According to Census 2000, almost a million people in Chicagoland claim Polish heritage. It should come as no surprise then, that trade between the State of Illinois and Republic of Poland has a bright future and already shares a lot of common interests starting with agriculture all the way to arts and heavy industry.

Appreciating the opportunities, Pat Quinn, Lt. Governor of Illinois along with other officials and representatives of many organizations, including the Polish American Chamber of Commerce, has lead a trade mission from the State of Illinois to Poland. From June 8 to 17, they have traveled to Cracow and Warsaw, attending many meetings and talking to numerous people. The mission is said to be beneficial to both State of Illinois and Poland, and many good will gestures that occurred during this time should deepen the cooperation. This is what some of the participants of the mission had to say.

 
Pat Quinn, Lieutenant Governor State of Illinois

PLUS: What do you think about Poland?
PQ: It’s very exciting to be in Poland for the first time. What I like the most here is the friendliness of the people and their hospitality. I think Polish people are very welcoming and there are so many things going on here in Poland now that I think Americans and Poles can work together in the future very well. I think it’s important to remember that the people of Poland and the people of the United States are freedom-loving. We have many opportunities to improve our education and protect the environment because we have many common ideas and conceptions. It’s also important that our president came to Poland in June and said to the people of Poland how much Americans love this country and it’s democracy. We want to thank the soldiers and people of Poland for helping us whenever we need support, especially in Iraq and the war against terrorism. There is one thing I have to add about Krakow. It’s magical and I think it’s a place where people understand tradition. I’m sure anyone who visits Krakow wants to come back here. There are so many things to see here that I wish I had more time.

George Dixon, Soybean Association

PLUS Journal: How do you like Poland?
GD: I’m glad that I have an opportunity to see such a great country like Poland. The age of your country is the most interesting thing for me. To be able see this city,  which is over 750 years old, with its structures and architecture, is really an incredible feeling. The architecture in Krakow is simply fascinating. We had an opportunity to see the Wawel Castle. That was impressive. It’s something that you can’t expalin to someone until they see it for themselves. And Polish people are really friendly and kind to us. That makes us feel really comfortable.

Richard Gebert, JR, Illinois Farm Bureau

PLUS: Say a  few words about Krakow and Poland?
RG: I simply love this city. It’s magnificent. I had an opportunity to travel to different parts of the world and see many old parts of cities, but what I saw here is simply breathtaking. What I like the most is the architecture and warmth of the people in the city. It makes you feel at home. I attended the concert at the Market Square in Krakow and I must say it was amazing. We don’t have something like that in the US. I’d like to learn more about your customs and your tradition. I’m sure it can help us undrestand each other and create a common business market as well.

Henryk Kazmierczak, the President of the Polish-American Chamber of Commerce

PLUS: How do you like Krakow?
HK: You cannot get bored in Krakow. You can touch history in the Kazimierz district, you can visit the Wawel Castle, meet people from all over the world in the Market Square, feel the presence of ghosts from the past. A stroll through Kazimierz is a look into the past, to places with a distinctive pre-war atmosphere. I love visiting this part of Krakow. Everything here is amazing, old and fascinating at the same time. In Chicago, you don’t have an opportunity to feel something like that.