow.

In the meantime, the FACC wishes you...

Bonne rentrée,

Emmanuèle van Houdenhoven