Interview : Laurent Auguste Managing Director, North America, Veolia Water

What advantages does Chicago have over other cities? Is the economic and political climate more favourable than elsewhere?
Laurent Auguste - Its geographical location is a huge advantage when you need to cover an activity that spans the entire US territory, from east to west. The city also offers a dynamic economic and cultural environment. Having a real city centre makes Chicago familiar to Europeans.

Do the local population and local councillors readily accept the presence of foreign companies or investors? How is integration going in Chicago?
L. A. - For us, integration went very smoothly. We were very well received by the municipality and the various professional bodies. Chicago is an international city where a large number of communities of diverse origins live together. And the options are vast when it comes to education for the children, a major criterion when you move abroad as a family...

Is the quality of life in Chicago enough to explain Veolia's presence in the city?
L. A. - The decision to locate here was driven more by professional considerations than by the "quality of life. Although this is an important part of the city's appeal. The cost of living is certainly not the lowest in the US, but quality often comes at a price, and that's certainly a good indicator in the land of free enterprise.

And the harshness of the winters is more than made up for by the energy released by the town and its residents!