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  • The third edition of Best Central American Companies (MECA), a program that seeks to empower medium-sized companies in the region and contribute to their transformation, growth and expansion in the domestic and international markets, concluded in Guatemala on November 16.

This 2023, the global program "Best Managed Companies" celebrates 30 years since its creation in Canada, reaching an expansion to 45 countries, where since 2021 it has a presence in the region with the objective of leading the way and recognizing the Best Central American Companies.

MECA reaches 7 countries in Central America, in alliance with Deloitte, Grupo Promerica and INCAE Business School, which share a vision and commitment to contribute to the growth of companies through this program, which consists of a thorough review process of the corporate practices of the participating companies, through the creation of a business case and a thorough evaluation conducted by a Technical Committee resident at Deloitte.

This edition resulted in 134 registered companies; of these, 81 continued to the documentation phase, in which they worked on their business case under the program's methodology, based on the 5 drivers of Deloitte's Value Map and its 36 management dimensions. Throughout this stage, the companies were advised by a group of expert coaches from the three sponsoring institutions. Fifty-three organizations completed their business case and were evaluated, 66% of which were family businesses.

Learn about the program process:

"At Deloitte we know that success is built with persistence and over time. That is why, year after year, we are more than pleased to launch each edition of MECA, as it is our way of helping medium-sized companies to grow. In this third edition, 25 companies in the region have been recognized as the Best and will continue to receive the business support they need to continue growing, reinforcing Deloitte's role in this program that seeks to generate impacts that transcend" Carla Coghi, Managing Partner of Central America and Dominican Republic at Deloitte.

This rigorous process resulted in the distinction of 25 organizations in the seven countries of the region, adding for the first time to the program, companies recognized in Panama and the Dominican Republic. These companies, listed below in alphabetical order, together generate more than 6,000 jobs:

"Grupo Promerica seeks, through MECA, to enhance the strengths of companies in the region and encourage them to achieve the business quality that the complex modern world requires. On this occasion, we are very pleased that all the countries where the program is being developed have at least one award-winning company. It is worth noting that more than half of these companies have participated previously, which reflects the benefit of the program's continuity and the application of best practices in their operations. I extend my congratulations to all the participating companies, especially those recognized as Best Central American Companies, and we urge them to continue participating. Edgar Bran, President of Banco Promerica Guatemala.

To celebrate the recognition of these 25 companies, their executives, together with distinguished personalities from the promoting institutions, attended a series of events held in the city of Antigua Guatemala, in which, in addition to receiving the award as part of the Best Central American Companies, they participated in a symposium that included a keynote speech by INCAE Business School, whose central theme was digital transformation, followed by a workshop focused on strengthening corporate and business relationships, taught by experts from Deloitte.

"In the heart of Central America, we have woven a tapestry of excellence, bringing together the Best Companies. Our journey with MECA has been one of innovation, commitment and resilience. INCAE MECA, in its role as sponsor, has witnessed 134 organizations from 7 countries come together in this extraordinary pursuit of excellence. Today, we celebrate not only achievements, but also the togetherness and shared vision that has brought us to this moment. A well-deserved recognition was given to 25 companies that stood out for their dedication and exceptional contribution. Let us continue to inspire, innovate and build together the future of this vibrant region", Bernard Kilian, Dean of Faculty and Professor at INCAE Business School.

It is important to mention that all companies that have completed this process, regardless of the result or whether they have obtained the MECA distinction, will receive a free and confidential feedback report that identifies their main strengths in terms of operation, competitiveness, marketing and financial viability, as well as a list of recommendations to address areas of opportunity and improve their performance.

"Building community takes time and effort; today, three years into this journey, we have 25 Central American examples of how great things are being done in the region; it is a bet that has paid off," Pilar Ruiz de Chávez, Partner of Best Companies in Latin America at Deloitte.

By being recognized as Best Central American Companies, these 25 companies become a benchmark in their industries, as well as an inspiration for other organizations throughout the region.

"We invite companies from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and the Dominican Republic to participate in the next edition of Best Central American Companies, with the objective of joining this business community of continuous improvement," Diana Espinoza, Leader of Best Central American Companies.

We invite companies from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and the Dominican Republic to participate in the next edition of Best Central American Companies, with the objective of joining this business community of continuous improvement. More information at: www.mejoresempresasdelatinoamerica.com