CHICAGO – In his continuing efforts to improve cultural ties and identify new markets for Illinois businesses, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced $20,000 for the State of Illinois to participate in the Fourth Annual Polish-American Trade Show, sponsored by the Polish-American Chamber of Commerce, which runs from April 28th - 30th at Przybylo’s White Eagle Banquets and Restaurant in Niles. The funding comes from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Office of Trade and Investment (OTI), who will have a booth at the show.
“In order to help Illinois companies grow, we must continue opening new doors and identifying new opportunities. The Polish-American market is tremendous in the Chicago region and represents a great deal of potential for companies across the state. There are also a wide variety of trade related opportunities between the U.S. and Poland, so we’re excited to be supporting this important trade show to help Illinois companies pursue new partnerships and new business,” Gov. Blagojevich said.
The Polish-American Trade Show, which continues to grow and attract a greater number of exhibitors each year, will bring together U.S. and Polish companies representing a wide variety of sectors, including those currently serving or planning to enter the Polish-American marketplace, as well as others seeking information on trade, partnership and investment opportunities in Poland. The event also hosts businesses from Poland who are looking for distribution opportunities, as well as potential U.S. partners and assistance in accessing the North American market. The Polish Chamber anticipates about 5,000 attendees over the weekend at the show.
"With hundreds of thousands of Polish-Americans living in Illinois, it is essential that we as a state participate and encourage this important endeavor," said Lt. Governor Pat Quinn. "We look forward to continuing to build upon the historic bonds between Poland and the United States, and, specifically, with the State of Illinois."
In 2005, Illinois’ annual export figures grew almost 19 percent, marking the third consecutive year of increased exports and the greatest one-year increase in more than ten years. Illinois is Poland’s fourth largest trading partner, with Illinois companies sending almost $79 million worth of goods to Poland last year. For more information about the trade show, visit www.tradetargi.com.
The State of Illinois’ booth will include marketing material for a variety of programs and services to help small and medium-sized companies grow their business and increase their competitiveness.
“The Polish-American community in the Chicago area is one of the largest market niches, so there are many benefits to participating in the largest Polish-American trade event in the U.S and gaining a more significant market share and greater visibility in this vast market. I thank Gov. Blagojevich for supporting our event,” said Bogdan Pukszta, Executive Director of the Polish-American Chamber of Commerce and Manager of the Trade Show.
“Gov. Blagojevich and I understand the importance of opening new markets for Illinois businesses, which allow them to form productive partnerships both here at home and around the world. The Polish-American Trade Show will help to identify new markets and new opportunities for Illinois companies to grow their businesses, and we’re happy to be a part of this event,” Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Jack Lavin said.
Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions – each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.