5th Annual Polish American Trade Show

The Polish American Chamber of Commerce announced recently that the 5th Annual Polish American Trade Show will be held May 25-26, 2007, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.  The Show has grown exponentially each year, from 25 companies in 2003 to more than 100 in 2006, attracting exhibitors and sponsors from nearly all sectors of the economy.  Building on the success of the last event, held April 28-30 at the White Eagle in Niles, IL, the Chamber intends to further expand the Show’s contribution to local and international trade promotion. According to PACC President Henry Kazmierczak, “The decision to hold next spring’s event in Rosemont will allow us to generate a better business-to-business atmosphere, attract a larger number of exhibitors and establish a larger profile.”

The Show’s management is planning large-scale promotion as well as wide media coverage to achieve increased business and attendee participation from Illinois and  out-of-state locations. The Show will also serve to mark the official beginning of the 400th anniversary celebration of Polish entrepreneurship in America. In addition, PACC’s plans include  broadening the programmatic scope of the event and generating increased opportunities for business-to-business contact and promotion of the Chicago area as a preferred destination for business and pleasure.

Hundreds of participants from out-of-state, including Poland, are anticipated, which will translate into significant economic benefit to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, stores, travel agencies, etc. Even more than in previous years, the community and the State will also benefit from strengthening and developing trade and investment relations between businesses in Illinois and in Poland.

Governor Blagojevich supported last spring’s Show by stating, “We’re excited to be supporting this important trade show to help companies pursue new partnerships and new businesses.” Lieutenant Governor Quinn was “honored to be a part of this annual event,” adding that “With hundreds of thousands of Polish-Americans living in Illinois, it is essential that we as a state participate and encourage this important endeavor.”

DCEO director Jack Lavin recognized the importance of the annual Polish American Trade Show to opening new markets for Illinois.  “As the sponsoring organization, the Polish American Chamber of Commerce would like the next Show, scheduled for May 25-26 2007, to make an even more significant contribution to helping identify new markets and new opportunities for Illinois, with special emphasis on capitalizing on the Illinois-Poland relationship,” said Bogdan Pukszta, the Show’s manager. “We are confident that our previous achievements and expertise gained with each Show, coupled with sponsor assistance and participation will ensure the event’s success, benefitting the local business community and the State of Illinois in general.”

The PACC is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in the State of Illinois as a business association.  As the voice of Polish American business men and women, the Chamber is dedicated to serving their best interests through education on current trends and facilitating commercial contacts. The organization is at the forefront at encouraging and promoting domestic and foreign trade to benefit its members, the community and the U.S.