Report on the Economic Development Visit to Rueil Malmaison
January 27-31, 2007

A Lynchburg delegation visited our sister city, Rueil Malmaison, France to explore economic development opportunities between the two. The Lynchburg delegation consisted of Mayor Joan Foster, City Manager Kimball Payne, and Director of Economic Development Mary Jane Russell. We were hosted by Rueil's Vice Mayor Andre Cros, City Council member Anne Creau Dubrisay, and staff of the Department of Economic Development and Employment (DDEE).

Saturday, January 27: The Lynchburg delegation departed Lynchburg for Paris and checked in at the Atria Novotel in Rueil. We then participated in an official lunch with Mayor Patrick Ollier and other city officials. In the evening, Reuil's Sister Cities organization took the delegation into Paris for dinner.

Monday, January 29: A working breakfast with members of the DDEE. Each group briefed the other on its city's business environment and its economic development structure and operations. Breakfast was followed by a walking tour of the city with a focus on the various businesses located in the recently developed Rueil 2000 area. Lunch was shared with members of the "Entreprendre 'a Rueil" who serve on the board of this small business development network. The City delegation learned about the small business development network and explored common interests of small businesses in both localities.

Tuesday, January 30: A working breakfast was followed by a tour of the small business development center where the delegation met with center management and tenants. The delegation then visited a large company, AXENS, which is active in research related to petroleum refining and use. The delegation was briefed by representatives of the French Petroleum Institute and its subsidiary, AXENS. After lunch with those representatives, the delegation visited a Renault facility where engine and drive train research, design and prototype development and testing take place.

Late afternoon Tuesday was devoted to a brainstorming session between the Lynchburg delegation and the DDEE staff with City Councilor Anne Creau Dubrisay and Vice Mayor Andre Cros. The group discussed what lessons had been learned over the two days and opportunities for continued activities to promote economic development ties between the two communities. It was agreed by all that the focus should be on promoting business development activities between the two regions. Next steps will be to identify small businesses in each locality that are interested in visiting the other.

In the evening, an official reception was held at Rueil's former City Hall for city council members to meet the delegation. The visit ended with dinner during which the delegation met Rueil's Directeur General des Services Denis Soliveres (similar to a City Manager but appointed by the Mayor) and his deputy Didier Ducros and discussed common experiences.

Wednesday, January 30: The delegation returned to Lynchburg. The Lynchburg delegation came away with lasting impressions in a number of areas that bear on activities in Lynchburg. They include

• the importance of urban design in a densely settled environment
• parking management - including underground or in-building parking with site rehab
• child care - provided by Rueil as workforce incentive
• small business development - including the use of retired executives to mentor new businesses
• historic preservation
• transportation planning
• appreciation of and employment and retention of a young adult workforce
• the importance that the French place on education - college is paid for by government; new emphasis is being directed to trades
• the realization that we and they are part of a global economy (a bigger picture).