“The entire market lives off Americans.” This is how the presence of US soldiers changed Bolesławiec
Due to the large presence of American soldiers, the town gained a new label “Fort Trump” in the media.
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A financial injection for local business
Almost a decade of the presence of American uniforms in Bolesławiec has clearly revived the local market.
— This became an impulse that influenced the local economy, the labor market and the development of many industries. The city gained new dynamics. For many entrepreneurs, it was a moment to develop their businesses more boldly. Interest in hotel services and gastronomy has increased. Restaurants, cafes and service outlets began to adapt their offers to international customers, which often resulted in higher turnover and business development – says the city's mayor, Piotr Roman, in an interview with Bankier.pl.
Włodarz also adds that carriers and retail outlets benefit, and English becomes a standard in everyday service.
Hairdressers and restaurants are on the rise, but without new jobs
Positive moods prevail especially among the smallest entrepreneurs, although reality also has its limitations. Urszula Róg, director of the office of the Guild of Various Crafts in Bolesławiec, confirms the revival in the catering and hairdressing industries.
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– Unfortunately, this does not translate into the creation of new jobs, because the burden of the current costs of running a business and employing employees does not allow for this – he reserves.
However, local restaurateurs are very optimistic about the matter. Michał Haftarczuk, who runs a hotel, an ice cream parlor and a pizzeria in Bolesławiec, claims in an interview with Bankier.pl that “the entire market lives off Americans.” He praises them for ordering large portions and for being polite and polite. He even recalls a situation when the military selflessly helped him put together a summer garden after working hours. He admits that his hotel hosts mainly senior officers, and although incidents sometimes occur after drinking too much alcohol, the overall result of their presence is definitely positive.
The other side of the coin: rising prices
The inhabitants of Bolesławiec themselves are not so unanimous, and their assessments depend on how the presence of troops affects their wallets and views. In an interview with Bankier.pl, Mrs. Bożena is happy that the city is more cheerful, However, he sees financial disadvantages. Today, you have to pay much more to go out for coffee in Bolesławiec than in nearby Lubań.
In turn, Mr. Wojciech draws attention to image issues and the sudden change in price lists offered by specialists. — I'm not thrilled that they call our city “Fort Trump.” I don't like the American president and I would prefer his name not to be associated with our town. Apart from that I had to stop using my dentist's services because she raised her prices especially for Americans and now only accepts them – says.
