Henry Kazimierczak was born in Bolesławiec and is now head of the Polish-American Chamber of Commerce in Chicago. For two years, he has been preparing to bring Gliniada to Chicago’s annual Constitution Day parade on May 3—a lavishly celebrated Chicago holiday commemorating the first constitution established in Poland. Kazimierczak assures us that next year the Glinoludy will march through the streets of Chicago.
Henry Kazimierczak left for the United States 24 years ago to study. Today, he chairs one of the most active chambers of commerce operating in Chicago.
“We are involved,” says Kazimierczak, “in bringing Polish-American business into the broader waters of the American economy. We want to break down the barriers that prevent Polish entrepreneurs from moving beyond a closed circle of Polish-American customers. The Polish-American Chamber of Commerce, which I chair, will receive two prestigious awards this fall: for the best-functioning and the most active organization. It was rated so highly by the Polish National Union and the Polish-American Association—an organization that helps Poles in need abroad.”
Grażyna Hanf: “How does doing business as a Pole in the United States differ from doing business in Poland?”
Henry Kazimierczak: “These days, with free markets operating in both countries, there is essentially no difference. Poland lacks only established business customs—mainly those that allow individuals to demonstrate their abilities more fully. There is no tradition of supporting individual talents when they serve the public good.”
Is Bogdan Nowak’s initiative, Gliniada, an example of such individual action translating into economic value?
This is one of the best examples of it. And because I promote many different industries—from lawyers to manufacturing plants—I know that every company needs promotion. It increases the scale of its operations and opens it up to new markets. If we close ourselves off within a narrow circle of customers who pass information from one person to another, we limit our own activity and our market.
Does that mean promotion here is failing?
Let me give you an example. While paying my bills at the gas company, I spoke with a woman from Lwówek who worked there. I asked whether she knew Miliński—the painter and performance artist who has his studio and amusement park in Pławna near Lwówek. To my horror, she had no idea who Miliński was. Yet people know him in Chicago. This artist, who runs his business exceptionally well and knows how to market himself, is unknown in the area where he operates. I see enormous opportunities and room for promotional work in Poland carried out in such a way as to promote Miliński in Lwówek.
But a resident of Bolesławiec or Lwówek asks: why should I care? Who is Miliński to me? Let him promote himself; it doesn’t concern me. How do you explain to an ordinary resident that promoting such events is important?
“Again, I will use the example of footballers’ enormous earnings, with contracts reaching 80 million dollars. It is hard to comprehend how an activity that serves no one can bring in so much money. Here, however, the issue is information reaching millions of potential customers in an attractive way. By creating events such as Gliniada, or through activities in Pławna, we build the region’s appeal, which translates into tangible economic benefits.”
So thanks to Nowak’s or Miliński’s activities, everyone can make money?
“Gliniada already exists in the world; I promote Gliniada in Chicago. This means that the financial value of the project grows year by year. And it can be counted on in the future, because large companies can make use of its media potential and access to customers.”
What is your opinion of the fact that the city does not permanently subsidize Gliniada’s activities?
“The question is easy, but the answer probably will not satisfy everyone. Although Bogusław Nowak has been my friend since elementary school, I view the matter somewhat differently. To me, Gliniada is treated normally in Bolesławiec, like any developing business. Everyone sees different things in it: some are delighted, others see an opportunity for development and advertising, and still others are indifferent or opposed.”
Are we making too much of the criticism?
Yes. Criticism is constructive; it is something that makes every event appealing. America is a highly economically developed country, and virtually all social events are closely connected with economic ones. In that context, Gliniada would be treated the same way in the United States. Many people would ridicule it or say that clay litters the sidewalks. That is perfectly ordinary. The most important thing is that the project’s appeal grows year by year. That, and nothing else, will lead to greater acceptance.
What percentage chance is there that the Glinoludy will travel to Chicago?
120 percent! I have the funds and the means. I have been preparing for this for two years. I spoke about the Glinoludy’s arrival at the board of directors’ meeting. Gliniada will be our flagship event during the May 3 parade!