This is important and good news for the residents of the town on the Bóbr: "CUPRUM-BANK" S.A., a dynamic institution associated with the Copper Basin, though not exclusively, is opening a branch here. We will write more extensively in a month about its origins, directions of expansion, prospects, and benefits for the city and its residents. Today—several concise general points.
The initiative to establish "CUPRUM-BANK" S.A. originated at the Copper Mining and Metallurgical Combine in Lubin, and 1991 should be considered its founding year. In the spring of last year, shareholders increased the share capital to PLN 200 billion. Of this, KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. holds 26.2% of the shares, Bank Handlowy S.A. in Warsaw 55.2%, the Municipality of Lubin 15.6%, and the Municipality of Głogów 3%. Let us also explain—something important in view of the unpleasant experiences of customers of the Cooperative Bank in Bolesławiec—that 80% is state capital, while local governments remain the owners of 20%, which largely guarantees the institution's stability.
Its copper-mining origins determine the regional "CUPRUM-BANK" S.A.'s focus, primarily in Lower Silesia, especially the Copper Basin. Let us recall that in the past Bolesławiec was the capital of the so-called Old Copper Basin, and the city's development and prosperity were influenced mainly by the work of the "Konrad" Mining Plant. Sentiment and genuine ties to copper mining have in fact remained here to this day. Although the Bank's most important customer remains KGHM, along with companies and enterprises associated with it, after achieving the fundamental objective of the first stage—that is, fully servicing the Combine's needs—the time has come to develop new areas: serving local governments, medium-sized and small businesses, and above all individual customers. This is a visible measure of expansion and progress in the face of the realities of intensive systemic and economic transformation.
Can one trust a new company entering the Bolesławiec market? Time will tell, although even today one can speak of a sense of security, confidence, and stability guaranteed by "strong" and solid shareholders, professional staff, and substantial capital. The regional element appears to be a strong asset: familiarity with the specifics of the local community, its problems and needs, and a focus on developing the region and its residents. Contrary to appearances, these are important considerations in an era of genuine local self-government, the creation of "small homelands," and preparations for the establishment of future counties. Professionalism and competence of a properly selected staff, as well as employees' high level of qualifications, are becoming increasingly important, and in this area the Bank has genuine and recognized achievements. Let us also add the element of modernity, because the era of provincial solutions has passed forever, while the rhythm of contemporary life imposes specific requirements in a situation of unrestrained competition: the Bank uses the most modern banking instruments, continually develops its range of services, and keeps pace with advances in banking services and technology. To remain close to the customer, one must respond appropriately to their requirements, expectations, and needs. So far, bankers from the Copper Basin can also speak of success in this area.
Let us set aside today the offer addressed to business entities and instead emphasize the exceptional place occupied by services for individual customers. Fixed-term deposits and cash loans are particularly popular in this area; since the agreement with the Lower Silesian District Post Office in Wrocław on servicing check transactions for CUPRUM-BANK S.A. savings and current accounts (ROR) came into force, and new rules for granting loans through ROR accounts were introduced, personal accounts have also become important.
Let us also mention the numerous events sponsored by the Bank: classical and jazz concerts—for example, the Głogów Jazz Meetings, classical music concerts organized by the District Museum in Legnica, and an Andean fiesta in Ząbkowice Śląskie—as well as its active support for children's and youth sports in Polkowice, Głogów, and Lubin, and initiatives aimed at developing the region. This is an incomplete image, a simplified portrait, but it gives a general idea of the character and advantages of an institution that is new to Bolesławiec and has a chance to gain full acceptance here and become a permanent part of the landscape of this dynamic city. Whether we accept it depends on us, but also on its promotion, incentives, openness, scope, character, and culture of action. If a smile and kindness take root there, success is guaranteed.