Visits
Below is a list of the companies we are going to ask to host our group, and of potential cultural sights to see. Please keep in mind that companies many not be able to host us due to their schedules or space limitations. We welcome input on visits – let us know what interests you or where you have contacts.
COMPANY VISITS
Vines of Mendoza
http://www.vinesofmendoza.com/
In December 2004, two ex-tech executives left the States to open Vines of Mendoza. Beginning as just a wine club, the Vines has since expanded to include a wine tasting room and information center, a full-blown consulting service for foreigners looking to purchase land and operate a winery in the region, and the Customer Winemaking experience which allows visitors to work with renowned winemakers to create barrels of wine to their exact specifications. The Vines is in the process of developing a five-star fantasy winemaking retreat.
Bodega Norton
http://www.norton.com.ar/
One of the oldest and most-respected wineries in Argentina, Bodega Norton was founded in 1895 Norton himself, and then purchased by the Swarovski family (of Austrian crystal fame) in 1989. Norton is one of the five largest wine exporters in Argentina; a country whose wine exports totaled $500 million in 2007.
Ogilvy and Mather
http://www.ogilvy.com/
Ogilvy operates some 497 offices in 125 countries, Buenos Aires being one of them. Ogilvy has the reputation of being one of the world’s leading marketing/advertising firms, and is known for such campaigns as AmEx’s “Don’t leave home without it”.
Arcor
http://www.arcor.com.ar/
Arcor, one of the leading producers and distributors of candy in South America, operates over 25 state-of-the-art facilities throughout Argentina that also produce, chocolates, cookies, cardboard, packaging material, sugar, flour, corn syrups, and canned foods.
Telecom
http://www.telecom.com.ar/
One of two major telecommunications companies in Argentina, Telecom is the major telephone company for the northern half of the country and operator of mobile phone service Personal and Internet Service Provider Arnet. 2006 revenues for Telecom exceeded $2.6 billion.
Quilmes
http://www.quilmes.com.ar/
German immigrant Otto Bemberg founded Quilmes in 1888 in the Buenos Aires province of Quilmes. Quilmes owns 75% of the Argentine beer market producing roughly 15 million hectoliters per year.
Repsol
http://www.ypf.com/ar_es/
Repsol/YPF is one of the world’s ten largest oil enterprises, employing over 35,000 employees worldwide and generating $77 billion in 2006.
Central Bank
http://www.bcra.gov.ar/
Argentina’s Banco Central de la República Argentina was at the heart of Argentina’s economic collapse in 2001, and has been battling to revive the country’s economy ever since. Inflation and devaluation are more or less under control, but the numerous issues facing the country’s economy would make this visit interesting for any business student.
Asociacion de Futbol Argentino (AFA)
http://www.afa.org.ar
Fútbol (soccer) is far more than just a game in Argentina, and the Asociacion de Futbol Argentino is responsible for organizing the game at every level for the country. Thanks to the AFA, the Argentine national team was the first in South America to join FIFA.
Cresud
http://www.cresud.com.ar/
One of the leading argricultural companies in Argentina, Cresud raises beef and dairy cattle, in addition to producing wheat, grain, soybeans, sunflowers, and corn. Cresud is the only Argentine agricultural company traded on the Buenos Aires stock exchange and the NASDAQ.
Mercadolibre
http://www.mercadolibre.com
Mercadolibre is the eBay of South America (in fact, eBay has a 20% stake in the company). Over 19 million users throughout South America (nearly half from Argentina) use the site to buy and sell goods through auction and classified listings.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Recoleta Cemetery
Created in 1822, this cemetery is the final resting place of the wealthiest and most important Argentine historical figures including presidents, scientists and other influential Argentines. The most visited tomb is that of Eva “Evita” Peron. The mausoleums are works of art, adorned with works by local and international sculptors.
Feria de San Telmo
San Telmo is widely hailed as the most picturesque part of Buenos Aires. Cobblestone streets and colonial buildings set the atmosphere for an array of shops and boutiques, tango parlors and cafes.
La Boca
Perhaps the most colorful area in Buenos Aires is La Boca (the Mouth), which sits along the port. Here an assortment of brightly painted low houses made of wood and metal burst upon the eyes in a scene that could almost be from some- where in Scandinavia. The main street here is Caminito, which has an artisans and painters fair, open air tango shows, and typical Italian cantinas.
