Top Brazilian Business Leaders Arrive in Denver

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Denver-based nonprofit, US-Brazil Connect, is partnering with the Brazilian Federation of Industry from the state of Rondônia (FIERO) on a pilot program, Immersion for Industry Leaders. Nine CEOs of privately-held Brazilian companies will be in Denver through October 31, focused on building skills and relationships required for increased global trade and exchange. The delegation includes the president of the Federation of Industry of Rondonia, a board member from the National Confederation of Industry, and presidents of the industry associations for mining, food industries, and clothing manufacturing in Rondonia. 

The Brazilian delegation is returning after a successful visit in 2013 that included meetings with Governor Hickenlooper, Mayor Hancock, and Lt. Governor Garcia. The exchange from two years ago resulted in the expansion of US-Brazil Connect’s partnership with the Brazilian Confederation of Industry, entitled Conexao Mundo (World Connection.) The program has engaged over 500 U.S. college students, graduate students and professionals in month-long service learning experiences in Brazil, working with more than 5000 Brazilian high school students. 

“Immersion for Industry Leaders brings US-Brazil Connect’s innovative methods of learning to the industry leaders that helped create programs for youth,” said Mary Gershwin, President of US-Brazil Connect. “The executives saw what we created for students and asked for innovative approaches to meet their own needs. This pilot program is allowing us to work together to create a new model that meets their needs while also strengthening our partnership.” 

Marcelo Thomé da Silva de Almeida, President of the Federation of Industry of Rondônia, is leading the delegation. “After more than fifteen years of sustained economic growth, Brazil is now facing severe economic and political challenges,” said Mr Almeida. “The question is: How will Brazil move forward? For us in Rondonia, the commitment is to strengthen the capacity of our industry by building on the assets Brazil developed through years of growth. Among our strengths today, the most important is the emerging generation of industry leaders who came of age in a time of impressive economic growth, and are now committed to overcoming current challenges to create long-term economic and political stability.” 

During their two-week stay in Colorado, the executives are participating in English classes modeled after the Conexão Mundo program. They are also building networks with Colorado business leaders through events with the World Trade Center Denver, the International Business Circle, Daniels School of Business at the University of Denver, the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, and visits to local industry. 

The delegation was organized by Denis Bau, a member of the board of Brazil’s National Confederation of Industry. Mr. Bau appreciates the value of Conexão Mundo’s unique program. “For business executives, this cultural exchange offers great impact on many levels. As we build personal relationships and work on our English language skills, we also have the opportunity to create professional networks here in Colorado that will provide mutual benefit in the future.” 

In February, US-Brazil Connect and Colorado partners will deepen their relationship with the Confederation of Industry of Brazil through the hosting of a delegation of 85 outstanding Brazilian high school students, selected from 2000 that participated in US- Brazil Connect/Confederation of Industry programs in Brazil this year. Governor Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock are planning a top-level leadership mission to Brazil in June, 2016, underscoring this unique friendship and commitment to ongoing exchange. 

For more information on US-Brazil Connect visit www.US-Brazil.org. For a comment, contact Rebecca Yount at [email protected]. 

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