In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Pawlak offered his thoughts regarding the role of Polish American business in relation to commerce between the US and Poland, reviewed new areas of potential bilateral interest, such as the stock exchanges and their role in leveraging entrepreneurial success and innovation, praised the US for its economic involvement in Poland, and noted the interest that a growing number of Polish enterprises take in investing in the US.
Before an engaging and informative Q & A period that followed, Ewa Sieradzki, director of protocol and international relations in the Illinois Governor’s Office, read a proclamation signed by Governor Rod Blagojevich, and presented a gift from the Governor’s Office to the guest of honor.
Following the Q & A, Rybcie Znad Biebrzy provided some Northeast Poland-style entertainment by performing several musical pieces from their repertoire.
The event was attended by a large group of PACC members, and numerous friends and guests, including Les Surowiec, president of PACBA; Barbara Rybinski, the new president of the Friends of Cracow Society; Stanislaw Zagata, president of Polish Highlanders; PNA vice president Paul Odrobina, and PNA’s national secretary, Charles Komosa. PACC Poland representative, Mr. Zdzislaw Wojtasik, was in attendance as well.
“We are honored to have hosted Minister Pawlak’s final stop on his trip to the US. The setting here at the White Eagle, the site of so many important events in the cultural, social and economic life of Polonia is very fitting as a place to celebrate the commemoration of the Polish Constitution and the ever increasing trade development and commercial cooperation between the US and Poland,” said Bogdan Pukszta, PACC’s executive director, who MC-ed the meeting. “This event also serves as an important prelude to the US-Poland Business Forum which will be held on May 14-15 in Chicago.”
The PACC is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in the State of Illinois as a business association. The Chamber seeks to bring together businesses to foster their interests, educate, build relations, and to contribute to the expansion and integration of Polish and Polish American business communities in the U.S. and abroad.
*Photos by: Rafal Lankamer.