The 5th annual Polish American Trade Show, sponsored by the Polish American Chamber of Commerce (PACC), was held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL on May 25-26.

The 5th annual Polish American Trade Show, sponsored by the Polish American Chamber of Commerce (PACC), was held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL on May 25-26. The main objectives of the Trade Show are to increase the number of potential clientele, promotion of all member businesses, and to make the presence of polish businesses known in the state of Illinois in order to raise the awareness of the contributions of Polish-American businesses. Very important objective is also the possibility of commercial exchange with Poland, which actively participated in this year event. Not only has its presence on the show marked companies from USA, but also those that came from Poland. Exhibitors of The 5 Polish-American Trade Show presented wide variety of products and services offered in USA as well as in Poland.

At the opening ceremony, the ribbon was cut by the Lt. Governor of Illinois, Pat Quinn, together with PACC President Henry Kazmierczak and executive director Bogdan Pukszta. Present were also Poland’s Minister of Economy, Pawel Poncyliusz, who were assisted by World Trade Center Illinois Chairman, Hon. Neil Hartigan. “Polish-American Trade Show definitely brings together people from our country and Poland. It is an opportunity to develop trade, economical and cultural ties. That is what we need to have a strong relationship between our states. This event is has its huge importance for us, Americans. If our country is to grow economically we have to trade with world. Poles and Poland have always been our allies. We fought together for freedom; we fought communism and Nazism. Now we want to make sure that we use this freedom in a way that helps people of both countries.” says Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn.

According to the Minister of Economy from Poland, Pawel Poncyliusz: „commercial exchange with USA nowadays equals 10%, whereas with European Union it reaches 70%. That does not mean however, that with constantly increasing trade with EU, the commercial exchange with United States will descend. America is very important partner of so-called "direct investments.” The main goal of the Minister’s visit was to persuade investors that along with Poland’s accession to UE, there are many development opportunities in Poland due to the UE’s budget.

Both show days were accompanied by Paderewski Symphony Orchestra. The show held also the art exhibit, Sherman Dodge’s car show and the bridal show by Prestige Bridal. The exhibit on the Poles of Jamestown was held during the show in order to mark the 400th anniversary of Polish entrepreneurship to America.