On September 24, the French-American Chamber of Commerce – Rocky Mountain convened leaders from business, diplomacy, education, and the community at the Utah State Capitol for the USA 250: Franco-American Leadership Business Reception. The evening celebrated the historic relationship between France and the United States while looking ahead to a stronger Utah–France connection.
Conversations throughout the reception highlighted international business, investment, innovation, education, and meaningful relationships. More than a commemorative gathering, the reception was designed to create momentum for deeper business relationships, institutional connections, and collaboration.
Connecting history with the future
The Chamber welcomed Valérie Brisset, Consul General of France in San Francisco, as Guest of Honor, together with Anne Lair, Ph.D., Honorary Consul of France in Utah, and Dr. Eric Hinderaker, Professor and Chair of the Department of History at the University of Utah. Dr. Hinderaker offered historical perspective on the Franco-American relationship.
Conversations on education, innovation, business and investment
Two discussions brought together leaders in education, industry, economic development, and the Franco-American business community. The first explored talent, universities, international exchange, and cross-border collaboration. The second focused on business, investment, and Utah’s attractiveness to French and American companies.
RMFACC thanks moderators Christophe Gilliot and Jonathan Freedman, and participants Randy Pritchard, Thibaut Godard, César Sanchez, Anne Lair, Ph.D., Jean-Luc Palayer, Guillaume Marty, Christophe Gilliot, and Joseph Maillard for contributing their perspectives.
Growing the French-American community in Utah
The reception marked a milestone in the Chamber’s Utah presence. Vanessa Galjaardt and Priscilla Blanchot have helped lay the groundwork for a growing business community; Christophe Gilliot has helped connect entrepreneurs, companies, and regional partners. The goal is a sustained network linking companies, professionals, universities, and institutions between France, Utah, and the Rocky Mountain West.
Culture at the heart of the evening
The Chamber thanks the Utah French Choir and Francis Badibanga, as well as Alvin Gao, Levon Taylor, and Gabe Taylor, whose performances brought music to the Capitol Rotunda. Culture, education, and shared experiences remain essential to lasting international relationships.
Made possible through partnership
Boccard served as Alliance Presenting Sponsor. RMFACC also thanks Gerflor, Orano, Fragomen, bioMérieux, J.P. Morgan, Edward Jones, BlackJack Sportswear, World Trade Center Utah, Alliance Française de Salt Lake City, and the Consulate General of France in San Francisco.
RMFACC also thanks Pascaline Garrigues, the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, along with the volunteers, event team, musicians, participating organizations, and every attendee.
The reception was only the beginning
RMFACC is building a network connecting France with the Rocky Mountain region. Through membership, business programs, executive connections, cultural events, and institutional partnerships, the Chamber creates opportunities to meet, collaborate, and grow together.
The Chamber looks forward to continuing the conversations started at the Capitol and building more avenues for collaboration across business, education, and the community. It thanks Victor Ducoulombier, RMFACC President, for his leadership and support.
