Prof. Jim Mazurkiewicz, private archives.
Prof. Jim Mazurkiewicz a prestigious guest of the 60 mln Congress in Miami.
60 mln Congress it’s a Global Polonia Summit. This event brings together business, scientific and political leaders related to Poland and Polonia around the world.
The 17th edition of this exceptional event took place in Miami on March 6/7, 2025 in the beautiful East Hotel in Downtown Miami.
One of the most prestigious guests of the Congress was prof. Jim Mazurkiewicz From Texas. Here are his opening remarks from 60 mln Congress in Miami:
Prof. Jim Mazurkiewicz. Photo: Ania Navas.
Jim Mazurkiewicz:
It is a pleasure and honor to be chosen to provide the opening remarks to such a distinguished and entrepreneurial leaders from around the world.
I am a real cowboy and I live in Texas.
But don’t judge me because I am a „Country Boy”. We are very proud of our state. That is the only Southern nation in the United States to join US.
We were an independent Republic for nine and a half years with four presidents.
We may speak different languages but we identify with one place on Earth and it’s Poland. We acknowledge and cherish our polish heritage.
It is not doubt in my mind that it’s our polish history, our customs and traditions that bind us together.
Speaking as un Polish-American, I am a living testimony that it’s possible to provide contacts, building the bridges and relationships across many, many business sectors.
Over 1200 people have been exchanged business ideas over the last 13 years. The 60 mln Congress Global Polonia Summit, will lead us to establish business and social relationships within international networks.
I always said to my students: “ You don’t have to know everything, you just need to know who does “. “People make business with who they know and who they trust”.
On behalf of the Polonia in Texas it is a privilege for me to be here today as the President of Polish-American Council of Texas and Polish-American Chamber of Commerce of Texas and Professor Emeritus of Texas A&M University.
The City of Huston is the energy capital of the world, as well as the medical capital of the world. It is also the Headquarters of NASA.
It is a number one tonnage port in the United States. We have eleven other ports. Dallas is now becoming the leading financial hub in the United States behind New York.
Austin today is known as the Silicon Hills. Texas is also one of the largest centers of university education. Texas A&M University enrollment approached 80 000 students.
The population of Texas is over 31 million people and we are the number one center for business.
As the fifth generation of Polish-Americans in Texas (145 years ago my ancestors came here from Poland), I am very attached to the history and spirit of Poland.
Poland has overcome many aggression and hardships in the last 250 years. I would like to mention, that American-Polish people are in unison with the people of Poland.
We all support and we are proud of these American-Polish organizations that helped Poland to join NATO 25 years ago. We are now the part of same military allies. Without the doubt, Poland is our political and military ally in Europe and spending 4,7 % of GDP for NATO.
Poland’s efforts to support Ukraine are just exceptional. Poland is also one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and continues to prosper.
That’s why Poland does not need to be so humble! It needs to continue to promote itself on the world’s stage and talk about it’s successes and accomplishments. Poland is one of the safest countries in the world.
Why to do the business with Poland?
Because it is a safe, prosperous country. The giants like Microsoft and Google invested already in Poland. Also: the talent is there. Poland is a country of half million software engineers, AI specialists, cybersecurity experts and making the one of the largest technology work forces in the whole Europe. Poland is rapidly attracting global investors.
Prof. Jim Mazurkiewicz and his wife Kathy. Photo: Ania Navas.
Reassuming: Poland is a safe, prosperous country with the highly educated and talented workforce and great work ethics. It is a beautiful country of culture and strong family values.
Poland has a lot to be proud of and we need to do a better job as the Poles around the world, telling this story and promoting it. Poland’s success provides a powerful impulse for us to implement the ideas of 60 mln Congress to develop another valuable platform to continue the collaboration and unity.
Therefore We need to work together. Poland does not need to be so humble!
On behalf of Texas Polonia I thank you for the warm welcome. God bless the free people of Poland and thank you for this great opportunity and I look forward to meet all of you . God bless you!”.
Magdalena Wolińska-Riedi, a journalist of the Catholic Television EVTN – a partner of the Congress 60 million, during an interview with Prof. J. Mazurkiewicz .
Prepared by: Ania Navas
