Day 4

For May 11, 2011

Today, we left in our oh-so-fashionable steel-toed boots to head off to our first company visit at Bosque del Mauco, a mushroom producing company. It went well. I didn't know what to expect from this visits. As soon as we arrived, I was greeted with an earthy aroma. We all went inside the building and geared up. Then we went to follow and learn about their process of growing mushrooms. At first, there were huge piles of compost that were being worked and prepared to successfully grow mushrooms. Then, compost was put into bins, spores were added and then bins were put into dark, large climate-controlled rooms. We got to see almost every part of the process from preparing the bed, premature mushrooms, mature mushrooms, harvest and packaging. It was really interesting to see everything that has gone into making them. I never thought about how that process must be, and how a company stays successful in that business. For a company that produces mushrooms for primarily the fresh market, it has maintained success in shipping to its distributor in Santiago which then distributes to places nearby.

Later, we went to Centauro, a vegetable product canning factory. We were greeted by Mario, a descendant of the Bozzolo family. At this family business, we were given a summary about it. It cans fruits like strawberries, peaches, tomatoes (some of which are grown by the company) and a slew of vegetables. With tomatoes, they make pastes, sauces, cans and ready to eat dishes like soup or beans and bacon. Because we arrived during its off season, winter, there wasn't much to be seen about their entire process. However, we did look around the factory and were able to see a little about what they do during the winter. The use their previously harvested and stored barrels of tomato concentrate to make a variety of their other products. This company has done very well and stood the test of time. I think it is due to the obvious committed family and good business practice. Interestingly enough, during last year's earthquake Centauro wasn't affected much because they choose to only stack their barrels 3 high at most. So then, one of their clients that they produce for could request all their product and aid those who we in need of food.

After that, we headed back to USM to have another lecture on Chilean culture by Jose. He told us about natural disasters and factors that influence Chilean business and innovation. Chile is a unique country that holds a lot of entrepreneurial opportunity. In fact, it encourages foreigners to start their business here so that the entrepreneurial spirit can spread. With a mix of passionate culture and the determination to make a name for itself through economic growth, Chile continues to make strives toward complete success.

Then, we ended the night with a salsa class. Once again, it was fun! I got to dance with two unfamiliar Chilean students.The guys were really fun to dance with. Not trynna brag or anything, but we basically nailed the routines.

Then we ended up hanging out for the rest of the night with good music and good company.


Thats all for now,


~Briana