Business+Visits

__**Petrobras Experience**__ Petrobras is such a major player in the Brazilian economy that it is difficult to talk about Business in Brazil without mentioning this major company. What we found particularly interesting is that this oil company remains incredibly profitable despite the competition from ethanol producers. Brazil can offer two forms of fuel and produce cars that will operate on either form. This is a lesson that the US could certainly learn. It is, in fact, possible to have an alternative source of fuel and not have the oil companies go out of business. Petrobras is setting that standard for working in this competitive market.



__**Natura Experience**__ The Natura company visit was truly enlightening. Their company shares many similarities with Avon but primarily operates in Brazil, where they have been very successful .They provide their sales people with lots of benefits based on years committed to the company and the accomplishment of sales goals. Touring their facility was truly incredible. We were able to see facilities where employees were filling perfume bottles and preparing boxes of Natura products to be shipped to their salespeople. Throughout their headquarters, there are signs for visitors to not step on the grass. With a majority of the company's employees being women, Natura provides many on-site amenities from day care service to a doctors office and gym. What distinguishes the company from competitors is their support and loyalty to employees. It was fascinating to learn of the ways they have their products shipped to difficult parts of Brazil. For instance, they explained how their products are shipped to the Amazon via boat and how they have people in cities throughout Brazil that transport products to people that live in Favelas. Moreover, they explained their ambitions for expansion into the US and other regions of the world.



__**BNDES Loans Experience**__ Our company visit to the national bank of Brazil was very informative because of the impact it has on their markets. The lack of available credit has been a major obstacle for the entrepreneurial efforts of small firms and were the source of market setbacks. For that reason, BNDES or the "Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Economico e Social" was formed. Through this bank, we learned the Brazilian government provides long-term loans. The main strategy of this development bank is to improve social elements and economic competitiveness in Brazil. Specifically, the bank invests in vital areas to Brazil's growth such as infrastructure, exports, and urban development. BNDES also provides financing in the manufacturing sector for the creation, and modernization of production processes in plants. Such financing also provides support for innovation and technological development. The company visit allowed us to realize the important role BNDES plays in fostering the development of Brazil. The bank has a large impact on the Brazilian economy with disbursements in 2005 reaching an estimated value of $20 billion, almost 13 % of total investment. We found it interesting how students in Brazil work very hard for employment with BNDES because of the many benefits government jobs offer.



__**Kroll Experience**__ Our visit to Kroll was one of the most fascinating company visits in Sao Paulo. Kroll provides security consulting to companies regarding the hiring of new employees, and cases of fraud and corruption. One of the guest speakers was a University of Florida alumni and she provided insight into how the company conducts investigations for clients regarding new business partners. Their IT Security specialist gave us advice as to how we could protect our identity online. He also spoke about how Kroll often refers to social networking sites, like Facebook, when conducting back round checks on company employees. One of the speakers told us this story of how prominent business men hired them to find three lab tops that were stolen in Sao Paulo. It was interesting to learn of the process the company undertakes to complete such an investigation.



__**Johnson & Johnson Experience**__ The Johnson & Johnson company visit was very insightful. Having toured their facilities in the United States, we were able to see and discuss the differences in corporate culture. The speakers explained how their corporate culture is based on cooperation and open communication. They explained the importance of social and ethical responsibility to ensure their continued success in Latin America. The presentation was very concise and straightforward. They gave great insight into how they are competing for market share with companies, like Proctor & Gamble.We were also given a tour of their pharmaceutical lab, where we saw the process used to create Tylenol. The Pharmacist emphasized the importance of testing all medications produced to ensure safety. The company visit was very intriguing.