Meeting of the Vice President of the Board of EKB Polska with a member of the Board of the Ukrainian law firm “EVERLEGAL”.

Meeting of the Vice President of the Board of EKB Polska with a member of the Board of the Ukrainian law firm "EVERLEGAL".

On March 19, 2021, at the headquarters of the European Business Club in Warsaw, meetings between the Vice President of the Management Board of the European Business Club Poland, Mr. Krzysztof Walendziewski, took place with Mr. Oleksander Ruzhytsky, a member of the board of the Kiev law firm “EVERLEGAL”. It was the second meeting in this group. The first took place at the headquarters of the law firm “EVERLEGAL” in Kiev, Ukraine in 2019.

Mr. Krzysztof Walendziewski, Vice President of the Management Board of the European Business Club Poland, and Mr. Oleksandr Ruzhytsky, a member of the management board of the Kiev law firm "EVERLEGAL".
Mr. Krzysztof Walendziewski, Vice President of the Management Board of the European Business Club Poland, and Mr. Oleksandr Ruzhytsky, a member of the management board of the Kiev law firm “EVERLEGAL”.

Both parties expressed their interest in signing a cooperation agreement regarding the creation of a legal support program for Polish and Ukrainian entrepreneurs. It is also planned for this year to organize a debate for entrepreneurs from both countries in Warsaw or Kiev. It is planned that the project will also be attended by representatives of Polish and Ukrainian associations of entrepreneurs, the Polish-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, Polish and Ukrainian legal circles and development agencies. Mr. Krzysztof Walendziewski raised the issue of promoting the Polish brand in Ukraine and the participation of the law firm “EVERLEGAL. This project would be implemented under the program “Building a Polish brand in the world”. Mr. Oleksandr Ruzhytskyi promised to present the mechanisms enabling the implementation of this goal in Ukraine.

Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the course of the talks.

Mr. Krzysztof Walendziewski, Vice President of the Management Board of the European Business Club Poland, and Mr. Oleksandr Ruzhytsky, a member of the management board of the Kiev law firm "EVERLEGAL".
Mr. Krzysztof Walendziewski, Vice President of the Management Board of the European Business Club Poland, and Mr. Oleksandr Ruzhytsky, a member of the management board of the Kiev law firm “EVERLEGAL”.

Meeting of the President of EKB Poland with the Mongolian Ambassador to Poland.

Meeting of the President of EKB Poland with the Mongolian Ambassador to Poland.

On September 29 this year. Mr. Janusz Cieślak, President of the European Business Club Poland met with HE Mr. Dorj Barkhas, Mongolian Ambassador to Poland. The meeting was held at the invitation of the Ambassador at the Embassy of Mongolia in Warsaw.

During the talks, the issues of economic cooperation between Poland and Mongolia were raised, in particular the possibility of its expansion. The President of EKB Polska confirmed the interest of the Club members in establishing business contacts with Mongolian entrepreneurs and presented several new cooperation proposals, which were accepted with great interest and full approval. The interlocutors agreed that meetings in such a group will be continued in order to implement the intentions and plans for cooperation, which will be possible after the end of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ambassadors’ Cup 2020 – First Ground Golf Tournament of members of the diplomatic corps.

Ambassadors' Cup 2020 - First Ground Golf Tournament of members of the diplomatic corps.

 On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Poland and Mongolia, under the patronage of the Ambassador of Mongolia, His Excellency Dorj Barkhas, the first Ground Golf tournament of the members of the diplomatic corps “Ambassadors’ Cup 2020” took place  in Józefów near Warsaw,  on Saturday, September 19 this year. 20 members of the diplomatic corps who speak Polish and invited guests from Poland took part in the tournament. The European Business Club Poland Association was represented by the President, Mr. Janusz Cieślak, and the Advisor to the Management Board, Mrs. Bożena Banasik-Cieślak.

From the left: Dr. Ocz Bataa, Mrs. Bożena Banasik - Cieślak - Advisor to the Board of EKB Polska, J.E. Krzysztof Bojko - Polish Ambassador to Mongolia, His Excellency His. Dorj Barkhas - Ambassador of Mongolia in Poland, Mr. Janusz Cieślak - President of EKB Poland.
From the left: Dr. Ocz Bataa, Mrs. Bożena Banasik – Cieślak – Advisor to the Board of EKB Polska, J.E. Krzysztof Bojko – Polish Ambassador to Mongolia, His Excellency His. Dorj Barkhas – Ambassador of Mongolia in Poland, Mr. Janusz Cieślak – President of EKB Poland.

The guests were welcomed by the Deputy Mayor of Józefów, Mr. Piotr Gąszcz, who emphasized in his speech: “I am very glad that we have guests from Poland and the world. I would like to thank the Mongolian Ambassador for proposing the organization of the tournament in Józefów. I hope we have started a new tradition and that we will meet every year. I wish you a lot of fun – let the best win “.

Opening the tournament, Mongolian Ambassador J.E. Dorj Barkhas, speaking in beautiful Polish, said: “Thank you very much for coming to the tournament, thank you to the Mayor and people from the Józefów commune for helping us organize this tournament, making the area available and providing support. Thank you to the management of the Ground Golf Club, I am glad that there is a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Krzysztof Bojko – Polish Ambassador to Mongolia. The idea and idea of ​​organizing this tournament is very important, especially now during a pandemic, when we are limited by quarantine. Ground golf is a non-contact recreational sport. It is an opportunity to meet and exchange experiences. I hope the tradition will continue next year as well.

H.E. Dorj Barkhas, Mongolian Ambassador to Poland
H.E. Dorj Barkhas, Mongolian Ambassador to Poland

The event was graced by the performance of a Mongolian regional band, which presented beautiful music, singing and dancing in original, folk Mongolian costumes. Team members include Naranyuya Nomindalai and Ocz Bataa, citizens of Poland and Mongolia, who came to our country in 1991 and since then both have been passionately practicing physicians.

Mongolian regional ensemble.
Mongolian regional ensemble.

The organizers also took care of the Polish accent of the artistic part, during which a Polish woman employed at the Embassy of Mongolia performed the folk song “Szła Dzieweczka do laseczka” with the accompaniment of a Mongolian regional ensemble.

The great atmosphere of the meeting, great fun of all its participants and, of course, excellent weather should be especially emphasized.

Participants of the "Ambassadors' Cup 2020".
Participants of the “Ambassadors’ Cup 2020”.

Poles in Mongolia. Eng. Zdzisław Banasik, chief designer and construction manager of the Kombinat Stolarki Budowlanej i Mebli (Woodwork and furniture factory) in Ulan Bator.

An unusual ceremony took place at the Embassy of Mongolia in Warsaw on 14 October 2020  – Mr. Eng. Zdzisław Banasik – chief designer and construction manager of the Kombinat Stolarki Budowlanej i Mebli in Ulan Bator, one of the main investments carried out by Poland for Mongolia during the years 1968 – 1971 through CHZ Polimex Cekop – visited the Embassy at the invitation of Ambassador H.E. Mr. Dorj Barkhas.

From the left: Ambassador of Poland to Mongolia H.E. Mr. Krzysztof Bojko, Ambassador of Mongolia to Poland H.E. Mr. Dorj Barkhas, Mr. Eng. Zdzisław Banasik.
From the left: Ambassador of Poland to Mongolia H.E. Mr. Krzysztof Bojko, Ambassador of Mongolia to Poland H.E. Mr. Dorj Barkhas, Mr. Eng. Zdzisław Banasik.

The meeting was also attended by the Polish side:  Polish Ambassador to Mongolia, H.E. Mr. Krzysztof Bojko, President of the European Business Club Poland Mr. Janusz Cieślak, Advisor to the Board of EBC Poland Mrs. Bożena Banasik – Cieślak and on the Mongolian side: commercial counselor Ms. Adiya Gerelmaa, Mr. Dr. Ocz Bataa and Ms. Dr. Narantuya Nomindalai.

Ambassador of Mongolia to Poland, H.E. Mr. Dorj Barkhas, and Mr. Eng. Zdzisław Banasik.
Ambassador of Mongolia to Poland, H.E. Mr. Dorj Barkhas, and Mr. Eng. Zdzisław Banasik.

This year we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Poland and Mongolia. On this occasion, the Mongolian Ambassador to Poland decided to establish contacts with people who over the years have contributed to the industrialization of this country and to the development of Polish-Mongolian scientific and cultural relations.

The meeting was very warm, hospitable and took place in a very friendly atmosphere full of kindness and gratitude. H.E. Mr. Dorj Barkhas while making a toast in honor of Mr. Eng. Zdzisław Banasik, thanked for his dedication to the economic development of Mongolia as a designer and supervisor of the construction of the Kombinat Stolarki Budowlanej i Mebli in Ulan Bator. He also gave him flowers and gifts from Mongolia. Then, a film showing Mongolia from the 1970s and modern times was presented. The guests also had the opportunity to taste Mongolian cuisine. A Mongolian student of the University of Warsaw performed a few works by Polish and Mongolian composers on the violin.

Distinguished 90-year-old Mr. Eng. Zdzisław Banasik thanked the Ambassador for thinking of him as well as for the wonderful reception, and deeply touched, he shared with the guests his memories of his work in Mongolia, praising the cooperation with Mongolian employees. At the end, he said: “I reminisce on my stay in Mongolia as a beautiful input that I made to the industrialization of this country, which is far away from Poland, yet also very friendly toward Poland.”

EBC Poland supports the efforts of the Ombudsman for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in the matter of “defrosting the economy” by 1 July 2020.

The European Business Club Poland as an organization of entrepreneurs, which is part of the Council of Entrepreneurs at the Ombudsman for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, fully supports the Ombudsman’s efforts to address the Prime Minister with an appeal to lift restrictions, concerning companies’ activities in coronavirus pandemic, by 1 July 2020.

Our Association understood the Government’s actions aimed at fighting coronavirus with understanding, including those that led to the limitation or closure of some companies. However, the restrictions that are long-term has a negative impact on the economy, and in particular on the activity of small and medium-sized family businesses. In order to avoid irreversible economic consequences, we believe that this is the time to move to the stage of “defrosting the economy” and starting the process of its recovery. Entrepreneurs must know the maximum period during which they will have to finance downtime. Aid funds from the so-called anti-crisis shield, allow only for partial financing of companies, that have already been forced to cease operations or to reduce it. In the absence of specific information on how long they will have to add to their companies, entrepreneurs are not able to estimate whether they will be able to afford it, therefore, despite efforts to maintain job positions, they are forced to terminate contracts with employees, which may soon result in surge in unemployment.

The frozen activity of companies, in whole or in part, and, consequently, their inability to pay taxes, while providing funds to support them from the budget, may lead to the collapse of public finances, massive unemployment as well as –  to wrecking of our economic growth that has already been made with a difficulty. Therefore, it is necessary for the Government to start a quick return to economic normality, while taking into account the use of all available methods to ensure the safety of employees and clients, and to complete this process no later than 1 July 2020.

Prof. Elżbieta Mączyńska: Poland can handle the crisis caused by the pandemic quite well.

Professor Elżbieta Mączyńska, President of the Polish Economic Society and Chairperson of the Award Jury at the European Business Club Poland, while taking up the topic of the impact of the pandemic on the Polish economy, emphasized that “… there are forecasts that show, that despite the fact that some sectors of the economy will indeed suffer wounds, Poland will still have a chance for a relatively good transition through this crisis. (…) A careful, gradual unfreezing of the economy is very important. Rush and deep changes in order to reduce isolation may lead to a worse result. (….) The most important thing is to work out a golden mean between concern for people’s health condition and concern for companies condition. Forecasts about the economic impact of a national quarantine are very divergent. It is impossible to fully define and count the real consequences of the crisis ”. The professor adds: “These wounds do not have to be as deep and long-lasting as in other countries, because the actions that have been taken, in my opinion, are proper. I call it displaceable restructuring, which is a temporary shift of economic potential to other sectors. I mean, for example, transforming hotels into isolatories or quarantine places. Then there are also the government’s financial solutions.

The EBC Poland 2019 business publication is available in electronic version. Please visit and enjoy your reading!

We are pleased to announce that the publication of the European Business Club Poland for 2019 is available in the electronic version. To read the publications of particluar years, please select the DOCUMENTS tab on the main bar, and then click the E-PUBLISHING brick. After opening, please select 2019 or earlier years – 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

EBC Poland publication 2019/2020.

We cordially invite you to visit the link, please enjoy the reading!

Polish-British Belvedere Forum.

 

The 4th Polish-British Belvedere Forum took place on 3-4 March 2020 in London. Originally created in 2017, the Belvedere Forum is the most important non-governmental platform for Polish-British dialogue, that is attended by representatives of civil society, politicians, entrepreneurs, experts, scientists and NGOs from both countries. The goal of the Forum is to strengthen mutual relations through debates and discussions on political, economic and social issues. This year’s Forum was organized by two think tanks: Chatham House – Royal Institute of International Affairs and the Polish Institute of International Affairs. The forum was chaired by prof. Zdzisław Krasnodębski, and on the British side by Sir Malcolm Rifkind. The European Business Club Poland was represented by its President, Mr. Janusz Cieślak.

Janusz Cieślak, President of EBC Poland and prof. Zdzisław Krasnodębski, co-chairman of the Steering Committee of the Belvedere Forum.
Janusz Cieślak, President of EBC Poland and prof. Zdzisław Krasnodębski, co-chairman of the Steering Committee of the Belvedere Forum.

The theme of the plenary session of the first day of the Forum was “Poland and the United Kingdom: bilateral ties in a changing political context” with an attempt to address the issues:

  • how Brexit will affect British-Polish relations;
  • how this relationship can be maintained and deepened in the future.

On the second day of the Forum, the main topic that was raised during the plenary session was “Sovereignty and Identity in Great Britain and Poland”. Also, much attention was paid to how the European Union will look like without Great Britain and how their relations will look like. The Minister for European Affairs, Konrad Szymański, who was present at the Forum, said that in Brussels there is a widespread belief that without Great Britain, which was inhibiting integration, managing the Union will be simple, but this belief – as he emphasized – is wrong. Szymański thinks that the EU faces the need to answer very serious questions – about the future of the economic model in a situation of increasingly stronger protectionist tendencies, about the scope of its responsibility for matters outside its borders and about the budget, because its reduction, which some countries strive for, means – as Szymański emphasized –  reducing the role of the Union.

Janusz Cieślak, President of EBC Poland and Konrad Szymański, Minister for European Union.

Sir Malcolm Rifkind, a former member of Margaret Thatcher and John Major governmets, co-chairman of the Belvedere Forum Steering Committee, said there was no desire, either in the British government, in the Conservative Party, or in the UK, for the EU fragmentation. For the same reasons that Winston Churchill called for the unification of Europe in 1946, stipulating that Britain would probably not be part of it – because a stable Europe is in Britain’s interest.

Sir Malcolm Rifkind, co-chairman of the Steering Committee of the Belvedere Forum speaks.

The next, 5th Forum will be held in 2021 in Poland.

European Business Club Poland awards handed out!

The European Business Club Association honoured, for the fifth time in its history, at the annual Gala at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, individuals and firms which distinguishably contributed to the development of entrepreneurship, economy, science, culture and sports in Poland, with its awards. As every year, the Association recognised the laureates, who have contributed to the development  of entrepreneurship, economy, science, culture and sport in Poland, and who have achieved  success on a European and global scale.

The following winners received the honorary awards of the European Business Club Poland:

VICTORIA EUROPAE 2019 EUROPEAN VICTORY

European Congress of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

for significant contribution to the process of strengthening Poland’s position in the European Union and supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises

 

VICTORIA EUROPAE 2019 EUROPEAN VICTORY

Professor h. c. Andrzej Kraśnicki  

President of Polish Olympic Committee

in recognition of long-term activities for strengthening the position of Polish sport all over the world and disseminating the Olympic ideas and fair play values

 

ENTREPRENEUR MAGNUS 2019 EXTRAORDINARY ENTREPRENEUR

Mrs. Sylwia Ładzińska and Mr. Rafał Ładziński

owners of the firm Metal-Master

for 20 years of successes in construction, production and export to countries all over the globe of innovative machines and equipment as well as and also for constructing the jet aircraft FLARIS – a landmark in jet transport technology

 

ENTREPRENEUR MAGNUS 2019 EXTRAORDINARY ENTREPRENEUR

Mr. Krzysztof Bołtowicz

owner of the car company BOŁTOWICZ

for long-standing professionalism, creativity, courageous and dynamic management of the automobile firm Bołtowicz

 

BENE MERITUS 2019  HIGHLY DISTINGUISHED

Mr. Sławomir Kowalski

former Consul of the Republic of Poland in Norway

for courage, empathy and involvement in protecting Polish families aboard

 and proud representation of Poland

 

BENE MERITUS 2019 HIGHLY DISTINGUISHED 

Mr. Mariusz Woźniak

Entrepreneur from the United Kingdom

for his consistent activity to strengthen the position of the Polish community abroad in the United Kingdom, professionalism and professional successes

 

BENE MERITUS 2019 HIGHLY DISTINGUISHED 

Mr. Jan Łosakiewicz

Director of the Dance and Song Ensemble of the University of Warsaw ”Warszawianka”

for upholding the tradition of the Polish folklore and outstanding contribution to the development of the Polish dances

 

SIGNUM TEMPORIS 2019 SIGN OF THE TIMES

NTT System S.A.

for 30 years of the courage in thinking, bushiness effectiveness, organisational innovativeness and dynamic development of the computer market in Poland

 

PRO FUTURO 2019 FOR THE FUTURE

Ms. Agata Janiak

Director of the Educational and Care Centre in Tomisławice

for 23 years of her work for difficult young people and outstanding successes in implementing the individualisation of the process of education and care

 

PRO PUBLICO BONO 2019 FOR THE SOCIAL ACTIVITY

The Foundation ”Dom w Łodzi”

for the sea of love and creating a safe and loving home for the youngest, terminally ill, disabled and abandoned children

 

All the lauretes, in the light of the justification of the prizes awarded, our laureates’ activities carried out for local or industry communities are the best example of not only professional but also social ones, and their conduct is worth following and being made them public. The purpose of this project is to boost the prestige and high position of business environment in Poland, and to promote business initiatives, entrepreneurs, firms, institutions, organisations and social activity.

Award Committee is chaired by Professor Elżbieta Mączyńska, President of the Polish Economic Society, Member of the National Development Council.

This year’s Gala was held under the honorary patronage of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who sent the participants of the Gala a letter, that was read at the beginning of the ceremony. The letter to the Gala participants was presented by Stanisław Karczewski, Deputy Speaker of the Senate. Like in the last the event was on entered on the list of projects implemented as part of Poland’s centenary anniversary of regaining independence and restoration of the Polish statehood, and it received the visual identification of the Multiannual Programme ”Niepodległa”.

The event gathered guests from all over Poland and from abroad, including entrepreneurs, diplomats accredited in Poland, MPs and senators as well as representatives of the world of culture, sport and the media. The Honorary Guests were: Piotr Wawrzyk, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrzej Gut – Mostowy, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Development, who read a letter addressed to participants by Jadwiga Emilewicz, Minister of Development, Zbigniew Gryglas, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of State Assets spoke on behalf of the Minister of State Assets. The letter from Grzegorz Witkowski, UnderSecretary of State in the Ministry of Maritime Economy and Inland Shipping, was read out by Rene Karkoche, representative of the Ministry’s Press Office. Laudations on the occasion of granting the Main Award were given by: Adam Abramowicz, the Envoy for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises for the European Congress of Small and Medium-Sized and prof. Dr hab. Andrzej Rokita for doctor Andrzej Kraśnicki.

Among the institutional Honorary Patrons were: Ministry of Development, Ministry of Maritime Economy and Inland Navigation, Polish Investment and Trade Agency, Polish Chamber of Commerce, Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, Polish Economic Society, Employers of Poland, Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers.

The Main Partner of the event was Polish Agency for Enterprise Development

The Strategic Partner was the Port of Gdynia.

The partner was the Royal Castle in Warsaw.

The exclusive TV patronage was taken by TVP INFO.

The media patrons were: Polish Market economic magazine, Europerspektywy quarterly, Why Story monthly, Ambasador magazine and Świat Elit magazine.

Traditionally, the gala was hosted by the editor Przemysław Talkowski, winner of the BENE MERITUS 2015 HIGHLY DISTINGUISHED.

The official part was opened by the „Polka” dance, performed by the wonderful ‘Warszawianka’ Folk Song and Dance Ensemble of Warsaw University, winner of the  PRO FUTURO 2017 FOR THE FUTURE  award.  The award ceremony was preceded by a mini recital of Mateusz Mijal who charmed everyone with his performance of three known and popular songs: ”Lubię wracać tam gdzie byłem” from Zbigniew Wodecki’s repertoire, ”Uciekaj moje serce” from Seweryn Krajewski’s repertoire and ”Nie chcę więcej” from Michał Bajor’s repertoire. Furthermore, the presentation of the VICTORIA EUROPAE 2019 EUROPEAN VICTORY Main Award was preceded by the performance of the lyric tenor Chaoran Zuo who presented the participants his artistry in the works: Stanisław Moniuszko’s song ”Krakowiaczek”, Feliks Nowowiejski’s song ”Czy ty mnie jeszcze kochasz” and Zieliński’s aria ”Gdy ślub weźmiesz z twoim Stachem” and „O sole mio” as an encore.

After the official part of the ceremony, the guests moved to Kubicki Arcades to enjoy a party during which they had the opportunity to taste delicious dishes prepared by Kręgliccy Restaurant and the best Polish fish prepared especially for this occasion by the Złoty Okoń Restaurant. The table with Polish fish which arose a great interest, was prepared as part of the promotion of the Operational Programme ”Fisheries and Sea” for the years 2014–2020 implemented by the Ministry of Maritime Economy and Inland Shipping. The company MOKATE had its stand with its products: delicious coffee, tea and cookies.

All guests rated highly the selection of this year’s laureates, the artistic program and delicious and varied cuisine.

We would like to congratulate the Laureates once again!

 

 

The EBC Poland Awards Gala coming soon!

 

For the fifth time in European Business Club Poland history, the EBC Poland will honor people and companies that have contributed in a special way to the development of entrepreneurship, economy, science, culture and sport in Poland, and who have achieved European and global success. The goal is to build the prestige and high position of the business environment in Poland and promote business initiatives, entrepreneurs, companies, institutions, organizations and social activities. The Chairperson of the award jury is Ph. D. Elżbieta Mączyńska, President of the Polish Economic Society, Member of the National Development Council. All laureates, especially in the light of the justification of the awards, are the best example of the successful professional but also social issues activity; their actions for local or industry communities are a role model activity, worth making it known also to the public. The event will gather guests from whole Poland and from abroad, including entrepreneurs, diplomats accredited in Poland, MPs and senators as well as representatives of the world of culture, sport and the media.

This year’s Gala is being held under the honorary patronage of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. As in the previous year, the event has been included in the list of projects implemented as part of the Centenary of Regaining Independence and the reconstruction of Polish statehood celebration, and it uses the visual identity of the “Independent” Multiannual Program.

The awards of the European Business Club Poland are honorary and will be presented in six categories:

Main Award VICTORIA EUROPAE 2019 EUROPEAN VICTORIA, awarded to natural persons, companies, institutions, social organizations, initiatives and undertakings that have significantly contributed to raising Poland’s prestige in the international arena

as well as prizes in five equivalent categories:

ENTREPRENEUR MAGNUS 2019 A GREAT ENTREPRENEUR awarded for outstanding economic achievements and merits;

BENE MERITUS 2019 WELL DERIVED for special achievements in the represented field;

SIGNUM TEMPORIS 2019 SIGN OF THE TIME awarded for cultivating traditions, innovative activities and services in the field of promoting European integration and the development of civil society;

PRO FUTURO 2019 FOR THE FUTURE awarded for merits in supporting the development of entrepreneurship, economy, science, culture and sport;

PRO PUBLICO BONO 2019 FOR SOCIAL ISSUES ACTIVITY awarded for outstanding achievements in social issues activity.

The European Business Club Poland approaches business issues holistically. It recognizes the importance of all the spheres of social life that are significant for the development of entrepreneurship: culture, science, sport, media and the whole environment. Such comprehensiveness means synergy of business activity with other fields, as a result of which there is a comprehensive development of society, humanitarianism and improvement of the standard of living, and this is what the development of entrepreneurship is intended for. The Association adheres to its principles and the system of values and ideals, which are: culture, ethos, morality, ethics and social solidarity. The European Business Club Poland awards are the impersonation of these values.

Among the Honorary Patrons there are also: the Ministry of Development, the Ministry of Maritime Economy and Inland Navigation, Polish Investment and Trade Agency, Polish Chamber of Commerce, Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, Polish Economic Society, Employers of Poland, Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers.

The Main Partner of the event is the Industrial Development Agenc.y

The Strategic Partner is Port of Gdynia.

The partner is the Royal Castle in Warsaw.

The exclusive television patronage – TVP INFO.

The media patrons are: Polish Market economic magazine, Europerspektywy quarterly, Why Story monthly, Ambasador magazine and Świat Elit magazine.

Traditionally, the Gala will be hosted by the editor Przemysław Talkowski, winner of the BENE MERITUS 2015 AWARD.

The artistic program includes: Polish dances performed by the Warsaw Song and Dance Ensemble Warsaw University „Warszawianka”,  winner of the PRO FUTURO 2017 FOR THE FUTURE award, mini recitals performed by the lyrical tenor Chaoran Zuo and Mateusz Mijal.

The Gala will be concluded with the celebration at the Kubicki Arcades during which the Materialize bicycle will be presented; the bicycle is the winner of the main prize at the world custom bike exhibition in Las Vegas and it will be presented by Adam Zdanowicz, the creator of the MAD Bicycles start-up winner of the SIGNUM TEMPORIS 2016 SIGN TIME award.

EBC Poland representatives as guests on Christmas Eve for Veterans at the Polish Camp in London.

On December 19, 2019, representatives of the European Business Club Poland: Krzysztof Walendziewski, Vice President and Bożena Banasik – Cieślak were guests on Christmas Eve for Veterans organized at the Polish Camp in London by the British Poles Portal and the European Freedom Forum. The Christmas Eve meeting for veterans and veterans of the Polish armed forces living in Great Britain was to celebrate their heroism and integrate the Polish community.

Ms.Bożena Banasik – Cieślak and Mr. Krzysztof Walendziewski, Vice President of EKB Polska with Colonel Otton Hulacki

Among the guests, there were also members of the Carpathian Rifle Brigade, representative of the 1st Armored Division commanded by General Stanisław Maczek, a pilot from 300 Squadron, representatives of the Home Army, and refugees from the Holocaust extermination.

One of the most important moments of the ceremony was the handing the promotion to the rank of second lieutenant granted by the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda to the wounded in the battle of Ancona, 95-year-old Antoni Grudni, a soldier of the 2nd Corps of General Anders; it was handed by the military attaché Colonel Artur Miśkiewicz. It was very touching moment, because none of the gathered – including the person concerned – knew about the officer’s nomination. Furthermore, there were even more emotional moments: Colonel Otton Hulacki had turned 98 six days before and everyone present at the event stood up and sang “200 years” (Polish version of Happy Birthday) loudly and in a very respectful manner. The birthday person, who had come all the way from Isle of Wight, was very moved.

The youngest veteran at the event was 87 years old, and the oldest veteran is just 98 years old. For them, such celebrations are a unique opportunity to meet with friends, often from the same unit (for example, Otton Hulacki was together with Antoni Grudzień in the 2nd Polish Corps of General Władysław Anders, and he has known bombardier Jan Stangrycko for over 70 years).

Military Attaché Colonel Artur Miśkiewicz hands the promotion to the rank of second lieutenant to  Antoni Grudzien.

The evening was concluded with a theatre performance titled  “Artists on the Trail” by the Comedy Theatre, which came all the way from Cracow to London. Also, the band sang “Czerwone Maki na Monte Cassino” and bunches of Lviv, veteran songs with special dedication to  the soldiers of General Władysław Anders unit (at least half of whom were born or raised in Lviv).

It was a beautiful evening. In addition to the official ceremonies, EBC Poland representatives had a number of talks not only about our history, but also about the possibilities of developing business cooperation. They also invited their interlocutors to the Gala awards ceremony, which will take place on February 1, 2020 at the Royal Castle in Warsaw. Leaving the hospitable Polish Center and saying goodbye to the organizers of Christmas Eve, they thanked for the invitation and congratulated for a successful patriotic meeting, that united different generations of Poles living in Great Britain.

A theatre performance titled “Artists on the Trail”.

PAIH Business Forum 2019 – meeting of the SME sector and its partners – PAIH experts, representatives of regions and development institutions

On October 9 this year there was a BUSINESS FORUM organized by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency SA. The event was addressed to Polish entrepreneurs, with particular attention to small and medium active exporters interested in exporting their products and services as well as planning and implementing foreign investments. The program concept included a broad formula of substantive activities that provide a full service process for the entrepreneur in the areas of export and investment. The added value was the possibility of direct contact of Forum participants with representatives of PAIH Foreign Trade Offices, thus enabling the strengthening of relationships on individual markets with a wide geographical coverage.

Less than 20% of Polish companies operate on a European scale, and 14% – worldwide. Furthermore, as many as half of those doing business on the Old Continent are thinking of becoming one of the global players. Export and investment abroad is a challenge especially for micro, small and medium enterprises. PAIH Business Forum 2019 is an opportunity to establish cooperation with a stable and trusted partner who will facilitate their establishment.

Janusz Cieślak, President of EKB Polska at PAIH BUSINESS FORUM

The European Business Club Poland was represented by President Janusz Cieślak, who took part in the inauguration of the Forum and a number of panel sessions, including:

  • Presentation of the PAIH offer
  • PAIH export offer.
  • Southeast Asia and Australia.
  • Discover still undiscovered – United Kingdom.
  • Eurasian Economic Union.
  • Asia.

and held a series of B2B meetings in Foreign Trade Offices in United Kingdom, Mongolia, Singapore, Italy, China, India and South Korea.

Grażyna Ciurzyńska, President of PAIH and Janusz Cieślak, President of EKB Polska

During the Forum, it was emphasized that exports are one of the main engines of our economy and constitute over 50 percent of GDP – according to Eurostat data. Last year, the Polish economy broke the record – we exported goods for EUR 231 billion. Companies focus mainly on the European market, where goes 80 percent of  our products. Poland is the 25th largest global exporter, but still relatively few companies export their products, because only about 17,000.

Speech by Grażyna Ciurzyńska, President of PAIH

“We want to encourage Polish entrepreneurs, mainly small and medium ones, to reach out to foreign markets. Not only to large ones, such as Canada and the United States, but to prospective markets, which we may be afraid of today” says Grażyna Ciurzyńska, head of PAIH.

In a letter to several thousand participants of PAIH Business Forum, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki emphasized that relying on the domestic market is not enough for economic development. “For two years, through PAIH, Polish entrepreneurs found contractors and signed several hundred contracts in China, South Korea, Australia, Kenya, Argentina, Canada, Russia, not to mention the countries of the European Union” – noted the head of government.

The Prime Minister reminded that Poland is also open to foreign investors, for example by the launching of the Polish investment zone. From September 2018, the declared value of the launched projects exceeded PLN 18 billion. “World-wide companies such as Toyota, Daimler, LG, Lufthansa, has launched their projects in Poland” wrote the Prime Minister.

Congress 590 in Jasionka – discussions on the future of the economy. #IChoose590 means I choose Polish products!

President Janusz Cieślak

The Congress 590 was held on October 7-8, 2019. The event, that was organized for the fourth time, was attended by many representatives of the world of politics, business, culture, science and non-governmental organizations. The European Business Club Poland was represented by its President Janusz Cieślak.

Congress 590 is one of the most important economic events in Poland. As the organizers emphasize, the meeting is a unique forum for exchanging experiences, ideas and contacts. How to consolidate development trends driving the Polish economy? Can you follow your own path during the great struggles of economic power? How must the whole country change so that it can grow business? – these are just some of the questions that the participants of the 4th edition of the Congress were looking for answers. The event is patronized by the most important state institutions, including the President of the Republic of Poland and the Prime Minister.

Several thousand participants not only from Poland but also from abroad came to the Exhibition and Congress Center of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship in Jasionka near Rzeszów. The opening ceremony took place on Monday. The Congress was inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda, who on the first day of the Congress delivered an inaugural speech and presented the Economic Awards of the President of the Republic of Poland to the best Polish companies.

Andrzej Duda, the President of the Republic of Poland

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also took part in Congress 590 and inaugurated the second day of the event. Entrepreneurs expect state support in the promotion of Polish industry and export. A strong economy is not low labor costs, but efficient institutions, stable public finances and effective economic policy, which we are consistently implementing – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki

Traditionally, there were many very interesting guests from around the world in Jasionka. This year they were, among others prof. Bent Flyvbjerg – Better Megaproject Managementgen and Robert Enslin President, Global Customer Operations, Google Cloud – Digital transformation with Google Cloud, who delivered keynote speech.

In addition to participating in the inauguration of the Congress and listening to the keynote speech, the most important panels attended by President Janusz Cieślak were:

  • Fund has its nationality. How to support Polish companies abroad /
  • Development map 2.0. What will determine the growth of the Polish economy in the coming years?
  • Practical aspects of cooperation with China.
  • Polish foreign investments – how to help entrepreneurs in expansion.
  • Polish contribution to the success of global brands.
  • Polish banks – technology leaders.
  • The Business Constitution and its impact on the freedom of doing business.
  • Poland and the World: a new dimension in partnership and trade during global change.
  • Poland against the background of Europe – our contribution to the functioning of the European Union.
  • Modern fiscal policy and business expectations.
President Janusz Cieślak during the speach of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki

Plenary session – I Choose 590 – took place for the second time. This is part of the Educational Campaign #IChoose590, which aims to persuade Polish consumers to consciously choose Polish products. Any shift of purchases by 1% from the group of goods and services purchased, produced abroad by a non-Polish company to the group of goods and services produced in the country by a Polish company would mean an additional PLN 6.6 billion remaining in Poland, according to a report prepared by Grant Thornton for campaign #IChoose590. “We simulated the impact of changing consumer habits on building domestic savings. It turns out that each shift of purchases by 1% from Group 4 [foreign company, production abroad] to Group 1 [Polish company, production in Poland] would mean an additional almost PLN 6.6 billion remaining in Poland, which would increase the investment potential of companies and public sector and increased the purchasing capacity of Polish consumers, ” states a report presented at Congress 590.

The two-day event provided a number of conclusions and practical solutions. Jasionka is becoming an important place of dialogue for many communities about the economic future of our country.

The President of EKB Polska Janusz Cieślak awarded the title of “21st Century Leader!

The Leader of Vocation Program, fourth final edition by the Why Story Magazine, was held at the University of Rzeszów on September 26, 2019.The two-day Congress was started by the International Conference, followed by the presentation of the “Leader of Vocation” awards, and ended by the Business Speed Dating at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Beata Sekuła, editor-in-chief of Why Story Magazine

The theme of the Congress is “From passion to real success” – Traits (innate and acquired), the role and situation of a modern Leader: mentor, social worker, artist, athlete, motivator or efficiently managing an enterprise, institution – an efficient economist.

The International Conference, which in addition to Polish entrepreneurs and scientists was attended by guests from Japan, consisted of the following discussion panels:

  1. How to effectively and passionally manage your own company, often times a family, innovative, supportive team (value system, positive energy, cooperation with the team, intuition, setting boundaries, sustainable development). Care for the quality of services, products in order to gain and develop cooperation with clients, challenges. Modern or traditional type of leader?
  2. Social leader and in local government, in the media, management of art, sport, science and medicine. Altruists, artists, athletes, scientists and doctors / therapists who, thanks to their own passions and commitment, achieve success in managing the group and team results.
  3. Modern or traditional type of leader. Management of an innovative company / institution supporting the team (positive energy, international cooperation with the team, intuition, setting boundaries, balance, coaching); elements of turquoise management and Leaders of the 21st century. Is a leader born or becomes a leader? Is there a recipe for effective management? His/her value system and impact on society. What are the roles of the leader and what predispositions and competences are conducive to fulfilling them? Tips for leaders at the beginning of the road.

The European Business Club Poland was represented by President Janusz Cieślak, who took part in panel three. In his speech he discussed the role of the leader and the qualities that the leader of the 21st century should fulfill in order to achieve success. This panel was also attended by: Karolina Hudowicz – member of the board of International Coach Federation Poland, Tomasz Kądziołka – president of the Olsztyn-Mazury airport, prof. dr hab. Wawrzyniec Konarski – rector of the Academy of Finance and Business Vistula in Warsaw, Olga Wilińska – IBI.pl, Agnieszka Myślak – director Mary Mary, Izabela Maruszewska – president of the Human Sensor Foundation, prof. dr Sylwester Czopek – rector of the University of Rzeszów, dr Iwona Sosnowska-Wieczorek – president of the In Corpore Foundation and Rehabilitation Center (Katowice, Częstochowa, Dąbrowa Górnicza, Gdańsk), Tadeusz Donocik – honorary president of the Regional Chamber of Commerce in Katowice, Anna Kozińska – a recognized trainer , long-term HR director in many corporations and banks, employee of SGH, president of the Leaders’ Association, dr Ewa Piacentile – vice president of the Polish-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida and the Americas, President of the International Institute of Polish Culture in Padua, vice president of the Union of Polish-Italian Associations and dr Andrzej Mochoń , President of Targi Kielce, Ewa Krawczyk – president of the Help Other Foundation and the Poles for Disabled Project.

Speech by Janusz Cieślak, President of EKB Polska during the panel

Then the titles of the “Leader by vocation” Program were awarded. Janusz Cieślak, President of the European Business Club Poland was honored with the most prestigious title –  „21st Century Leader”.

Editor Beata Sekuła and President Janusz Cieślak

Tadeusz Ferenc – mayor of Rzeszów, Jerzy Karwowski – president of the board of the Complex Rehabilitation Center Konstancin also received this title. Anna Dymna – an outstanding theater and film actress, founder and president of the „Mimo Wszystko” Foundation, Tadeusz Donocik – Honorary President of the Regional Chamber of Commerce in Katowice and Iwona Sosnowska-Wieczorek, president of the Foundation and the Center for Diagnostics and Rehabilitation In Corpore.

Editor Beata Sekuła with the “21st Century Leader” winners

Titles were also awarded in the following categories:

  • Leader of local and regional development – a distinction intended for city and commune hosts;
  • A social leader whose work and commitment is often dedicated to socially excluded people or children with disabilities;
  • Leader in culture and art;
  • Leader in sport;
  • Leader in science and education;
  • Business and management.
The winners

We would like to congratulate the President of the European Business Club Poland Janusz Cieślak and all the winners!

During the International Congress the Leader by Vocation, there was an exhibition of paintings by Elżbieta Murawska, painter and illustrator, eg. of the Grimms’ Fairy Tales.

The conference part ended with an artistic performance of Karo Glazer, vocalist, composer, music producer and business woman in one person. Karo is considered to be one of the most original jazz artists in recent years in Europe. She has a four-octave vocal range, which allows her to perform songs in almost every style, from jazz and pop to classical music or even hip hop. Because of her  extraordinary energy, she even has a nickname “Lady Dynamite”. The conference was also graced by the performance of the folk and pop group “Dukat” from Leśna near Żywiec.

Performance by Karolina Glazer (Karo)