At the STC France workshop for freelancers back in September, Samina Arnoult discussed working with "sociétés de portage" as part of her exploration of the different ways of setting up business and freelancing in France. Our January Saveurs & Savoirs meeting will provide a more detailed exploration of the topic - and an excellent opportunity to clear up some outstanding questions and concerns with regards to this increasingly popular work practice, such as access to unemployment benefits, should you experience a drop in your activity.

To welcome in the New Year in style, we chose a classy Parisian café on the banks of the Seine for our "Meilleurs Voeux" social meeting on January 17. Located next to the former "La Samaritaine" department store, the cosy upstairs room at Le Café du Pont Neuf provided great views of the river and the Pont Neuf bridge.

Despite the low turnout, attendees enjoyed some great conversation, as we explored topics ranging from the state of the current job market for technical writers, to plans for the upcoming France Chapter Conference in March. Our secretary and treasurer Ellen Lebelle gave a brief summary of our chapter's financial situation and reiterated the need for more volunteers to step forward to help develop chapter programs and activities.