FACC Michigan Chapter logo 2014

Media Contacts: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications, 248.260.8466, barbara@eafocus.com; Stephanie Salvadero, French-American Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Chapter, 313.701.8294; salvaderos.faccmi@gmail.com

Detroit — April 11, 2016 — The French-American Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Chapter (FACC Michigan), a not-for-profit business organization committed to the improvement of economic, commercial and financial relations between France and the United States and offering a variety of business, educational and social opportunities to its members, is pleased to host his Excellency, Gérard Araud, Ambassador of France to the United States at a networking reception on Thursday, April 28 in Auburn Hills. Mr. Araud will be in Auburn Hills to visit France-based automotive suppliers Faurecia and Valeo. The networking reception is open to both members and non-members.

Mr. Araud, 63, a career diplomat, was appointed Ambassador of France to the United States in September 2014. He previously held numerous positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, notably Director for Strategic Affairs, Security and Disarmament (2000-2003), Ambassador of France to Israel (2003-2006), Director General for Political Affairs and Security (2006-2009) and, most recently, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations in New York (2009-2014).

Over the course of his career, Mr. Araud has developed specialized knowledge in two key areas: the Middle East and strategic & security issues. Regarding the latter, he was the French negotiator on the Iranian nuclear issue from 2006 to 2009. In New York, at the Security Council, he contributed to the adoption of resolutions on Libya (#1970 and #1973), Côte d’Ivoire (#1975), the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and the Central African Republic, and participated in debates on the Syrian and Ukrainian crises.

Cedric Ballarin, FACC Michigan president and a vice president in the Michigan headquarters of France-based Faurecia, is eager to welcome Mr. Araud.

“France is Michigan’s fourth largest trading partner; it is an honor for FACC Michigan to host Ambassador Araud and better acquaint him with the advances French companies are making with technology, manufacturing and autonomous vehicle support here in Southeast Michigan,” Ballarin said.

Information
What: The French-American Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Chapter (FACC Michigan) networking reception with Gérard Araud, Ambassador of France to the United States
When: Thursday, April 28; 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Noah’s event venue; 3390 Cross Creek Parkway, Auburn Hills 48326
Cost: $40
Register: register online here.

For questions about FACC Michigan or the networking reception, contact Executive Director Stephanie Salvadero at salvaderos.faccmi@gmail.com or 313.701.8294.

About the French-American Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Chapter
The Michigan Chapter of the French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACC Michigan) is a member of the French-American Chamber of Commerce – the oldest bilateral chamber of commerce in the United States, comprised of 21 chapters in major cities across the nation representing more than 5,000 member organizations. The FACC is a non-profit, non-political organization dedicated to the development of commercial relations between French and American businesses. Learn more at www.faccmi.org.

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