Essilor of America president garners French-American award

Key Points

Dallas-The French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACC) of Dallas/Fort Worth presented John Carrier, president of Essilor of America Inc., with the Alain Bellet Award. Carrier, who received the award during the "La Vie en Roses" Champagne Gala and Award Ceremony May 8, was recognized for maintaining business relations between France and the United States and helping to position Essilor as a world player in optical lenses.

The Alain Bellet Award annually celebrates one man or woman for his or her professional contributions and for building up ties between Dallas and France. Originally from France, Carrier has resided in Dallas for 8 years with his wife, Karine, and three sons, Alexandre, Thomas, and Rafael. His son Alexandre recovered from a bout with amblyopia. His son's experience motivated Carrier to aid others through his work at Essilor and the Essilor Vision Foundation. He has spent more than 20 years at Essilor; he became president of Essilor of America in January 2007.

Guests at the event, which took place at the Rosewood Crescent Hotel, included the Honorable Pierre Grandjouan, gala chair, consul general of France; Patrick Esquerré, founder of French-inspired bistros; and the master of ceremonies, Jim White, president of Jim White Media.