Here, the Water Is Still Clean And the Grass Is Green

Panorama talks with Włodzimierz Mielus, mayor of Miechów
- Can you tell us where Miechów is located and briefly describe its traditions and accomplishments.
- The city and municipality of Miechów is located in the Krakowsko-Częstochowska Uplands, in the northern part of the Małopolskie province. Over 20 thousand people live there. The city is conveniently located on the international E-77 route, between the cities of Cracow and Kielce. It is also has good connections to the Upper Silesia region.

 The history of Miechów dates back to the 12th c. and is related to a local convent. The local church with its well-preserved fragments of Romanesque architecture and rich rococo style interiors is a unique sight of international importance. Also, the medieval architectural complex in the city center is a valuable asset. Among other historic structures in the municipality is a classical Anatolka inn from 1836 that is situated on a royal tract.
- You have mentioned the favorable location of the city and municipality. How do local residents profit from it?
- There are several advantages related to this. Our region is an area of intensive agricultural production. The two neighboring cities are natural, large markets for our products. Neighboring Cracow ensures us easy access to air transportation and other facilities typically found in large cities. In addition, we can take advantage of a large job market, agricultural produce market, etc. A lot of young people from Miechów study in Cracow. In addition, Cracow School of Economics has opened
 

its division in Miechów.  In other words, our city serves as a bridge spanning Cracow and Kielce, and thus is an attractive place for investors.
- Can you characterize the major economic strengths of your city?- Miechów offers conditions that are conducive for development of entrepreneur-ship It is an important administrative and service center Major public institutions that are of importance to business, such as banks and insurance companies, as well as health services and educational institutions are located in Miechów.We offer a large agricultural potential and investment sights designed for a variety of purposes. 

Our technical infrastructure is well developed, since expenditure on investments constitute 24% of the budget. A well-preserved natural environment and the overall tourist attractiveness of the municipality draw a growing number of visitors to the region. - And the drawbacks...
- Unfortunately, there are some. Firstly, we lack facilities for processing produce and selling it. We need to open a food processing plant and an agricultural
 

produce market. We also lack new jobs. This is why we are looking for investors and creating favorable conditions for the development of local businesses, and actively mediate between employers and their employees. In addition, there is also a shortage of council houses and apartments for rent in the city.
 In other words, we are urgently looking for investors. In return, we offer them tax leaves and abatements, a vast job market and a fairly inexpensive, well-educated work force. This is a top priority for loca

authorities.
- Where do you see development opportunities for the city and municipality?
- First, in the large markets for processed foods in the Cracow and Silesia regions. Secondly, in the growing investors' interest in placing capital in the Małopolska region. Last, but not least, in the tourist attractiveness of the region. Here, the water is still clean and the grass is green. All this is available to interested parties.
- Thank you for your time.