ORCHARD LAKE, MI – The Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake (PICROL) will host a Polish American Business Roundtable: Doing Business Across the Atlantic: Opportunities in Poland and the United States on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:30 am in the Galeria at Orchard Lake Schools.
The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to pre-register at www.picrol.org.
The roundtable will bring together distinguished representatives of Polish American business, diplomacy, and academia for a discussion focused on strengthening economic relationships between Poland and the United States, identifying opportunities for international collaboration, and exploring the important role of Polish American professionals in connecting the two markets.
As Poland continues to expand its economic presence on the international stage, the roundtable will provide an opportunity to examine how businesses, entrepreneurs, and professional networks on both sides of the Atlantic can develop meaningful partnerships.
The featured participant will be Professor Jim Mazurkiewicz, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Texas and a longtime faculty member at Texas A&M University. Professor Mazurkiewicz has been instrumental in promoting Polish heritage, educational exchanges, and stronger connections between Poland and the United States, particularly through his work with Polish communities in Texas.
Joining him will be Richard Walawender, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Michigan, an attorney and prominent advocate for Polish American business relations. Additional local business leaders will contribute perspectives on international commerce, entrepreneurship, and opportunities for economic development.
The discussion will be moderated by Dr. John Radzilowski, Director of the Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake.
While the Institute has long been recognized for its work preserving and promoting Polish history, culture, and heritage, the roundtable reflects its broader commitment to fostering meaningful connections within contemporary Polonia, including those in business, education, and professional life.
“We are excited to bring together individuals who share an interest in strengthening the economic and professional ties between Poland and the United States,” said Ania Bieciuk, Associate Director for Polonia Affairs at the Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake. “Polonia has tremendous potential not only as a cultural community, but also as a network of professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. We want Orchard Lake to be a place where these connections are made, ideas are exchanged, and opportunities for meaningful collaboration take shape. Our hope is that this roundtable will be the beginning of a broader conversation and lasting partnerships between Michigan and Poland.”
The event also underscores Michigan’s potential as a center for Polish American economic cooperation. With its established Polish American population, strong manufacturing base, international trade relationships, and diverse professional community, Michigan offers significant opportunities for strengthening commercial ties with Poland.
Topics of discussion will include:
- Business and investment opportunities in Poland and the United States.
- The evolving economic relationship between the two countries.
- Opportunities for Michigan businesses to establish or expand partnerships in Poland.
- The role of Polish American professionals and entrepreneurs in facilitating international cooperation.
- Building stronger networks among business leaders, institutions, and organizations on both sides of the Atlantic.
Beyond the panel discussion, attendees will have an opportunity to meet fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and establish connections during a networking reception with light refreshments.
The roundtable is hosted by the Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake, with support from the Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Detroit, the Kościuszko Foundation, and Polish American Professionals of Southeastern Michigan.
The event welcomes business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone interested in Polish American economic relations and international business opportunities.
Event Details:
Polish American Business Roundtable
Doing Business Across the Atlantic: Opportunities in Poland and the United States
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 10:30 am
Location: Galeria at Orchard Lake Schools
3535 Indian Trail
Orchard Lake, MI 48324
Featured Participants:
Professor Jim Mazurkiewicz, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Texas
Richard Walawender, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Michigan
Additional local business leaders
Moderator: Dr. John Radzilowski, Director of PICROL
Admission: Free and open to the public
Pre-registration: www.picrol.org
A networking reception and light refreshments are included.
About the Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake
The Polish Institute of Culture & Research at Orchard Lake (PICROL) is dedicated to preserving, studying, and promoting Polish and Polish American history, culture, and heritage. Through educational programming, scholarly research, cultural events, and partnerships, the Institute serves as a center for engagement and collaboration among Polish American communities and institutions in the United States and abroad.
