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French American Chamber of Commerce launches Arizona Chapter

Published: 09/13/2023
Updated: 04/10/2024

The new branch, supported by the ACA, GPEC, and German, Italian, and Swedish Chambers of Commerce, furthers the state’s trade relationship with the EU

PHOENIX (Sept. 13, 2023) – The French American Chamber of Commerce Rocky Mountain (RMFACC) chapter has introduced its Arizona branch in Phoenix with the mission to connect, promote and develop a strong network of French and French-speaking Arizona businesses and individuals.

In partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), and the German, Italian, and Swedish Chambers of Commerce in Arizona, the RMFACC will host a reception celebrating the official launch of the Arizona Chapter on Sept. 12. The nonprofit, member-driven organization started the Arizona branch in April, led by the chapter’s Board Director Flora Tromelin.

“From decades of experience in strategic consulting and leading multi-cultural teams, I know the intricacies that come with running a business, especially when it involves operating across cultural borders,” said Tromelin. “The Arizona Chapter of the RMFACC is well on its way to building up the state’s community of French-owned businesses, and we’re looking forward to making an even greater impact as we launch with the support of prominent economic development organizations and international chambers.”

According to recent GPEC research, there are more than 80 French companies in Arizona which together employ nearly 11,000 people. Additionally, France is a top-10 import and export country in Arizona, showing the importance of the relationship between both economies.

“Greater Phoenix’s economy is strengthened by the dynamic relationships and businesses that organizations like the RMFACC support,” said Chris Camacho, president and CEO of GPEC. “This new chapter reinforces our strong trade relationship with France and will cultivate new opportunities to further diversify our business community.”

“We’re excited to support the official launch of the Arizona chapter of the RMFACC,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of ACA. “The Arizona chapter strengthens Arizona’s international presence and complements ACA’s European Trade and Investment Office in Germany, which facilitates further trade and economic opportunities between Arizona and the European Union.”

The RMFACC brings together more than 8,000 businesses and individuals as part of the national network of 18 chapters. The new Arizona Chapter is in collaboration with the state branches of the German, Italian and Swedish Chambers of Commerce.

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Media Contact: Kalia Pang, GPEC, kpang@gpec.org

About The French American Chamber of Commerce Rocky Mountain

The French American Chamber of Commerce Rocky Mountain (RMFACC) is a non-profit (501c6), member-driven organization, proud to be part of the national network of 18 French American Chambers of Commerce in the US. Our mission is to connect, promote, and develop a strong network of French/French-speaking and American businesses and individuals by helping them grow in the Rocky Mountain region. Our territory covers 5 states: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The Arizona Representation was started last April thanks to our Board Member Flora Tromelin and an amazing team of 9 Advisory Committee Members. We are proud to officially launch the Chamber in the Grand Canyon State this September 12. Learn more at https://www.rmfacc.org/.

About GPEC

The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), globally recognized as a top economic development organization (EDO), works to attract and grow quality businesses and advocate for the competitiveness of Greater Phoenix. A data-driven regional EDO, GPEC works with 22 member communities, Maricopa County and more than 200 private investors to accomplish its mission and serve as a strategic partner to companies across the world as they expand or relocate to Greater Phoenix. Over the past 34 years, GPEC has fueled the regional economy by helping over 980 companies, creating nearly 182,000 jobs and more than $65 billion in capital investment. Greater Phoenix is in a relentless pursuit of innovative and entrepreneurial-focused companies looking to thrive and scale in a vibrant, dynamic region. There is an undeniable spirit about Greater Phoenix; one rooted in strength, collaboration and resilience. Greater Phoenix is Greater Together. For more information about GPEC and how we can assist your businesses, visit www.gpec.org.

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create – attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter @azcommerce.

Collaborating Chambers

The Arizona Chapter of the German American Chamber of Commerce West seeks to increase commerce and trade relations between Germany and Arizona businesses while cultivating a vibrant German-American community where everyone feels welcome. https://www.gaccwest.com/en/

The Arizona Italian Chamber of Commerce was started in 2020 during one of the most devastating economic hardships the business community has experienced. A group of local Italians set out to create a network to unite and fortify the Italian business community in Arizona and ensure Italian-American culture continues to flourish throughout the Valley. https://azitalianchamber.org/

The Swedish American Chamber of Commerce in Arizona has successfully promoted trade, investments and business opportunities between Sweden and Arizona since 1996.

www.saccarizona.org