Windows on MInnesota - 50th Floor IDS Tower
710 South Marquette AvenueThis Friday night, please raise a glass to celebrate life, liberty, and happiness with Minnesota's French-American community.
Each year we celebrate uncorking the Beaujolais Nouveau on the third Friday of November. This time the occasion takes on special poignancy, a normally happy event shadowed by grief.
We invite you to join us in affirming the joie de vivre of France's tradition, even as we remember those torn from us or wounded by the cruel attacks in Paris. We extend our sympathy to family members and friends, our gratitude to the first responders, and our support for victims of terror everywhere.
We also honor the enduring spirit of Paris. After more than 1000 years, this great city continues to show itself as tough as it is beautiful.
Vive la France and vive le Beaujolais Nouveau! This is an evening you will not want to miss.
Special Keynote Speaker:
Hubert Joly, CEO Best Buy
Hubert Joly is chairman and CEO of Best Buy Co. Inc., the leading retailer of technology products, services and solutions, with approximately 1600 stores in North America and more than $40 billion in annual revenue. Mr. Joly was born and raised in France, where he graduated from the prestigious Hautes Etudes Commerciales business school in Paris. Before joining Best Buy, Mr. Joly was CEO of Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company. He previously led Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Vivendi Universal Games and Electronic Data Systems’ French business. He serves on the boards of Ralph Lauren Corp., the Retail Industry Leaders Association and the Minnesota Business Partnership.
Cyndy Brucato as our Master of Cermonies
Cyndy Brucato was born and raised in Chicago and is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Currently on KSTP-TV, Cyndy has had a long career in media as a reporter, broadcast journalist, anchorwoman and consultant. Cyndy is the recipient of a Peabody Award for Excellence in Journalism and a national Emmy.
Featuring: Guest Sommelière - Gina Lehner Holman : Founding Partner at J. Carver Distillery
Gina Holman has been working in the hospitality industry for over 31 years. Gina worked over 19 of those years as the Director of Liquor Operations for the City of Wayzata. She oversaw all aspects of running Wayzata Wine & Spirits and Wayzata Bar & Grill. She received her Sommelier certification from the International Sommelier Guild in 2009 and became an instructor in 2010. Gina is currently Manager of Operations and Founding Partner of J. Carver Distillery, a new micro-distillery in Waconia, Minnesota.
A live auction and lively silent auction will take place on Friday night at which no less than 8 tickets to European destinations will be auctioned off compliments of our generous sponsor, Delta
CELEBRATE the first wine of the season! Join us for an evening of celebration, food, wine, live and silent auctions, and networking.