Houston is one of the most diverse, welcoming, and active cities in the US and in the world. It is the global energy capital, and a leader in medical services and aerospace, with so much to do after work A French community of maybe 10,000
On June 1st, we will pay tribute to WWII veterans and celebrate the 75th anniversary of D-Day with the Consulate General of France. We expect more than 300 participants at the Lone Star Flight Museum for a festive gala celebration
No wonder our chamber of commerce is growing so fast. We are probably the fasted growing FACC in the US. We expanded our team, led by Constance Bost, to provide more and better services: training for job searches and entrepreneurs; conferences with our Innovation Club and Energy Forum; professional gatherings for CFO’s and HR directors. Trade missions and business services for entrepreneurs and exporters wanting to cross the Atlantic.
We are now labelled French Tech and are we are developing partnerships with Station Houston, TMCX and Rice University And there is much more 60 events a year, with a total attendance exceeding 5,000. Check our agenda: www.facchouston.org/calendar
You can still register; visit our delegated page on our website.
The Beaujolais evening is our most attended event. So well attended that we decided to move to a larger, more prestigious location: the Minute-Made Park: the Astros ballpark with its original Union train station Mark your calendars - Thursday, November 21st!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Constance Bost, Aurore Ladeveze, Hanen Jamai, Lea Catanzano or myself. We are here to serve the FrenchAmerican business community
President, FACC Houston
Treasurer & Executive Committee, FACC National
60 5,000+ 10
Houstonhasbeenrecognizedasadynamictechecosystem,ableto welcomeandsupportFrenchStartups.ItwasannouncedthisAprilby CedricO,FrenchSecretaryofStateinchargeoftheDigitalEconomy. GreatnewshighlightingthenewfaceofHouston!
Attheheartofthisproject,ateamofsuccessfulentrepreneurswillingto contributetoathrivingecosystemandbolstertheHoustonandFrench Innovationscene.
WithoneofthehighesteconomicgrowthintheUSandastronghistoryof hightechindustry-aerospace,energy,medical-Houstonrepresentsa tremendouspotentialforstartups Newincubatorsandacceleratorsare openingandinvestmentsareincreasing Houstonisanewlandof opportunitiesforstartups TheFrenchTechisheretoshareinformationon whatishappeninginHouston,andsupportthelocaltechecosystemand FrenchStartupstogrowintheUSA.
ConstanceBost,DirectoroftheFrench AmericanChamberofCommerce, supportsFrenchTechHouston.
"FosteringInnovationandsupporting startupsareattheheartofourmission". TheFACCteamiscommittedtoFrench TechHoustonsuccesswith:
HanenJamai
AuroreLadeveze
LeaCatanzano
Andastrongteamofentrepreneursand expertsleadingtheinitiative: MarcGarbey,founderOrintel
CharlesRosmorduc,CEOCorys
CélineTranquillin,IoTexpert
JeanMaynier,co-founderKpler
Marie-HélèneBenSamoun,PartnerBCG, leaderindigitalO&G
JacquesCinqualbre,founderHOPIMédical MichelIzygon,CTOTietronix
CanyoutellusmoreabouttheION projectandhowStationHoustonwill beapartofthisproject?
GR:TheIONbuildingwillbeattheheart ofHouston’sInnovationDistrictand StationHoustonwilloverseethe programming The270,000-squarefoot structureisdesignedtobringHouston’s entrepreneurial,corporateand academiccommunitiestogether.The IONwillsupportstartupsatallstages andprovideresourcesforcommunity participation.
GB: WhileIONwillbestunninginits presence,therealattractionwillbe whatitcreates IseetheIONbringing togetherallofHouston’sgrowingtech talent,entrepreneursandinvestors underoneroof TheIONwillbeaplace wherepeoplefromallovertheworld canmaketheseconnectionsmore quicklyandeffectivelythanwould otherwisebepossible.Mostexcitingof allisthatweknowsuccessbreeds success.Asconnectionsaremadeand successfulventuresemanatefromthe ION,itwillservetoattracttech companiesthattodaymaynotthinkof Houstonasadestination
WeknowthatHoustonisnotyetthe bestplaceforstartupstogetfunds, howdoyouseethefuture?How investorscouldbeattractivefor catchingtheattentionofstartupsall aroundtheworld?
GB:Investmentinstartupsisgoingup. Wearehometosomeofthemostactive angelnetworks.
VentureCapitalistsarecomingto Houstonbecauseofhowfartheir dollarscantakeastartupbasedin Houston Wehavefurthertogointhis area,butwearedefinitelyseeing greaterinterestinHouston
IONwillbeoneofthebiggestspaces forentrepreneurship,whatelse qualifiesIONasauniqueplayerin theUnitedStates?
GB:Innovationmeansmuchmore thanjuststartups.Whilewe’realready establishedasanacceleratorfor entrepreneurship,wealsorecognize thepowerofbigindustries,in particular,bigtechcorporations
StationHoustonandRice ManagementCompany(RMC)are developingpartnershipswithlarge techcorporationsthataretakinga closerlookatHouston’semerging techscene.Theyseewhatweare doingherewiththeIONandatStation andtheyseeitspotential.Weenvision thesepartnershipstoallowthemto runprogramsoutoftheION.Thereis avirtuouscyclehere.Theseprograms willattracttechtalenttoourcitythat isverybeneficialtotheworld-class industriesthatarealreadyhere Beneficialintermsofaccesstotalent andtothedisruptiveideasand technologiestheyneedtothrive New industrieswillbeattractedtoourarea forallofthesamereasons,andthe cyclecontinues.Weareveryexcited thattheIONandStationHoustonwill beatthecoreofthisvirtuouscycle thatourcityneeds.
HoustonStartupsEcosytem
StationHouston:Dedicatedto technologystartups.
WeWork:Worldwideco-workingspace withmodernoffices.
Cannon:InthenewFoundersDistrictof Houston,anentirecampusdedicatedto entrepreneurship.
Headquarters:Itwasdesignedtogive smallbusinessesthefeelofacorporate campus
MassChallenge:Aglobalnon-profit startupacceleratorandcompetitionwith afocusonhigh-impact,early-stage entrepreneurs
HoustonTechnologyCenter:Brings technologyandbusinessentrepreneurs togethertoadvanceeachother’swork andhelpinnovatenewideas
TMCx:Anacceleratoradvancesthe developmentofhealthandmedical technologycompanies
CapitalFactory:Itsmissionistobethe centerofgravityforentrepreneursin Texas,andintroducethemtotheirfirst investors,employees,mentors,and customers.
RiceUniversity:TheRice entrepreneurshipecosystemishometoa collectionofprograms,courses,andcocurricularopportunities.
HoustonExponential: Anewand dynamicorganizationthatserves, organizes,champions,andgrowsthe region'sinnovationecosystem.
270,000-SQUARE
TheIONbuildingwillbeattheheartofHouston’sInnovationDistrict andStationHoustonwilloverseetheprogramming.
The270,000-squarefootstructureisdesignedtobringHouston’s entrepreneurial,corporate,andacademiccommunitiestogether.The IONwillsupportstartupsatallstagesandprovideresourcesfor communityparticipation.
Itisoneofthebiggestprojectsof2019:theconstruction oftheIONproject RiceUniversityannouncedthatION willbelocatedinthehistoricSearsBuilding The constructionofthe270,000squarefootbuilding designedtogatherentrepreneurs,investors, corporations,academicinstitutions,beginsconstruction inMayandwillfinishbytheendof2020
IntheheartofMidtown,thebuildingwillbea playgroundforentrepreneurswithco-workingspaces, resourcesavailableforstartups,spaceforhosting events,andoffersforretailspaceforrestaurantsand entertainmentamenities.
TheprojectisleadbytheRiceManagementCompany whichwillprovideacademicprogrammingalongwith otheruniversities;includingtheUniversityof Houston.StationHoustonisaprogrammingpartner andwilltakepartofthenewinnovationHub.
TheIONrepresentsthefirststepinthedevelopment oftheInnovationDistrict,whichwillcoverroughly16 acresinthesouthendofMidtown Thedistrictwill combineadiversityofcommercialdevelopmentwith housingandpublicspaces
TheInnovationForumishostedbytheFrenchAmericanChamberOfCommerceandledbykey Houstoninfluencers.TheInnovationSeriesproposes morethanfourmajoreventsayear.
ThegoalistoSHOWCASEthemostinnovativeprojects fromournetwork,createahubforprofessionalsto EXCHANGEviewsonthefutureofindustry,getthe PULSEofindustries(oil&gas,healthcare,digital, gastronomy,etc.),andCONNECTcorporations,the startupecosystem,andresearch&individuals.
UNMANNED PLATFORMS by IBM, Sept 2018 by TechnipFMC, March 2019
PlatformsintheOil&GasIndustryare experiencingmassivechangeswith digitalization Unmannedplatformsare almostthere.TechnipFMC,thekey playerinthisrevolution,presentedthe changingdynamicsofupstream technologydevelopment,andthe growingroleofdigitaltechnologyin fielddevelopmentandasset operations.
Keynotespeakers:
-JudsonJacobs,ExecutiveDirector UpstreamEnergypracticeatIHSMarkit
-RichardAlabaster,Presidentof SurfaceBusinessatTechnipFMC.
-IanDuncan,DirectorOfIntegrated OffshoreSolutionsatTechnipFMC.
CHANGE MANAGEMENT by Schlumberger, Nov 2018
Thelargestoilfieldservicecompany intheworld,Schlumberger,is permanentlychangingtoremainthe leaderonthemarket.
DuringthisForum,ourmembershad anauthenticdiscussiononhow Schlumbergerisnavigatingchange managementwhilemaintaining innovation.
Keynotespeakers:
-Jean-FrançoisPoupeau,Executive VicePresidentCorporateEngagement atSchlumberger
-MuqsitAshraff,SeniorManaging DirectoratAccentureStrategy.
Stay tuned and join our forums: www.facchouston.org
FUTURE OF HEALTH
HealthcareInnovationsare transformingtheindustryandourlife. OneofthemisIBMWatson,acomputer systemcapableofansweringquestions askedinnaturallanguage.
DuringthisForum,IBMpresentedhow Watsonassistshospitalsanddoctors andhasimpactedmorethan200,000 patients,applyingartificialintelligence systems
Keynotespeakers:
-JudyMurphy,ChiefNursingOfficerat IBMGlobalHealthcare.
-AshokVeeraraghavanProfessorat RiceUniversityandDoctorof Philosophy,Electrical&Computer engineering.
Marie-NathalieContou-Carrere ResearchAdvisorfor IndustryPartners
VincentSaubestre VPR&D Strategy&Intelligence
EmmanuelRicolfi Principal
NathalieMangeot-Gehin GeneralManagerCalgaz, COOO&GServices,VPO&GUpstream
The team behind the Innovation Forum
Akeyquestiontolearn,grow,andsometimeslaugh.Oncea month,theFACC,ImpactHubHoustonandCreativeVida partnerwiththeglobalmovementFuckUpNighttoorganise ahappyhourwithcourageousprofessionalsand entrepreneurswhosharetheirfailuresandwhatthey learnedfromit.
Theformatisshortandsweet Eachspeakerisgiven7 minutesandisabletouse10imagestosharestoriesofthe businessthatcrashesandburns,thepartnershipdealthat goessour,theproductthathastoberecalled,etc
Theapproachoffailureisathekeyofsuccess,itworks notonlyforentrepreneursbutforlargecompanies. Allowingfailureandbeingabletomoveforwardisa commontraitofhighachieversandhighperformingteams. Byacknowledgingthisfact,manycompaniesand conferenceshasstartedtoshowcasefailuresintherecent years.FailConwasstartedinSanFranciscoin2009asa responsetoeventsrepeatedlyhighlightingonlysuccess, whileprovidingsoguidanceorsafespacesforfailure.
Toattendorshareyourf*ckedupstories:facchouston org
"(...)who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Theodore RooseveltGoogleemployeesarepubliclyapplaudedbytheirco-workers andsupervisorsfortheirfailures,andareoftenrewardedwith timeofftocontemplatewhattheirnextprojectwillbe AndP&G, thebillion-dollarglobalconsumergoodsgiant,isknownforits prestigious“HeroicFailureAward”whichisgiventoemployees withthebiggestfailures.Severalothercompaniesreportedly alsohavetheirownversionsoftheaward.
AstroTeller,DirectorofGoogleXbelievesthatcelebrating failurehelpsincreaseemployeeinnovation.In aninterviewwithBBC,Tellersaid:
“IfImakeyoufeelstupidbecauseyoutriedsomethingnew anditdidn’tworkout,you’renevergoingtotrysomething newagain Butifwecancreateaculturetogetherwhereyou feelstupidbecauseyouhaven’ttriedsomethingnewthis week,you’regoingtotrysomethingneweveryweek ”
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm"
Winston ChurchillFear of failure: a major threat to innovation
Klaxoon and the FACC partnered with Steven G. Rogelberg, who just published the book "The Surprising Science of Meetings: How You Can Lead Your Team to Peak Performance", one of the ten leadership books to watch in 2019 by The Washington Post.
OneofthefastestgrowingFrenchStartups,Klaxoon providesadigitalsolutiontofacilitatemeetingsand teamwork.
TheystoppedinHoustoninMarchtosharetheir technologyandthescienceofmeetings.
After raising 50 millions in New York last May, Klaxoon accelerated its international development with a US tour that lasted several months We were happy to host an event with them in March to learn more about their technology and the "science of meetings".
Klaxoon solution: Founded in 2015, Klaxoon has developed a SaaS platform where users can create shared virtual meeting spaces with quizzes, surveys, challenges, and brainstorming tools.
Most of the series happens in a bright fuchsia truck, shot in natural surroundings with the Klaxoon crew They take on the LA boulevards, the legendary New York avenues, or even the wild west deserts to meet with clients and future customers in order to spread their meeting revolution
Steven Rogelberg has over 100 publications and over 100 invited speeches/colloquiums, addressing issues such as team effectiveness, leadership, engagement, health and employee well-being, meetings at work, and organizational research methods
1-Bringgoodmoodtoameeting:
Createa"timeseparator"tohelpyourteamtobe presentandfreetheirmindfromtheirprevioustask byofferingadrink/snack,greetingeachparticipant, music...
2-Readinsilentbeforethemeeting:
AmethodsuccessfullyimplementedatAmazon. Acknowledgingthatmostofthetime,participants didnothadtimetoreadthedocumenttoprepare themeeting,thefirst10minarededicatedto readinginsilentallthepresentation.Then,withan informedaudience,themeetingcanstart
3- Agenda should be made of questions:
If there is no question to answer and discuss on the agenda, do not set a meeting
Tips shared during the conference
Clinic-Alphabreaksdownthewallsand erasesdistancesbyofferingFrenchspeakingpatientsaccesstosomeofthe bestFrenchpractitioners.Telemedicine supportsyourhealthwhereveryouare.
ArenownedFrenchsurgeon,Jacques Cinqualbre,whosuccessfullyoperatedin thousandsoftransplants,launched Clinic-AlphaafewyearsagoinFranceto reducedistancesbetweendoctorsand theirpatients
Jacques,couldyouintroduceyour careerinfewwords?
Jacques:Iwasaprofessorofmedicine formanyyearsattheUniversityof Strasbourgandasurgeon.Foralmost30 years,Ihavebeeninvolvedingrafting andmulti-organtransplants(liver, pancreas,etc) Iwasalsoinchargeofthe reorganizationofbloodtransfusionsin theFrenchsystem.
Forthepast8years,Ihavebeenmainly focusedontelemedicine,andforthelast 4years,wehaveprofessionalized ourprojectwithHopiMédical(French nameofClinic-Alpha)whereweoffer teleconsultationsinEurope,Africa,and
Howdidyoucomeupwithyourideaof creatingClinic-Alphaandhowdidyou developit?
JC:Myworkontransplantsledmeto telemedicine.Thepatientisaprisonerof histransplantbecauseallhislife,hehas todoafollow-upandensurethereisno rejection.Forexample,inLorraine,the patientshadtotravellongdistances comefortheirmedicalfollow-up,which wasdifficultforthem That’swhyI createdteleconsultationbusinessto makelifeeasierforpatients.
WhydidyouchooseHoustonasyour firstofficeintheUnitedStates?
JC:Ididn’tchooseHoustonrandomly I hadthechancetodomymedicaltraining inStrasbourgandinHoustonfor2years. IhadaconnectionwiththiscitywhereI wasmyselfaFrenchexpatriate. Theenvironmentisalsofavorable The future"SiliconBayou"isapioneerin healthinnovationsandishometoalarge FrenchCommunity.
WhocanbenefitfromClinic-Alphain theUnitedStates?
JC:AnycitizenwhospeaksFrenchand whoisnotanAmericanandCanadian citizen.Ontheotherhand,itisnot possibletoofferthisservicetoAmericans becausewedonothavethelegallicense toserveUScitizens.
qualityofhealthcare Anursewelcomesthepatient andfollowstheinstructionsgivenbythedoctors Theclinicoffersgeneralmedicalcare,pediatric, cardiological,dermatologicalandsoongynecological
"Houstonhashadmanyfirstsinthe medicalfield,sowhynot telemedicine!"
Whychooseateleconsultationrather thana"classic"consultation, especiallyforexpatriates?
JC:Sinceourprojectwascreatedin Houstonwiththeopeningofourofficein early2019,ourdesireistooffera completeservicebyprovidinga completesupporttothepatient: personalassistancebythenurse,a consultationwiththedoctorand deliveryofdrugs.Ifthedoctordetectsa problem,hewillsendthepatienttothe appropriatespecialist.
Andthebenefitsforexpatriatepatients aremany:
-Abilitytoexpressinamothertongue foroneselfandthefamilymembers;
-Stayinthesameculturalcontext
Everycountryhasadifferentmedical approachandthatcanbedestabilizing;
-Reducesthetraveleddistancesbecause youhavetotravelmanymilesin Houstontoseeapractitioner;
-Forthosewhostillhaveaccessto Frenchsocialsecurity,anycostsare reimbursed.Itisthesameforexpatriates whohavetheirrightopen(French retirement,etc.);
-Continuityofcareandrelationshipwith hisFrenchdoctor; -Cheaperconsultationsanddrugcosts thanintheUSA(onaverage,5times cheaper).
CanapatientkeephisFrenchdoctor thankstoClinic-Alpha?
JC:Ifthepatientwishestocontinuetobe treatedbyhisdoctorinFrance,itis possibleifthedoctoraccepts Inthatcase,wecontactthedoctorandin afewclicks,hecaninstallourfree softwarethatwillallowhimtomakea teleconsultation.
Whattypeofconsultationandneedsa patientwouldvisityourmedicaloffice for?
JC:Theconsultationissimilartowhatis donewithapractitionerinFrance For example,itcanbeforcardiology, dermatology,rheumatology,pediatrics, psychologicalsupport,gynecologyand oncology.
Forpediatrics,itispossiblefortheparent tousehissmartphonefromhometohave ateleconsultation.
Incaseofdoubt,parentscanfirst diagnosewiththechild'spediatrician. Thedoctorcansendatextmessagewith thelinktodownloadtheapplication The diagnosiswillalsobesentvia smartphonetotheparents. Thatallowstodoafirstsortingof pathologyandthepatientwillbe reorientedforadditionalexaminationsif necessary.
Forschoolcertificatesandvaccinations, thereareobligationstohavethe certificatessignedbyanAmericandoctor DuringtheconsultationatClinic-Alpha, theFrenchdoctorwillsignthecertificate andwillsendtothecounter-signfor Americancolleagueafterjointdecision.
belowerthanthepriceofUS consultations
Howdoesitwork?
Doesthepatientpayineurosordollars
Doeshealthinsuranceandsocialsecurity alwaysworkforexpatriates?Isit possibletobeingreimbursedbyhis Americaninsurance?
JC:Thepatientpays89eurosforhis consultation Forthereimbursements,the difficultywiththeinsurancesystemisthat it’snotadynamicmachine Insurance companiesarefollowers Youhavetoprove overanumberofyearsthatitworksand thatit'sbetterforthem Atpresent,French socialsecuritydoesnotreimburse,except forpensionerssharedbetweenthetwo countriesandFrenchcitizensaffiliatedto theCFEsystem.FromJune,alltheholders oftheFrench"cartevitale"canbe reimbursed.Regardingthereimbursement byUSinsurancecompanies,ourgoalisto workwithmajorinsurancecompaniesand showthemtheirinteresttorefundthe patientcomparedtoaUSconsultation
Isitpossibletogetreimbursedaftera consultation?AretheyFrenchandwhat isthepricepolicy?
JC:Therearetwocasesforthedrugs prescriptions:
-The"simple"case:thedoctorprescribesa medicine.Eitherthepatientwillpickthem upatalocalpharmacy,whichdoesnot requireaprescription,orthemedicineis delivereddirectlytotheofficeifthedoctor givesaprescription(aftervalidationwitha pharmacistinFrance).
Thepriceinthelastcaseis theFrenchprice,plusthe costoftransportation, whichvariesaccordingto thetypeofmedicine Itis onaverage5timescheaper thananAmericandrug.
-Specialcasesforpeoplewithchronic illnesseswhohaverecurrentdrugs, thedoctorwillwriteaprescriptionthathe willsendtotheprovider.Thevendorwill sendthedrugsdirectlytothepatient usinghisUnitedStatesaddress.The patientmustplanearlyenoughforthe medicinetobesentontime Forlong-termaffection(ALD),therecould bearefundbytheinsurancecompany. Wecantaketheexampleofapatientwith cancer,theaverageamountofdrugsis $10,000/month Bygoingthroughour office,itwillcosthimfivetimeslessandit willbefullyrefundedifheholdsthe “cartevitale”.
Areyouplanningtoinstallother medicalofficesintheUnitedStates?
JC:WewanttobuildourHoustonoffice firstandcreatestrongpartnershipswith localauthorities Ourgoalwillbeto createadditionalcentersinMiami,San FranciscoandNewYork.Wehaveother developmentprojectsandapplicationsas well.Forexample,thetruckdriver communityhistoricallymonitorshealth lessduetolackoftime Wewouldliketo setupcheck-uppointsinheavy-duty garageswithAmericandoctors.Wewould onlybetheprovideroftechnology.
Inyouropinion,whatisthefutureof teleconsultation?
360,000+
JC:Inafewyears,doctorswillsplittheir timebetween"classic"consultationsand teleconsultations Ithinkonedoesnot destroytheotherbutthatthepatientwill beabletochoosedependingonhisneed. Sometimes,patientsneeddirectcontact withthedoctorandsometimes convenience(littletimetogetaround, etc) Weareonlyatthebeginningofthe democratizationofthissystem.
Our story in the United States began in 1957 with the creation of American Petrofina in Texas. In the years since, Total in the USA has grown from a refining and marketing presence to a fully-integrated oil and gas company with activities across the entire energy value chain. It has taken our pioneering spirit and a bit of American “can-do” attitude to identify opportunities to expand our presence through acquisitions, partnerships, and investments
With safety as our guiding core value, we are committed to ensuring that every person in each of our locations goes back home safely every day.
Total leverages synergies from all areas of the business to continue to push for innovation and operational excellence to help us deliver energy and products more efficiently for all our stakeholders
Total’s ambition in the U.S. continues today with the opening of a representative office in Washington D C and the development of significant projects including investments in cleaner energy fuels and in LNG with Tellurian and Engie that will make us a top exporter of U.S. liquefied natural gas.
The application of our deepwater expertise in the Gulf of Mexico, the 100% operatorship of our Barnett shale gas asset, and the expansion of our refining and petrochemicals business are among our commitments to further our presence here. It is a very exciting time for Total in the United States
www.us.total.com
A few weeks ago, ENGIE shared its ambition to become the world leader in the zero-carbon transition for its customers, in particular corporates and local authorities, with a target of 7 to 9% yearly growth.
To reach this ambitious objective, the Group has reinforced its organization. Gwenaëlle AVICE-HUET was appointed CEO of North America Business Unit and leader of Renewable Business Line globally.
Gwenaelle AVICE-HUET began her professional career in the General Secretariat for European Affairs, an office of the French Prime Minister, then in the office of the Minister for Ecology, Energy, and Sustainable Development. She joined ENGIE in 2010 as Director of European Affairs.
Since January 2016, she has been Chief Executive Officer of France Renouvelables BU, which has become the showcase for our renewable technology, especially offshore wind and biogas.
As a young and brilliant Executive, fully committed to achieve a zero-carbon transition, through renewable energy sources and innovative services, Gwenaelle Huet was nominated as Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2018 She is part of the prestigious selection: "100 of the World’s Brightest under 40 Invited To Shape an Inclusive and Sustainable Future"
As you are Executive Vice President, heading an important Global Business Line and ENGIE CEO of activity in North America, how much time will you expect to spend traveling in support of your function?
Gwenaelle Avice-Huet: I am living in Houston so I will spend most on my time here and will travel to Paris or in another areas of the world almost once per month.
It is also very important for me to keep in contact with the teams on the field and I regularly travel in North America to see ENGIE’s teams in the US and Canada.
Engie has taken a bold move to focus its activities on the most efficient and sustainable ones. How can you explain such a singular focus as now renewables represent only a small fraction of our energy sources, especially in the US?
GAH: Renewable development in the US is not slow Do you know that there are more windmills in Texas than in France ?
More than 30 percent of Texas energy consumption is carbon free. The largest share of credit goes to the state’s massive wind farms, which provided 18 6 percent of 2018 energy and make up 23 4 percent of 2019 capacity
Engie’s strategy says it will focus on assisting clients on the transition to a lower carbon footprint. What changes are you contemplating in Houston to help achieve this objective?
GAH: One of the key things we’re already doing is supplying solar energy to The City of Houston under a 20-year supply agreement. ENGIE’s 50 MW Holman plant, which began operations a year ago, is capable of providing up to 10.5% of the city’s electricity needs with clean, affordable solar power This agreement solidifies the city’s status as the largest municipal purchaser of renewable energy in the United States.
Located in Alpine, Texas, the Holman project is one of the largest solar installations in the state of Texas. The project includes 203,840 solar panels on 360 acres and will provide electricity for Houston locations as diverse as the Hermann Park Zoo, the Bob Lanier Public Works Building, wastewater treatment plants, and several Bush Intercontinental Airport terminals ]
As many of Engie’s clients are countries, some with rather poor credit ratings, how will you assist them in gaining financing for their transition and development of a low carbon energy footprint?
GAH: Decentralized systems have demonstrated their ability to deliver reliable electricity to remote regions, at a lower cost than diesel solutions ENGIE has taken a decisive step into Africa’s home solar market with the acquisition of Ugandan-based Fenix International. Fenix supplies power to over 250,000 homes in Uganda through the solar kits it sells in partnership with mobile network provider MTN.
We also inaugurated last month our first PowerCorner in the Zambian village of Chitandika in the East of Zambia, which were previously deprived access to electricity. This mini-grid provides energy to households and local businesses and supports public services such as the Rural Health Centre and 2 schools. ENGIE's PowerCorner will foster economic development by enabling other electrical productive uses (such as water pumping for agriculture use or carpentry and welding machines) and by triggering business opportunities for entrepreneurs in the village.
As the US has pulled out of the Paris Accord and the regulatory environment here has been friendly toward fossil fuels, what challenges do you see here that don not exist elsewhere? How will you deal with them?
GAH: Even out of Paris Accord, the US stay at the forefront of the energy transition, thanks to companies and cities. Within ENGIE, we have a clear conviction : In the past, the energy transition was pushed by central governments… We believe there is a second wave in the energy transition pulled by local authorities and companies And there are plenty of proof of this evolution here in the US :
- 119 cities in the US already committed to a transition to 100% clean, renewable, and just energy for all communities through the ready for 100 initiative, Chicago was the latest last week;
- 173 large companies have made a commitment to go '100% renewable through the RE100 initiative They are acting now with clear commitments for them and they are putting pressure now on their suppliers. These are just few examples and we have everything within ENGIE to accompany them, in a cost-efficient way, in this movement
In France, 17% of members of Comex are women, 22% in the US. It is slowly improving… Energy is an industry struggling to meet gender parity in their team. You are a role model. What was your experience working in a male-dominated industry? What would be your advices?
GAH: ENGIE has made it possible to develop a real gender equality culture, shared by all employees, men and women of the Group ENGIE is, to date, one of the only companies in the CAC40 managed by a woman, Isabelle Kocher, and the Group’s Executive Committee has four female members. Women represent 30% of the management teams of the Group’s new operational entities. I am fully in line with Isabelle Kocher on the fact that a diverse company will more closely mirror society, which gives it a competitive edge in understanding the needs of specific groups. For example, a business is handicapped if it overlooks the needs and buying behavior of women. Diversity also fosters critical thinking and innovative solutions. The more people with various backgrounds in a group, the more they will challenge one another and question ideas and solutions that may feel natural, but in reality, are rooted in a particular social or cultural background.
ENGIE is really a Group which promote gender equality and increase career development opportunities for female employees, and I am one example amongst other.
A few months ago, Meg Gentle along with Roberto Simon, Matthew Abel and Steven Miles, discussed about their vision of the LNG in USA and the impact on the global gas market. The following is a brief synthesis of some of the information that came from the exchanges.
Currently, the US has 3 8 bcf/d of LNG export capacity located at Sabine Pass, Cove Point and Kenai, with another 8.1 bcf/d already under construction. Capacity additions of 6.8 bcf/d already have been approved and potentially another 23.6 bcf/d have applications pending, although it is uncertain how much will reach FID It is likely that total export capacity will reach ~12bcf/d in 2021, with export demand virtually equal to it. Feeding this growth in LNG are substantial, available supplies of associated gas, especially from the Permian Basin, as well as current and future production from the Marcellus, Utica, Eagle Ford and Haynesville
The supply of low-cost natural gas in the US, combined with the growing LNG capacity will have a huge impact on the global markets. Up until now, take-away capacity has slowed the developments of new LNG export capacity, but new pipelines and gathering systems have alleviated these bottlenecks.
Tellurian’s Driftwood Pipeline from the Permian to the Gulf Coast is a key component in this system.
US LNG exports reached over 3 1 bcf/d in July, representing 82% of capacity, which represents a 35x increase over 3 years. Exports are expected to triple in the next two years.
This is extraordinary growth and will have a decided impact on global gas markets
The most significant factors leading to this explosive growth on the supply side
have been the shale revolution in the US, combined with a highly developed infrastructure of midstream, gathering systems and pipeline capacity. On the demand side has been the significant current and anticipated economic growth in Asia, particularly China and India
Unconventional oil production contributes almost 50% of domestic output, while shale gas has grown to over 60% of all domestic dry gas production. What is most important is that much of this gas is either produced near the US Gulf Coast, or else is readily deliverable to it Consequently, most of the potential LNG exports from the US will be concentrated in this area. The economies of scale, the sheer volumes of dry gas readily available, and the low cost at which it is delivered and processed into LNG have made the US one of the most highly efficient sources of this product in the world.
Current LNG capacity has been financed predominantly on a Project Finance basis, with offtake contracts and passthrough mechanisms enabling investors to look to strong creditworthy risks to support the large capital that needed to be raised.
As a result, the LNG market has been priced on a long-term contract basis, usually against the price of crude oil
Energy Forumseries are designedforOilandGas professionalswhowantto extendtheirnetwork,exchange withpeers,andgetthepulseof theindustry,discussingwith leadersofthemarket.
TheForumhosts4majorevents ayear.Toreceiveinvitationsand attend,joinournewsletterat facchouston.org
As a result, the LNG market has been priced on a long-term contract basis, usually against the price of crude oil. In the last couple of years, long term contracts represented over 70% of all LNG traded globally This is what enabled the strong build-up in export capacity in the US. Recently, we have witnessed a rapid growth of the spot LNG market, which is a further sign of the maturation of the global markets. But, as trading becomes more short term, financing will become more difficult thereby throwing into question the mechanisms that will be available to support further development of export capacity. Investors will balk at accepting the compounded levels of price, volume, and duration risks.
Therefore, It is likely that a substantial portion of the incremental export capacity in the US will be borne by larger, more creditworthy corporations until such time as the shorter-term market mechanisms allow for the dissemination and hedging of these risks. Then we may see some additional players enter the market. Soon, because of the dominant entrance of the US into the global gas markets, we shall see a market that is more characterized by regional hubs, greater liquidity, lower prices, and the break with pricing against crude oil will be complete.
Investors will balk at accepting the compounded levels of price, volume, and duration risks. Therefore, It is likely that a substantial portion of the incremental export capacity in the US will be borne by larger, more creditworthy corporations until such time as the shorter-term market mechanisms allow for the dissemination and hedging of these risks Then we may see some additional players enter the market Soon, and because of the dominant entrance of the US into the global gas markets, we shall see a market that is more characterized by regional hubs, greater liquidity, lower prices, and the break with pricing against crude oil will be complete. This is at least three to five years away but the process has begun.
By Dennis Petito
GeoffroyPetit
FACCPresident
DennisPetito FACCHonoraryChairman
Marie-Helene BenSamoun
Partner&ManagingDirector
EdHirs ManagingDirector
200executives,entrepreneurs,andpublicofficialsall acrossLatinAmerica,EuropeandtheUSsharingbusiness opportunitiestostrengthenandintegratetheoilandgas valuechainworldwide.
When:May5th2019
Time:6:00pmto9:00pm
Where:DoubleTreebyHilton-GreenwayPlaza,6EGreenway Plaza,Houston,TX77046,USA
EvolenandtheFrenchAmericanChamberofCommerceof Houstonaregladtoinviteyoutothebreakfastconference onChallengesandopportunityoftheEnergyOffshore Industry
When:May8th2019
Time:7:00amto9:00am
Where:HolidayInn8111KirbyDrHouston,TX77054.
EVOLE g g ,350 members(250corporatemembersand1,100 individualoilandgasprofessionals).Theirareas ofexpertisecovertheentireoilandgassector (exploration,production,storage,refining,and distribution)andrenewables.
EVOLENaimstopromotethetechnologicaland industrialexcellenceoftheFrenchhydrocarbons andrenewablesindustryacrosstheworldandto fostertheinternationaldeploymentofFrench energyindustrycompanies,inparticularsmall andmedium-sizedenterprises
ThemainplayersintheFrenchoilservicessectorinviteyouona journeythroughtimeinthreechapters: -Explorationanddiscovery,
-Development,
-Andthengoingevenfurther!
Achancetoreviewyesterday’sgreatachievementsand understandpresentandfuturetechnicalandcommercialissues. Chairman:MichelHourcard,TOTALE&PAmericas, President&CEO
When:May7th2019
Time:2:00pmto5:00pm
Where: OTCConferenceRoom
Panel 1: Exploration and Discovery
SophieZurquiyah,CGG,CEO
BertandChemisky,COMEX,InnovationDirector
DanielAverbuch,IFPEN,SeniorProgramManager
Jean-MarcDaniel,IFREMER,Director
OlivierPeyret,SCHLUMBERGERFrance,President
Panel 2: Development
GaëlBodenes,BOURBONGroup,CEO
MathieudeTugny,BUREAUVERITAS,EVPMarine&Offshore
NicolasParsloe,DORIS,CEO
ArnauddeVillepin,EIFFAGEMetal,ManagingDirector
NicolasDeCoignac,VALLOUREC,SeniorVP&President NorthAmerica
Panel 3: Going Further!
DominiqueBouvier,EVOLEN,Chairman
LucaCattedri,SAIPEM,HeadofOffshoreBusinessDevelopment, CommercialStrategyandTendering
JeanCahuzac,SUBSEA7,CEO
ArnaudPieton,TECHIPFMC,PresidentSubsea
ArthurNunesDaSilva,TOTAL,VPDeepoffshoreandsubsea
Dr. Olivier Lhemann founded Interactive Network Technologies in 1989 with a simple mission: to help developers build applications for people to see and understand their complex data. Since then, he is grown INT from a simple Minneapolis startup with a few borrowed Sun workstations to a globally recognized software powerhouse with a client list that includes more than half of the world’s top E&P companies.
A French Brittany native and graduate of Telecom ParisTech, Lhemann came to Houston through ELF (later acquired by Total, one of INT’s longest-standing clients) to the AGL geophysical laboratory at the University of Houston Eighteen months became three years, and in 1986, Dr. Lhemann became the first Ph.D. graduate in Computer Science from the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Houston.
Through his studies, Lhemann discovered that his passion for computer science, signal processing, and geoscience complemented each other, so he began looking for ways to incorporate them into innovative software When he built his first product, a graphics library, he left his job at Cray Research and founded INT
Never one to be afraid to take a calculated risk on the slopes or in the office, Lhemann consistently anticipates technology trends to expand the company’s reach and expertise
“For me, new technology poses both a risk and an opportunity,” says Dr. Lhemann. “In the early days of INT, we were challenged by an early Open Source library called X/Motif. Instead of competing, however, we evolved and adopted it to develop our first product, a geophysical graphic library, which we then sold quickly to our first customer Exxon I’ve always been passionate about technology, but since that first experience, I prioritize investing in R&D. In this way, we can stay ahead of what our customers want so that when they are ready, we’re already there.”
By investing in smart technology from Motif, C++, Java, JavaScript, HTML5, and now cloud technology, INT has developed a reputation for being the top name in data visualization for Exploration and Production. A key player in the industry’s digital transformation, INT partners with clients using all major cloud providers Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform ensuring INT’s software works as well on the desktop as it does in the cloud.
Celebrating 30 years of success this year, INT’s product line ranges from graphics toolkits and libraries to complete, outof-the-box cloud visualization platforms INT clients like Halliburton, Schlumberger, Total, and Shell use these tools to develop complex data analysis applications in less time
“I prioritize investing in R&D. In this way, we can stay ahead of what our customers want so that when they are ready, we’re already there.”
Dr. LhemannDr Lhemann believes strongly in giving back to the academic and cultural communities that have contributed to his success For the last three years, he has served as a respected member of the Dean’s Advisory Board at the University of Houston, and he’s part of a subcommittee to develop a better mentorship program there. Recently, the university recognized Dr Lhemann and his contributions with the Da Vinci Award, the highest honor bestowed by the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
An avid outdoorsman and wine enthusiast, Lhemann enjoys golf, advanced outback skiing, and traveling both domestically and abroad with his family.
WearethrilledtowelcomeStephaneVighetthiandhis teaminHouston,newmembersofournetwork!
AfternumerousyearsservingclientsinHouston,CTP Environnement decidedtogrowtheirlocalteam. FoundedinFrance,CTPisanindustryspecialistinchemical cleaningandinthedeploymentofmobiletreatmentunitswith 190employees,6subsidiaries(Singapore,Portugal,Brazil, Canada,USAandUK)
ItsmainclientsofCTParerefineries,chemicalindustry, petrochemicals,energyproduction,pulp&paperand incinerationwithamongotherasclients EXXONMOBIL,SHELL, SUNCOR,HUSKY,NARL,IRVINGOIL,Hollyfrontier,TOTAL,BASF, Syncrude,VALERO.
AfterasuccessfulexpansionintheCanadianmarket,thenew HoustonianlocationsupportsCTP'sgrowthintheUS,being closertoitsclientslocatedintheGulfcoast.
TheCTP'sintegratedequipmentmakespossibletotreat problematiceffluentsonsite,atreducedcosts CTPworksatall levels,fromdesigntooperation,tobestmeettheneedsofits clients'expectations
TheFrenchAmerican ChamberofCommerceis proudtosupportand assistCTPenvironnement initsgrowth inTexas.
StephaneVighetthi VP Director North America at CTP
JoiningCTPasaprojectmanagerafew yearsago,Stephanewasquickly promotedasDirectorofCTPNorth America Hehassuccessfullyincreased CTPbusinessinCanada. Heisleadingthe growingteaminHouston.
OnJune1st,2019,theConsulateGeneralof FranceinHoustonandtheFrenchAmerican ChamberofCommercewillcelebratethe 75thanniversaryoftheD-DayLandingsand withit,awonderfuloccasiontohonor our heroesfromWW2.
Veterans,AmericanandFrenchofficial representativeswillparticipateinthis honoringofoursharedvaluesandhistory animportantheritage
–LesHorsD’Oeuvres–
–LeDiner–
LePotageAuxFruitsdeMer
CreamySeafoodChowder
CrispyLeek,FreshDill,HouseBacon
LaCaille
PanSeared-CiderQuail
SweetPeaPurée,FigCompote,FlaxSeedCrisp
LeTrouNormand
CalvadosAppleSorbet
SweetBasil
LaViande
HerbCrustedBeefFiletMignon
RoastedRootVegetable,Camembert–PotatoTart
RedCurrantDemi-Glace
–LeDessert–
PoachedPear
ToastedAlmondMousse,CrispyTuileCookie
Theproceedsofthefundraisingactivities willbedonatedtoTheLoneStarVeterans Association
ThegaladinnerwilltakeplaceattheLone StarFlightMuseumintheHeritageHangar, amongstacollectionofrareaircraft.
I am proud to be the chair of this French Consulate and FACC 2019 gala. 2019 is a very special year as it is the year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the D-day landings in Normandy This event is an opportunity to celebrate the few that still are among us from the greatest generation, the generation that fought for our freedom and democracy and that liberated France from oppression This celebration is also a great opportunity to remember the strong bond that have linked France and the United States of America for centuries Patrick De Talancé, Gala Chairman
Withitswarmsetting,therestaurant remindsyouofthewesterncoastofItaly.
Usingthefreshestandsimplest ingredientsinitstraditional Mediterraneanrecipes
Woodfired,Texasinspired.Aplace wherequality,originality,great service,andambiancearereunited
Fine French cuisine, Le Mistral offers dishes with ingredients from Provence and Texas.
MediterraneanandPersiandishesare simplyirresistible!Avariationand combinationsofingredientsconsistingof innumerablearomaticvegetablesand spicesthatcreatemagicaldishes.
Bornwiththedesireofrevivingthe richculturesurroundingcacaoand chocolatebyusingnewideasand techniques.
AMARINO
Amorinomakesthehighestquality gelatoasnaturallyaspossiblewithno artificialcolorsorflavorings
Inthecitythatalwayseats,UrbanEats craftsmodern,comfygourmet delicaciesandepicureancarry-home tomeetyourneeds.
FIG & OLIVE JAXTON'S
CACAO & CARDAMON
In1983,ElifoundedEuro-Mid,amajor specialityfoodimportanddistribution companyservingfinerestaurantsinthe Houstonarea.
ElieMassoudwasbornandraisedin Lebanon,butthegrowingdangersof theCivilWar,heencouragedhis parentstosendhimtoFrancewhere hesettledinGuebwiller,Alsace He arrivedattheParistrainstation,lost inthechaosofsuchalargeforeign cityandconfusedabouthisnext step.
Hewenttoacaféoverwhelmedby hisunknownfutureanda sympatheticwaiterinquiredabout hisobviousdistress Inresponseto Elie’splight,thewaitersuggested thatElieheadtowardsGuebwiller, thetownwherehewasfrom.He assuredhimthathispeoplewould help Withnobettersuggestion,Elie boughttheticketanditwasthis momentthatsethislifeonalovely path.
InGuebwiller,hewasgreetedwith warmthandhospitality ThisFrench villagecelebratedlifeby maintainingandenjoyingthe productsoftheirbeautiful landscape.
Hefoundaplacetoliveandenrolled inthelocalschool Hefoundhewas notinterestedinindoorscholarly pursuits,butthelongbicyclerides throughthecountry,mushroom hunts,andthelocalvendangewere enticing
Heboughtandsolditemsatthe localmarketandhonedhis salesmanshipskillswhilelearning aboutgreatFrenchfoods. Hewasacceptedasavolunteerto trainasacookatarenownedlocal restaurant Althoughitwas customaryforthevolunteertopay forthiseducationalopportunity, theownersfeltinclinedtoinstead paytheyoungmanasheputhis wholeheartandexcessiveenergy intothiswork.
HecametoHoustonintheearly eightiestojoinhisbrotherAlbert. Elieandhisbrothertookovera momandpopgrocerymarketand deliintheRiverOaksareacalled Kojaks Fromthere,hisreputation forfindingandbringinginthevery bestingredientsfromEuropeand theMediterraneanhelpedhim expandfromservingfoodto servingthethrivingmulti-cultured Houstonrestaurantscene.Today, asatopdistributorandimporter, hehasneverforgottenthatitwas Francethatstartedhimonthis
Houstonisthe4thlargestcityintheUnitedStateswitha2.3 millionresidents,comingfromallaroundtheglobe.Itsrich meltingpotallowsalargediversityofcuisinesrepresenting morethan70countries.Thecitycountsmorethan10,000 restaurantsandthemostfrequentedarethesteakhouses, Tex-Mex,Asian,orItalianrestaurants.However,theFrench cuisineisverylittlerepresentedinthiscosmopolitancity. LessthantwentyrestaurantsoffertraditionalFrenchdishes. OneofthemostrenownedisArtisanswhereChefJacquesFox realizesdishesinthepurestFrenchtradition.
JacquesFox:Theindustryisslowlyregainingitsfootingafter thefallingofoilpricesin2015.Theeconomyofthearea dependsonthegasindustry.Ifeverythingisgoingwellfor them,wecanhopethatourindustrywilldowell.However,if thegasindustryishavingdifficulties,yourturnoverwillbe impacted.Peopledonotorganizeworkingdinnerstosign contractsanymore.Companiesarecuttingoffbudgets.
JF:ThesteakhouseandtheTex-Mexfoodownthemajority ofthemarket.ItisraretocometoHoustontoeatatafine Frenchrestaurant.Youneedtobetenacioustomanagea traditionalFrenchrestaurantinthiscity.Thevastmajority ofAmericansdonotperceiveFrenchcuisineassomething youwouldeatonadailybasis Itisreservedforspecial occasions Frenchcuisinecanbeintimidating Ithasthe reputationofbeinghighlysophisticated Wehavetoshow thatwedonotonlycookstiffdishesandthatitcanbe appreciatedoutsideofspecialevents.
Asalocalhoustonresidentfornumerousyears andasaChefinthecity,canyouspark opportunitiesforaFrenchChefeagertobecome well-knownhere?
JF:Thereareopportunities.Theconceptchosen shouldbesimpleandshouldstandoutfromtherest butwithoutgoingtoofar.Itisunusualforpeopleto takelonglunchbreaksorsimplyfinditeasiertogo throughaDriveThru.Itisimportanttobeawareof theburstingpointofthemarket.Here,youwillfind arestaurantateverycornerstreetandnewonesare openingeveryday Ibelievethattohavesomething thatwouldworkoveralongperiodoftime,you needtocomewithanamealreadymadeinFrance Youshouldbedynamicanddetermined,yetdonot beafraidoftheworkinthekitchen,innetworking Youshouldalwaysbeseenwhenyouwanttobe knownintheculinaryworld.
Whatabouttheprovisionofcapitalandbudgetneeded toopenarestaurantinHouston?
JF:Itisbettertogototown Thebestoptionistofind
BusinessAngelstofinanceit Thereturnoninvestment cantaketimeandinmostofthecases,restaurantsdonot makeprofitbeforethefivefirstyears Gettingaloanisapossibility,howeveritsrepayments canbecomeveryheavy,especiallyiftherestaurantdoes nothavealotofcustomers.
Ifyouareplanningoninvesting5millionontheproject, youshouldmakesurethatyoucanhaveatleast20%of thisamountinyourpocket,toanticipateofdifficulties.
It is where I have been able to understand what they like to eat and how they like it It made me figure out that I could not cook traditional French food as I would in France. You should cook a cuisine that I like to call eclectic French –adapting dishes to their tastes. Working closely with an American Chef is an advantage. He would be able to advise you on what the customer would like or not.
OtherculturalhabitthatisnotcommoninFranceisthefact thatalotofmealcanbepersonalizedintheUS.Youcan pickyoursides,dressings,ifyouwanttoaddortake somethingout…However,itisdifficulttochangea gastronomicplate.Theplatehasbeenstudiedinorderto createaharmonybetweentheingredientsandmakethe flavorspoptogether.Regardingthedesign,youshouldnot trytoreproducetheMichelinrestaurants.Theylikefrillsbut youdonotwantthemtofeeloutofplaceenteringyour place Forexample,atArtisans,wedecidedtonotput tablecloths–somethingthatisnotcommonlyfoundon tableshere
Whatarethe3essentialthingstoknowinorderto settleproperlyinthecity?
JF:Thechosenlocationshouldbewellthoughtof It shouldbelocatedinanupcomingarea Beingclosedto hotelsisanadvantage Peopledonotwanttowalkinthe heatordriveintraffictogoeat.Havingalawyerbyyour sideisanecessity.Americanlawsarenumerousand differentthanFrenchlaws.
Surroundingyourselfwithsomeoneabletoguideyou throughthemeanderingsofthelegislationasitshouldnot beneglected.Americanaccountingdoesnotfollowthe rulesofFrenchaccounting.
Youshouldseekhelpfromanaccountant,atleastatthe beginninginordertomanageyouraccountscorrectlyand understandinghowitworks Thebelowlistisnot exhaustiveandtherearemoreessentialstothinkabout suchasrulesofhygiene,taxations,bankingoptions, humanresourcesregulations
Thisiswhyitisalwayspreferabletobeadvisedandguided duringtheopeningprocedure OrganizationssuchasFACC andexpertsarealwayswillingtohelpyou.
Whattypeofcuisineanddesignwouldyou recommend?
JF:First,youshouldfocusonunderstandingthecustoms andtherelationshipspeoplehavewithfood Before openingmyrestaurant,Iworkedfornumeroushotels aroundthecountry
Whatotheradvicewouldyougivetobecomeasuccessful ChefinHouston?
JF:SpeakingEnglishisimperative!IntheUnitedStatesand particularlyintheSouth,peoplelovetobeableto communicateandgettoknowyou.AChefcannotstayinthe kitchenallthetime.Hehastobeeverywhereintherestaurant. It’sbytalkingwithhiscustomersthathewillbuildagood reputationonhisrestaurant.Youdonotneedtobebilingual butyouneedtobeabletomaintainadiscussion.
TheFrenchaccentisnotanissue,itevengivesyousome charm
Iwouldadviseanyonewantingtoopensomethinghereto spendaround2weeksinthearea.Youshouldcontactthe French-AmericanChamberofCommercetohelpyouinyour researchandtodiscusswithrestaurantsandbakeries.Itwill giveyouapictureoftherealityofthemarketandadaptyour businessplantofitthelocaleconomy Youwillalsobemore familiarawarewiththeculturalcustoms
Houstonisahighlyspreadcity
The nightlife activities are not numerous around restaurants like you would see it in Paris or New York Naturally, it impacts dinner time which is often earlier than in France
HowdidArtisansbecomewell-knowntothe populationofHouston?
JF:Tobeknown,investinginmarketingisamust.Weare highlyactiveonFacebookandwearealsoontheapp OpenTable.Thankstosocialmedia,itiseasiertoreach toalargeaudience.OpenTable,whichallowsyoutopick arestaurantbythetypeoffoodyouwouldlike,ensures ustobefoundbyapeoplewantingtoeatFrench.
WhenweopenedArtisans,wedidnottrytocutoffthe budgetbycuttingmarketingexpenditures Wefocusedon spendingonbuyingadsinpapers Forapage,itcould costaround$2,500 Ifyouonlydoitonce,itwouldnot helpyou Isuggesthiringapersonresponsiblefor everythingaboutmarketingfortherestaurant
InFrance,Chefshaveacertainstatus,isitthesame hereinHouston?Ordidyouneedtochangeyour managementstyle?
JF:Artisansisdifferentthantheotherrestaurantsinthe city Wethoughtaboutfollowingtheconceptof“Chef’s table” Theentirerestaurantisdesignedarounditsopen kitchen
Customers can admire the preparation of the plates from scratch until the dressing. It is a singular concept that can be surprising at first but who everybody ends up liking at the end The uniqueness of Artisans is also in your cooking style which follows the French tradition, and which gives it the capability of being one of the only authentic French restaurants in the heart of Houston.
Andwhataboutthemenu?
JF:Ourmenuis“Alacarte”whereyoucanfindescargotor vealtojustnameafewbutwealsooffercourseslunchand dinner The3courselunchwasthoughtabout,soitdoes nottaketoomuchtimetoenjoyandcanberightforpeople workinginofficesonalunchbreak.Itsreasonablecostis around$29,andyouwilleatasouporsalad,mainmealand dessert(thatyouwillbeabletopickfromaselection)For dinner,weofferbetweena6coursetoa8coursedinner. Theyaremoresophisticated,andyoucannotchoosethe courses.Thestartingpriceforthisdinneris$85.Wealways usefreshandqualityproductsonallourplates.40%ofour incomecomesfromthecoursedinner.
Toconclude,howdoyouwishpeopleremember Artisansafteramealthere?
JF:AtArtisans,wewantourcustomerstofeel comfortableandnothurried,enjoyingtheatmosphere andthemealsbroughttothem.Thegoalisnotonlyto cookthemFrenchfoodbuttomakethemenjoya differentexperienceandamomentofsharingand togetherness.
www artisansrestaurantcom
www.facebook.com/artisansrestauranthouston
JULY, 13TH WHERE THE HOUSTON POLO CLUB ArtdeVivre
AT THE HOUSTON POLO CLUB
JoinusonJuly13thtocelebrateBastille DayattheHoustonPoloClub:afestive eventbringingtogethertheFrenchand Americancommunities.
Let’scelebratewithFrenchfood,wine,and musicinabeautifulsetting!
THEFRENCH-AMERICANCHAMBEROFCOMMERCEHOSTSWORKSHOPSEVERYMONTH STAYTUNED,VISITFACCHOUSTONORG
How to thrive in uncertainty: Building an unshakable success mindset
Véronique Eberhart
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Create a killer Linkedin Profile
Nicole Van Den Heuvel
Director of Center for Career Development at Rice University
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Jean-FrançoisBonneté
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CatherineBrown
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MarieMaitre
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ManagePerformancewithObjectiveandKeyResults(OKR)
CamilleMarcotte
HRPartnerAirLiquide
TheFrenchAmericanChamberofCommerceisa memberdriven,nonforprofit,organizationthat fostersstrongeconomicrelationsbetweenHouston andFrenchcompaniesthroughhigh-level networking,knowledgesharingandcommercial services.
Weprovideservicestosupportour membersontheirbusinessendeavorin TexasandinFrance,fostering companiesimplantationandgrowthon bothmarkets,helpingtonavigatethe localbusinesscommunity.Ourteam proposestailoredservicestomeeteach memberneed.
Services:
-Implantationsupport
-Marketstudy
-Businessdevelopment
-Recruitingservices
-Communicationandadvertising
Throughournetwork,wegiveaccess toourmemberstoabusiness knowledge,exchangingwiththebest professionalsoftheindustry Our conferencesandtargetednetworking eventsgiveaccesstoexperts,and provideindustrytrendsand benchmark.
Services:
-Conferences&Forum
-LearningExpedition
-Accesstostartupecosystem
-Targetednetworking
Wefosterbusinessopportunitiesin FranceandinTexas,highlightingTexan businessopportunitiesinFranceand supportingpartnerships,and supportingTexancompaniesgoingto France.
Services:
-CommunicationonTexasinFrance
-French-Texanpartnershipswith clustersandincubators
-EventsshowcasingFrenchbusiness strength(gastronomy,engineeringetc)
-SupportTexancompaniesintheir businessendeavourinFrance
SERVICES SUPPORTING OUR MISSIONHow we support our members
