ESSILOR OF AMERICA PRESIDENT RECEIVES ALAIN BELLET AWARD
John Carrier Honored by French-American Chamber of Commerce for Successes in International Business

DALLAS – (May 11, 2009) – John Carrier, president of Essilor of America, Inc., has been recognized with the Alain Bellet Award by The French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACC) of Dallas/Fort Worth. Carrier was applauded at the “La Vie en Roses” Champagne Gala and Award Ceremony for his pivotal role in fostering business relations between France and the United States, as well as working toward positioning Essilor as the world leader in optical lenses.

“We are very proud of this prestigious recognition for John,” said Hubert Sagnieres, chief operating officer of Essilor International. “He is a brilliant and accomplished business leader, and has done much for the betterment of Essilor, and beyond that, for the improvement of vision care across the globe.”

The Alain Bellet Award honors one man or woman each year for incredible contributions to the prosperity of the region, as well as for strengthening relations between Dallas and France. A native Frenchman, Carrier has lived in Dallas for eight years with his wife, Karine, and three sons, Alexandre, Thomas and Rafael. Alexandre recovered from a serious bout with amblyiopia—which can lead to blindness if left untreated. It was this trial that inspired Carrier to help so many others through his work at Essilor and the Essilor Vision Foundation. He has been with Essilor for more than 20 years and became president of Essilor of America in January 2007.

“Mr. Carrier has done so much for the French and American business communities, and we are pleased to honor him with this award,” said Bertrand Pelletier, president of FACC of Dallas/Fort Worth. “He is a fine example of someone who seeks the greater good in his professional work as evidenced by the launch of the Essilor Vision Foundation, with which we are proud to be associated.”

The Gala and Award Ceremony was held on May 8, at the Rosewood Crescent Hotel, and was a grand celebration of tastes from France and Texas. Distinguished guests included The Honorable Pierre Grandjouan, gala chair Consul General of France, Patrick Esquerré, founder of French inspired bistros, la Madeleine, and the master of ceremonies for the event, Jim White, president of Jim White Media and founder of Savor Dallas, an annual international food and wine event.