for achievements in advancing business and philanthropic contributions

Mr. Conrad J. Lowell emigrated from Poland to the United States in 1978. After a brief stay in New York, NY, he relocated to San Diego, CA, to pursue his education at the San Diego State University, earning a B.S. in Business and a B.A. in French. During his academic journey, he was selected for a year-long program at the University Aix-en-Provence in France. Upon graduation, Mr. Lowell moved to New York City, where he served as a business system analyst for Prudential-Bache Securities on Wall Street for several years. Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, he ventured into exporting American products to Poland. In 1990, he began importing Polish magazines to the U.S., eventually incorporating the Lowell International Company in the state of Illinois. Within three years, the company expanded its operations, importing magazines and food products from Poland.

In December 1999, Conrad Lowell met Ivona, a graduate with a Masters in Business from Wroclaw University of Technology. They married at Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral in 2002 and together have propelled the organization to become the largest importer of food and beauty products from Poland to the U.S. Operating from two distribution facilities in Franklin Park, IL, and Edison, NJ, they market over 15,000 premium products from Poland and other European countries. The Lowell Foods label encompasses 300 products, available in international and ethnic stores across almost every state.

On March 1, 2006, Mr. Lowell was inducted into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame, acknowledging his business accomplishments, community philanthropy, and efforts to preserve Polish culture in the United States. He was named “Person of the Year 2019” by Polish Daily News Dziennik Zwiazkowy, the largest and oldest Polish language newspaper in the United States, established in 1908 in Chicago. In 2020, he was honored as the Laureate of the Teraz Polska Foundation’s business category in Chicago. Mr. Lowell served as the Grand Marshal at the Polish Constitution Day Parade in Chicago in 2020, Ivona Lowell was Honorary Marshall Pulaski Day Parade in Buffalo, NY in 2019. Mr. Lowell is a recipient of Honorary Shield from Polish Teachers Association in America Award 2020. The Lowells consistently contribute to the Chicago and New York Polish communities, support charitable causes, including Polish-American organizations and Polish schools in the US.

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Gold Medal Award 2024 recipient Rafal Olbiński -Internationally Renowned Artist

for outstanding contributions to the world of art and poster design and enduring impact on cultural enrichment

Rafał Olbiński, born in Poland, graduated from the Warsaw University of Technology’s Faculty of Architecture before immigrating to the United States in 1981. Quickly establishing himself as a renowned painter, illustrator, and designer, he received over 150 awards, including Gold and Silver medals from the Art Directors Club in New York City and The Society of Illustrators of New York City and Los Angeles.

In 1994, Olbiński received the International Oscar for The World’s Most Memorable Poster, Prix Savignac in Paris, and the Creative Review Award for the Best British Illustration in London. His contributions continued to be celebrated in 1995 when his poster won the official New York City Capital of the World Poster competition. The following year, he received the Society of Illustrators of NYC’s Stevan Dohanos Award for the year’s best work of art. Throughout his career, Olbiński’s work extended beyond traditional mediums, including designing posters for Earth Day celebrations commissioned by the United States Information Agency. In 2002, he received the Premio Divina Giulia award for his outstanding contribution to modern art from the city of Fondi, Italy. Olbiński’s pieces are featured in prestigious collections such as The National Arts Club in New York City, Smithsonian Institute, Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., Suntory Museum in Osaka, Japan, and numerous private and corporate collections around the world.

In 2002, Olbiński ventured into set design, making his debut with the opera performance of Don Giovanni in Philadelphia, earning acclaim from critics at the New York Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer. International publications, including the New York Times and Der Spiegel, extensively covered Olbiński’s works. Five books on his art have been published in the United States including “Olbiński’s Women” in 2007. His art has been showcased globally, at exhibitions in the United States: Washington, D.C. (2013), San Francisco (2016), and New York City (2014, 2017). International exhibitions include Lisbon (2013), Milan EXPO (2014), and the Beijing International Art Biennale in China (2014, 2022). The presentation of the book “Olbiński. Ars Picturae” took place in the British Parliament.

Rafał Olbiński’s artistic journey is a testament to his exceptional talent and global impact. He is a master of visual illusion. His diverse body of works reflects an artist who continually pushes boundaries and explores new creative horizons. His legacy resonates not only for his technical brilliance but also for the profound influence he has had on the art world. As his exhibitions continue to captivate audiences across continents, Olbiński’s enduring contributions to modern art solidify his place as a distinguished and influential figure in the realm of visual expression.

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Gold Medal Award 2024 recipient Rafal Sonik Nine-Time World Cup Champion, First Pole to Win Dakar Rally, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

for outstanding contributions in sports, environmental protection, advocating for children, and promoting Poland worldwide

Rafal Sonik is a renowned Polish entrepreneur, rally driver, and philanthropist, boasting a remarkable career as a nine-time World Champion in Cross-Country Rallies, widely considered the longest and toughest off-road rallies globally. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the first Polish Champion of the Dakar Rally, achieving a remarkable five-time podium finish. Recognized as the captain of the Poland National Team and an ambassador for the FIA Golden Rules program, Sonik is closely associated with the elite ranks of motorsport.

Sonik’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1989, marking a pivotal role in the economic transition of Poland. Teaming up with his business partner, Jerzy Starak, he played a key role in the launch of the McDonald’s restaurant chain in Poland. Subsequently, he entered into a 50/50 joint venture partnership with British Petroleum in Poland, and his company engaged in co-development initiatives with major brands such as Geant, Carrefour, Tesco, Castorama, and Lidl.

Expanding his business enterprises, Sonik ventured into personal projects, including the establishment of shopping malls named Gemini Park. Presently, he owns three galleries located in Bielsko-Biała, Tarnów, and Tychy. Beyond real estate, Sonik has made significant investments in pharmaceutical and IT companies.

Since 1992, Sonik has actively participated in social and charity projects, demonstrating unwavering dedication for almost three decades as a consistent partner of SIEMACHA. Contributing in various ways, he has been instrumental in supporting projects focused on the education and well-being of thousands of children. SIEMACHA, under his patronage, provides daily care for over 4000 children across the country.

Guided by the profound verse from a Polish poem by Adam Asnyk, “And the winner is the one who will give the most light to others,” Sonik has organized and championed numerous social initiatives over the years. Some of the projects include involvement with the Clean Poland Association, organizing cleaning environmental projects in the Polish Tatra Mountains and along the Baltic seashore, the “Fiat126p for Tom Hanks” project, “The great trip of Fiats for children,” and overseeing the welfare of a group of seniors from the Zakopane region. Rafal Sonik continues to exemplify the spirit of giving and making a positive impact in both the business and social realms.