Issue nº 141
Editorial
Dear reader,
Odebrecht’s Annual Meetings, which are held in Sauípe, Bahia, in northeastern Brazil, are opportunities for Group members to engage in reflection; joint, free and contributory reflection on topics that are essential to the survival, growth and perpetuity of Odebrecht’s companies. The 2008 Annual Meeting featured in the special report in this issue of Odebrecht Informa was no different.
For three days in December, shareholders, entrepreneurial leaders (CEOs), investment leaders and entrepreneur-partners got together to dialog about the consequences of the changes in the Group’s internal and external environments in 2008. The arrival of a new generation at the helm of Odebrecht’s businesses and the situation of the global economy and its impact on the Group were the main topics of the presentations and discussions at Sauípe. Throughout, whether discussing internal or external matters, the final and overwhelming conclusion was the same: this is the time for Odebrecht to show what sets it apart by transforming apparent obstacles into opportunities and making the global credit crunch a reason to intensify creativity, courage and audacity.
That sentiment and that sense of determination are making themselves felt in practice in early 2009: in Bolivia, Angola and Djibouti, projects Odebrecht is helping build are changing local and regional socioeconomic situations for the better. In Brazil, infrastructure works are making the priorities of the Federal Government’s Growth Acceleration Program (PAC) a reality for many communities. These projects are also featured in this issue.
The 82,000 Odebrecht members working in Brazil and other countries are constantly honing their skills to give full service to their clients and help foster community development. They do so with the help of a solid philosophical base – the Odebrecht Entrepreneurial Technology (TEO). All of the Group’s companies are implementing people development programs specifically aimed at grooming the organization’s young team members and qualifying them to give outstanding and extensive service to their clients with continually improving quality and scope. ETH, the Group’s youngest company, is a powerful example of that effort, which is the subject of this issue’s cover story.