For the first time in the Network’s history, a Network meeting was held at two locations (Nisko and Stalowa Wola), the decision based on mutual proximity and shared Central Industrial District history.

On day one, Central Industrial District history was presented at the “Zielony Dworek” (Green Manor) restaurant, former original office of Zakłady Południowe (Southern Manufacturing Plant) management. Thereafter, the story of business development in Nisko was discussed in the context of a revitalisation model designed for the town. The session’s main focus, however, involved revitalisation efforts involving the town’s flagship investment – Podwolina Artificial Lake, which has become Nisko’s rest & recreation centre owing to the array of services offered. Network participants also paid a visit to VOSTER Sp. z o.o. (Co. Ltd.), a local door manufacturer. A tour of the premises apart, domestic- and international-level marketing methods were debated.

The Stalowa Wola Industrial Zone was pivotal to meeting day two, which began with a visit to Huta Stalowa Wola S.A. (Stalowa Wola Steelworks, Inc.) – one of the largest and most prominent Polish defence industry facilities, and the largest employer in the region. SK NEXIUS was the next stop, a Korean manufacturer of copper film essential to the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries mounted on electric vehicles. Reasons behind the Korean corporation’s decision to “settle” in Stalowa Wola were discussed in the course of the visit.

The visit closed with a debate at the Central Industrial District Museum, with a focus on forms of support offered by cities forming part of the Entrepreneurial Cities and Towns Network.

Company tours did more than showcase state-of-the-art business models pursued by individual companies; they were also an opportunity to discuss the role and forms of collaboration between local governments, firms, and institutions of the business environment, and adapting the labour market to meet potential employers’ needs.