Event report
10th Anniversary of the French American Business Awards in the PNW
A toast to Excellence!
On Friday, November 7th, 2025, the French-American Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest hosted the 5th edition of the French-American Business Awards (FABA) at the elegant Washington Athletic Club in Seattle. The evening was a vibrant celebration of innovation, leadership, and Franco-American collaboration, held during the 31st annual Wine Festival and as part of National French Week.
🍷 A Night to Savor
The evening began with a VIP Champagne Reception at the Top of the WAC, featuring live jazz by Jean Chaumont & Birch Pereira, and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Guests indulged in foie gras mousse, pheasant terrine, and plant-based Koji pâtés from Fabrique Délices, paired with premium wines from Back Porch Wine & Spirits, Ponzi Vineyards and RÉSONANCE.
As the general admission opened in the Noble Room, attendees were welcomed with charcuterie from Fabrique Délices, wines from Nota Bene Cellars, Princess & Bear, Cépaé and Hedges Family Estate, and a warm toast by FACC PNW President Julien Hervet and Executive Director Sofia-Cristina Visan.
🏆 Honoring the Best: FABA 2025 Winners
The heart of the evening was the awards ceremony, where five exceptional individuals were honored for their contributions to the French-American business community:
- Community Award: Olivier Fontana, UFE Seattle
- Leadership Award: Haim Kats, Hutchinson Aerospace and Industry
- Femme de Lumière Award: Nathalie D'Hers, Microsoft
- Avant-Garde Innovation Award: Marcy Mabry, SpaceLaunch
- Prix d'Excellence: Eric Thuau, French American School of Puget Sound - FASPS
Each awardee was celebrated for their visionary work, commitment to community, and dedication to fostering transatlantic ties.
🎶 Sweet & Cheesy Jazz and After Party
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a “Sweet & Cheesy” interlude with French cheeses from Lactalis and Peterson, and desserts by The French Guys and L’Expérience Paris—including Canelés, Madeleines, and chocolate delights. The jazz duo returned to serenade the crowd before the lively performance of Hot Club Sandwich, bringing Django Reinhardt-inspired swing to life.
🎁 Silent Auction & Community Impact
Throughout the evening, guests participated in a silent auction featuring art by Géraldine Le Calvez and Carlos Lagos, spirits from Back Porch Wine & Spirits, experiences from Cirque du Soleil, and gifts from local sponsors like Fran’s Chocolates, Canlis, and Princess & Bear Wines. Proceeds supported the Chamber’s mission to grow its regional presence and foster innovation.
The online Silent Auction is extended until November 16th! BID now!
🌍 Looking Ahead
As FABA celebrated its 10th anniversary, the Chamber also looked forward to 2026, marking 40 years since its founding. Plans are already underway for Seattle's French Fest!
Merci to Our Sponsors
This unforgettable evening was made possible by generous support from sponsors including JADE Fiducial, Ponzi Vineyards, L'Experience Paris, Chateaux des Langues, Fabrique Délices, Lactalis, The French Guys, RÉSONANCE, Nota Bene Cellars, Back Porch Wine & Spirits, Princess & Bear wines, Cépaé, Hedges Family Estate and many more.
To all who joined us, including our 15 volunteers involved—thank you for making FABA 2025 a night to remember. Here's to building bridges across borders and celebrating the spirit of innovation and collaboration!
🔗 Learn more about the French American Business Awards in the PNW here.