In this issue
Maria das Graças Foster current President of Petrobras was elected best CEO in Latin America’s oil industry Pg16
World Youth in Rio Pg22
Dr. Gustavo Román Autism four times likelier when mother’s thyroid is weakened Pg29
Petrobras OTC Reception Pg17
ANP Pre-Salt Bidding Round Pg15
Executive of the Month Regina Galafassi Pg8
Pg6
Pg28
Brazil is resuming bidding-rounds for O&G exploration and production, after the new pre-salt regulatory framework; The Country is aware of the scale of its opportunities, therefore it tries to use the O&G sector to boost the industrial development, using the Local Content policy.
Pregnant women who don’t make nearly enough thyroid hormone are nearly 4 times likelier to produce autistic children than healthy women, report scientists from the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute and Erasmus Medical Centre in an upcoming Annals of Neurology.
Jorge Alberto S. de Oliveira
World Youth Day in Rio
Pg6
Jorge Alberto S. de Oliveira,the First African- Descent Brazilian Ophthalmologist and Colonel to serve in the FireFighters Department in Rio de Janeiro.
Autism four times likelier when mother’s thyroid is weakened
For years, government officials at all levels have forgotten about health care in the country. Apparently, health care is expensive; it just means much spending with little political return. With the 1988 Constitution, health care became every citizen’s right and a duty of the state. There were Institutions that provided assistance in their own hospitals, such as the banking, commerce, maritime, and public works industries, etc.
3 Brazilian Texas Magazine 2013
Pg20
World Youth Day came at a good time for Brazil, and it was very impressive to see youth from over 180 countries across the world coming together in the spirit of love and friendship. Through their week of fellowship, it was easy to see how they formed bonds, all of which create fond memories, and some of which create lasting friendships and more. After three full days and half of Sunday, having been immersed......
Editorial Little History I served the Houston community for 17 years as a public worker, in the sports capacity at Houston Park and Recreation, where I created a soccer program for kids age 6 to 18. The objective was to promote soccer for the less fortunate in the Houston Metropolitan area, and to remove them off the streets, bringing them to the Community Centers in the After School Program, when in 1994, there was a very high incidence of gangs, drugs, alcohol amongst the youngsters in Houston. Two years before, we created the Vida Newspaper on September 7, 1992, with the purpose of promoting the Brazilian culture and, to this day, we are serving the Brazilian community with publications in Portuguese. Ten years ago we created the Brazilian Texas Magazine, and today we are celebrating its anniversary. The Brazilian magazine in Texas is a vehicle which opens doors for us to showcase the Brazilian culture, and to provide business opportunities between Brazil and the United States. Our objective is to focus and augment the relationships involving the industry, health, culture, education and to assist in promoting exchange opportunities in general. We were honored with the visit of the President and CEO, Maria das Graças Silva Foster, during the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), in Houston (USA). The CEO presented the lecture "The Future of Energy in Brazil: The Role of Petrobras", during the panel entitled "Global Energy Outlook - Shaping the Future!” with more than 250 attendees, including the presence of one of the World Petroleum Council, Renato Bertani. Magda Chamberiard-General Director, ANP-National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels presented the pre-salt bidding round, organized by BRATECC, Brazil-Texas Chamber of Commerce. Besides the business development visits outlined above, this issue also discusses topics of interest, such as World Youth Day, where we were able to count with the talent, and knowledge of our good friend Steve Clark who previously collaborated on an article about the “Morro do Alemão” (the German’s Hill) in Rio de Janeiro, a place controlled by the drug lords of that city. Most of his article is technical in nature, but his travel experiences give him things to share that go beyond his work as a railway engineer. In 2013, Rio de Janeiro was host of World Youth Day, and by accident, Steve Clark found himself in a front row seat. This is a story some might consider a series of small miracles. It is a story of a journey into a reawakening of faith in humankind and fellowship experienced beyond what most of us can imagine. We interviewed and presented as the Person of the Month, Mrs. Regina Galafassi, executive of the prosperous and giant TRAMONTINA, and we also featured the illustrious Barão de Mauá, pioneer of Brazilian industrialization. We continuously strive to ensure our magazine is providing interesting, relevant and informative articles to both Texan and Brazilian business development interests, providing interesting articles for the reader.
Sergio Lima 4 Brazilian Texas Magazine 2013
Editorial Staff Editor-in-Chief Sergio Lima Foreign Correspondents Brazil Sergio Luis Sergio@braziliantexasmagazine.net Rio das Ostras, RJ Brazil Leandro Lima Leandro@braziliantexasmagazine.net Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil Mexico Jobell Lima Jobell@braziliantexasmagazine.net Guadalajara, Mexico Editorial Board Miriam Meira Maria Drell Joe Rondan Raulina Dathe Associate Editor Valter Aleixo Contributing Editor Otto Fanini Cover Joe Rondan Photos Raulina Dathe Contact Email vidabrasil@hotmail.com sergio@braziliantexamagazine.net Address 19335 Cypress Peak Ln. Katy,Tx-77449 Phone: (713) 505-0120 Members of Brazilian Press International Association Phone: 954-548-5626 E-mail: info@abiinter.
Houston, Texas; Brazilian Texas Magazine is an international magazine focusing explicitly on NorthSouth Trade, international issues and news. Brazilian Texas Magazine provides a unique perspective into the international arena between Brazil and Texas through informed and opinionated articles.
Why advertise with us? Brazilian Texas Magazine is a targeted publication, especially dedicated to businesses that are seeking direct access to a North-South audience. Our readers span from the cutting edge hydroelectric technology sectors of Brazil, the petroleum sectors of Houston and Santos, to the agricultural sectors of Minas Gerais. Brazilian Texas Magazine is distributed freely at all US Brazilian Consulates, Mexico, Rio de Janeiro, select US cities, and at www.braziliantexas.com In addition to international and national markets, advertising with Brazilian Texas Magazine offers several benefits: Competitive rates to fit your advertising budget Cost/Distribution makes it both affordable and efficient Quality B2B publication ensures that your message is seen by the target audience: International and Nationwide Distribution for an affordable price.
The Facts Brazilian Texas Magazine provides a brand new way to reach an international audience. Published quarterly a competitive advantage over other businesses that reduce expenditures and advertising budgets. Advertising in a printed media, such as Brazilian Texas Magazine, has an advantage over Internet, radio and television advertisements. Printed media can be examined at leisure. It is this leisure that will ensure that you target message is willing to be received in a relaxed atmosphere. Production changes can be made quickly. If necessary new advertisements can be issued on short notice. Short time to reach potential customers that personal selling cannot. Creates an image in the minds of customers that a salesperson cannot. Builds brand awareness visibility of product and secondary exposure.
10 Years Services the Brazilian and Texas Community
Jorge Alberto Soares de Oliveira, the First African - Descent Brazilian Ophthalmologist and Colonel to serve in the FireFighters’ Department in Rio de Janeiro Doctor Jorge Alberto Soares de Oliveira born in Cabuçu, (Lins de Vasconcelos-Meier) State of Rio De Janeiro, 11/20 /1938.
.Medical Doctor, graduated from UERJ (University of State of Rio de Janeiro in 1962), entered the University in the 16th position among thousands.
.Bachelor of Law. 1974
highest score for sanitary inspector for the State of Rio in 1962.
.Medical Doctor for CBRJ- highest score .State Medical Doctor - 6th highest score .Master’s—Highest score —1990--UFRJ (Federal
Univer-
.MBA in hospital administration 1985 .“Superior School of War”- Won (Golden Parrot ) 1991.Superior in Civil Defense 1989
1983-1986
Hospital FireFighters
.Sub
Secretary adjunct of Civil Defense 1999 - 2001 Secretary of State Civil Defense 2002
.Medal ‘AVANTE CORPO DE BOMBEIROS” (The most importante Award given by this corporation in Rio de Janeiro)
.National School of Fire Police in Portugal .Awarded National Knight of Civil Defense .Awarded Medal Pompier Sante Fire Police in France PRESENT POSITIONS:
.Chief of Departament of “Lacrymal Views” For the Departament
TITLES:
.Adjunct
.Director of the Medical Department of the
WARDS:
COURSES:
and 2002.
POSITIONS HELD:
of the ophthalmological Clinic in Sao Francisco de Assis Hospital Health Director
.Achieved the
.Master’s
IN congregation Assembly since 1992.
.Head
IMPORTANT POSITIONS ACHIEVED:
sity of Rio de Janeiro.
.Associate Professor-- Medical University of UFRJ .Associate Professor in Medical University, approved form
Degree and Doctorate in Medical School. 1994
Professor for Medical School (Souza Marques) 1974- Present
of Ophthalmology - Santa Casa de Misericordia of Rio de Janeiro
.Chief of the Oculoplastic Department of Rio de Janeiro.
.Medical
at the the State University
Director of Santa Casa de Misericordia of Rio.
6 Brazilian Texas Magazine 2013
Interview What is your opinion about the Brazilian Medical system, which shows, day after day, people dying in queues without medical assistance? And what are your suggestions for improvement? For years, government officials at all levels have forgotten about health care in the country. Apparently, health care is expensive; it just means much spending with little political return. With the 1988 Constitution, health care became every citizen’s right and a duty of the state. There were Institutions that provided assistance in their own hospitals, such as the banking, commerce, maritime, and public works industries, etc. However, industrialists and the majority of the working force did not have their own hospitals. Therefore, SUS (Unified Health System), the largest project in the world of medical care, was created, where all Brazilians without distinction became eligible at a comprehensive, universal and equal health care. Without short and long-term planning the well-intended project ended up being supported by health care providers in the health establishments. Health care providers were badly compensated, they had no perspective for career advancement and, sadly, the public and philanthropic institutions were broken and badly managed. There was a lot of corruption in diverse areas, where government officials would prefer to buy new equipment – for selfserving reasons – rather than maintaining the old ones. The Mayors of smaller cities diverted funds from SUS to things that gave them more visibility and they also chose to fund other projects. They bought ambulances and transported their patients to nearby towns, burdenDoctor Jorge and Benedita ing them, in the good old Brazilian style. da Silva Former Governor of Rio de Janeiro
What is your opinion about the government program “More Doctors”? And what is your point of view about the protests by the Brazilian doctors? It is of no use recruiting doctors to work in remote areas if there is no infrastructure in supporting health diagnosis and treatment, and if there are no minimum supplies both for prevention and to medicate the patient. Sending the newly graduate or an experienced doctor to the remote areas with a pen, paper, stethoscope and a thermometer, but no X-ray machine, laboratory analysis, no continuing education, no labor rights, no benefits, will be perpetuating what we currently have. This is just blatant demagoguery to please the media, the public, and perhaps leverage the candidacy of the Health Minister for the government of São Paulo. Quality health is expensive and requires skilled management and serious investment. What is your legacy for serving as Health Secretary of the State of Rio de Janeiro? Having brought firefighters and their families in the interior of Rio de Janeiro the same benefits as the military in the capital city. We wanted to open the doors of our office to everyone, without exception, trying to humanize the office without breaking discipline and hierarchy.
What was your experience like as an Ophthalmologist, Colonel of the Fire Department and African- descent Brazilian? Unfortunately, the poor young man has no preparation in elementary and secondary education needed to have a chance in the government institutions and he has no money to pay for private education.Although I had only studied in public schools when I entered Medical School, I am totally in favor of affirmative quotas as the quickest way to help in the rise of the black and poor in Brazil. A college degree will allow the graduate to compete at the same level as others, to have a chance to higher paying jobs, to boost their self-esteem, and to give better living conditions to themselves and their family. The affirmative quotas practice has proved that the performance of the students in public Colleges is equal to or better than the non-affirmative quota students. Have you ever experienced any embarrassment for being an African descent-Brazilian doctor? Yes, I had several situations, starting when I was a medical student until I became a doctor. Also when I applied for the position as Fire Department Chief and when I was appointed as Health Director. I was, and still am the only black Health Director in the Army, Navy, Military Police and Fire Department to date. I have many stories to tell of racism and prejudice experienced by me. Where are the successful Africandescent Brazilians in Rio? Why does one not see them in any affluent areas, such as restaurants, theaters, cinemas, and shopping centers in the “Zona Sul” of Rio de Janeiro? Where are they and why aren’t they united? Unfortunately, Brazil is not like the USA where white is white and black is black and there doesn’t exist the mulatto, brown, etc. Therefore, there is to date, a disguised racism as a false racial democracy in Brazil, and the African-descent Brazilians took a long time to accept their blackness and were easily by the white elite. It took them a long time to understand they are only accepted by the whites, especially the mestizos, if they do not compete with them. It will be many years for a white Brazilian to naturally accept a black person in high rankings of power. In the State of Bahia there is not even one black State Representative. In Congress you can count a handful of African-descent Brazilians. A metalworker was elected President of Brazil by chance and because he was white. The Renaissance Club in Rio de Janeiro remains the bastion of black resistance in Brazil, although the media and the ruling elites seek to label it more like Club of Samba and Pagode. There is lack of union, perhaps because there are few positions available to us and selfishness and jealousy are innate of human beings of all races, creeds and religions. What would light be if darkness did not exist?
7 Brazilian Texas Magazine 2013
Executive of the Month Regina Galafassi
VIP Executive of the Month Regina Galafassi Regina was instrumental in the early days of the U.S. initiative, filling many responsibilities as the company developed from a small operation into a major U.S. player in the supply of housewares products to top U.S. and international retailers. Regina was born in the city of Bauru state of São Paulo and graduated from Fundação Educacional de Bauru with a Journalism and Public Relations degree. She began her career at Tramontina in 1983 in Brazil. She then moved to the Houston area in 1986 with her husband, Antonio Galafassi.
What is the secret for the suc-
The couple was responsible for the creation of the U.S. divisions for Tramontina. She is a devoted wife and mother of Gabriela Nicole Steen, who is 23 years old. Gabriela is working and completing her education in Dallas, where she currently lives with her husband, John Michael Steen. Regina treasures her family and friendships. She devotes time for charitable work and church activities. Her hobbies include listening to music, dancing, painting, reading, traveling and being socially active with her family and friends.
Interview
cessful growth of Tramontina within these 27 years? The 100-year heritage of our parent company, Tramontina Brazil, has been instrumental as a foundation for best practices, which have been adapted to the demanding and sophisticated U.S. market. We learned very early that in order to succeed in this market, a company must not only have good products to sell, but also provide exceptional logistics and customer service, which ensures purchase orders are shipped on time, without backorders, and provides superior consumer assistance and warranty service.
How does the executive and mother roles, together, work throughout all these years? As other women with both duties are aware, it can be a strenuous task to handle both roles, but there are always great rewards at the end. Being able to be involved in both Tramontina and my daughter’s growth at the same time, has had its challenges, however, it was managed with diligence and understanding of the importance of each one and overcoming obstacles.
components we buy fromtheir market for the assembly of the products here at our Sugar Land, TX headquarters. China has become a source for such components, but our focus remains on the production of products made at our factory in the U.S. and our 12 factories in Brazil.
In all these years,quality, good taste, creativity of products have been trademark for Tramontina,do these standards pass through your evaluations before they go to the market? Talk about the relationshipthat exists between Tramontina USA and China. Although we have an exceptional working relationship with our manufacturers/subcontractors from China, Tramontina continues to expand our production at our U.S. factory and at our factories in Brazil. Products labeled Made in the USA and Made in Brazil are received with great appreciation from buyers and consumers, which has become an important component of the company’s sales and service strategy In China, we have an office that employs 13 associates, working on the logistics and quality control of
9 Brazilian Texas Magazine 2013
Tramontina continues a manufacturing legacy of more than 100 years started by the parent company in Brazil. Craftsmanship and quality are integral to Tramontina’s culture. We have great product development and quality control teams who oversee full inspection of our products with stringent tests and reviews before making them available to the public. This is a combined team effort where everyone gets involved, suggests, criticizes and participates on the development and improvements of current and new items. Our devoted team is very demanding and knowledgeable of the market and products and plays the role of being the first “consumer focus group” for all items
Interview Regina Galafassi
Regina Galafassi and Antonio Galafassi
How many people doesTramontina USA, Inc.employ throughout all divisions? Currently we employ more than 680 employees divided among the multiple divisions: •
508 employees at Tramontina USA, Inc. (TUSA)
•
150 employees at Tramontina U.S. Cookware, Inc. (TUSC)
•
11 employees at Tramontina Design & Services, Inc. (TDS)
•
13 employees at Tramontina China (TUSA-HK RO)
•
DoesTramontina have an ecofriendly program that focuses on the preservation of natural resources? For many years, Tramontina pioneered an initiative within its manufacturing facilities with the commitment to reduce its environmental impact through continuous improvements, waste reduction, pollution prevention, energy conservation, natural resource renewal and recycling. Tramontina has met or exceeded all governmental and other agency requirements in regards to emissions and preservation. During the manufacturing processes, the raw material scrap is collected and recycled for reuse in the production of new products.
Extra care is also taken during packaging development in order to minimize plastic and materials consumption, as well as the reuse and recycling of cardboard. A series of products are also made to be eco-friendly, either by being fully recyclable after its useable life span or simply by being energy efficient. As an extension of our efforts towards the protection and preservation of our environment, we have educated and provided our associates with recycling centers throughout the facilities for the segregation of recycling waste materials.
In some decision that Antonio makes as President & CEO of Tramontina USA, does Regina’s role as wife take over her role as an executive? Antonio and I have a clear understanding of our roles as executives at Tramontina and our personal roles as wife and husband. We dearly care for the company, that along with an extraordinary team of other company executives and associates, we built together. Business decisions are made in the utmost professional way, which should prioritize the interest of the company, its shareholders and its employees. We are a couple who have a clear understanding and distinguish the two roles we hold in our lives. We must act as responsible professionals where shareholders and employees have great expectations toward our performance, while nurturing our families and treasuring our friendships.
10 Brazilian Texas Magazine 2013
They say that behind a great man, exists a greater woman! Do you find this true? Both roles are crucial to one another. Behind a great man exists a greater woman; however, behind a great woman exists a greater man. They complement each other. I read this quote that stood out to me, “The woman is the reflection of her man.”
You started at Tramontina from scratch! How do you see today the gigantic growth in relation to the first building at the Sam Houston Tollway and the products that have become successfully manufactured, branded and distributed throughout the United States and other countries? I take great pride in being part of the beginning of something that became bigger than what I could possibly imagine back in 1986. The biggest reward is seeing the growing reputation of our products and brand among traditional domestic and international competitors within a market that seems, for many, out of reach. This is especially true when considering we are a company producing consumer goods with origins in Brazil. However, the biggest satisfaction is to read spontaneous reviews from consumers that have used and recommend our product and brand.
Interview Regina Galafassi I am particularly proud of the team of executives and associates who have grown along with the company, who are integral and responsible for what the company’s products and brand have become to the U.S. and international markets.
What is your opinion regarding the manifestations of Brazil in the past months? Our systems and government are definitely deficient and in many instances, corrupt. Following the digital era with the internet being accessible to everyone, information flows throughout and it is available instantaneously. The world has become a small place. Through the internet and accessibility to international travel, people can now see how other nations and people live. People can now compare the best and the worst. The young population has new demands, expectations and lifestyle. Our government has disregarded the basic needs of our Brazilian population. The manifestations reveal the dis-satisfaction and point to the changes that must take place. A country cannot portray being economically developed if the basic infrastructure is not provided to its countrymen. We need immediate focus on education, health, basic sanitation and transportation.
The basic infrastructure needs to be accessible to the entire population. The manifestation also reveals that corruption and impunity are no longer acceptable.
Do you think that Pope Francisco’s visit to Brazil will help the Catholic Church further grow? I truly believe that hearts were profoundly touched by Pope Francisco. His humility, friendliness and simplicity touched the heart of everyone, Christians and non-Christians alike. He is a man of unseen charisma. His message is simple, clear and reaches the entire population. He is a living example of how one can be effective with simple, honest words that come from deep within the heart. I hope our government and business leaders along with the general population could be inspired by Pope Francisco’s examples of humility shown during his visit and on display for the entire nation. I’m certain the Catholic Church will benefit from his visit, but most importantly, is the blessing and faith that Pope Francisco spread among the entire population. It is a true renewal of faith.
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PROFESSIONAL
MADE IN
USA
5865 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77057 路
713.244.9500
www.chamagaucha.com
Maria das Graças Foster current President of Petrobras was elected Best CEO in Latin America’s oil industry
M
aria das Graças (née Silva) Foster was born on August 26 ,1953, in Caratinga, Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil. By the time she was eight years old, Foster's family moved from Caratinga to a favela, also known as a shanty town community, outside of Rio de Janeiro. The area, known as Complexo do Alemão was extremely poverty stricken and ridden with crime. Overpopulation, drug trafficking, unsanitary conditions, malnutrition, pollution, and diseases, along with high mortality rates remain widespread in the poorer favela communities. The conditions in Complexo do Alemão necessitated consistent occupation and monitoring by Brazilian security forces. Foster credits her success and motivation to excel to the support she has received from her mother, yet characterizes her childhood as "Happy, joyful but very difficult". In an interview with O Globo, she said, "I lived in the Complexo do Alemão for 12 years, lived with domestic violence in childhood and faced difficulties in life. I have always worked to help support my mother and my children and pay for my studies. Willpower is everything for me. I was never afraid of work. “She never knew if she would be able to continue going to school. In order to pay for her school books, she often collected recyclable trash that had been dumped in the streets.
During this time, her neighbors were immigrants from Portugal, who would occasionally call on Foster for assistance. In exchange for extra money, she would often help them with reading and writing letters and acclimating to the Brazilian culture. Despite her national prominence and wealth, Foster continues to live in an apartment in Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana neighborhood, with her husband, British-born, Colin Foster, and her two adult children. Foster’s home apartment is boxed in by large seemingly ominous apartment buildings, and surrounded by the hillside favelas. In spite of her ability to afford luxuries that would reflect her standing in the country’s social, political, and professional circles, she chooses to travel by taxi, rather than own a car. She is easily recognized and popular with local drivers, who always greet her with a smile, in an effort to get her business Foster joined Petrobas as an intern in 1978, utilizing her Masters degree in chemical engineering.She was hired as a chemical engineer in 1981 and went on to serve in managerial roles in the Gas and Energy Business Unit and at the Leopoldo Miguez de Mello Research and Development Center, as well as the Transportadora Brasileira do Gasoduto Bolivia-Brasil.
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President of Petrobras In 1998, Foster was working for a Petrobras unit that was
involved importing natural gas from Bolivia. During this time, she met Dilma Rousseff, who in October 2010, would be elected to serve as the first female President of Brazil. In 1998, Rousseff was a relatively unknown energy official, serving in Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. Foster and Rousseff developed a lifelong professional relationship, based in their mutual support of the leftist Workers Party, which rose to power in 2002, resulting in the election of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as the President of Brazil. At this time, Rousseff was named the head of the board of directors of Petrobras, serving for seven years during the administration of da Silva. When da Silva appointed Rousseff to serve as Brazil’s energy minister, Rousseff appointed Foster as one of her top aides in the national capital of Brasília. In this capacity, Foster functioned as both the Executive Secretary of the Federal Government Program for Mobilizing Brazil’s Oil and Gas Industry (PROMINP), and the Interministerial Coordinator for the National Program for Biodiesel Production and Use. She continued serving in these roles for two years, after which she return to Petrobras. As colleagues, Foster and Rousseff continued to research, network with individuals and organizations, and cultivate international partnerships in an effort to develop foreign investment opportunities to increase and enhance the profitability of Brazil’s oil industry
and Petrobras, as the country’s state-controlled oil company. In January 2003, Foster was appointed to serve as the Secretary of Oil, Natural Gas, and Renewable Fuels at the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy. During this time, she also began serving as the President of Petrobras Química SA (Petroquisa), a role which accompanied her appointment as the Director of Investor Relations. She simultaneously served as the Executive Manager of Petrochemicals and Fertilizers, which was affiliated with the Downstream Management of Petrobras. In May 2006, Foster began serving as the President of Petrobras Distribuidora SA, with responsibilities as the Financial Director of the company. I In September 2007, she was named as a member and officer of the Executive Board and Gas and Energy. n 2010, she became the first woman to serve in a management role in the company, when she was elected to the executive board of gas and energy. On February 9, 2012,Foster was elected to serve as a member of the Petrobras Board of Directors and after a nomination by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, she was chosen to take over the helm of the company as the Chief Executive Officer, replacing José Sérgio Gabrielli, who had served as the head of the company for seven years. She was also named a Member of the Executive Board and Member of the Board of Directors of Petroleo Brasileiro SA Petrobras.
Maria das Graças Foster was elected Best CEO in Latin America's oil industry Petrobras president Maria das Graças Silva Foster has been voted best Latin America CEO in the oil, gas and petrochemical sector, according to Institutional Investor magazine’s 2013 ranking. Graça Foster was chosen by both sellside (brokers) and buy-side (investors) analysts. Sell-side analysts also voted Petrobras the company with the best investor relations in its listing of ‘Best Investor Relations Companies’.
The votes were aggregated to produce two classifications: buy-side and sell-side. Brazil was the country with the highest number of companies mentioned in the survey: 65. Mexico was in second place with 17. The results reflect the opinions of 395 investment managers and professionals from 250 institutions, and 417 sell-side analysts from 37 investment brokers.
To prepare the 2013 ranking, the magazine listened to buyside analysts, portfolio managers and sell-side analysts who cover Latin America. Interviewees could vote for up to four CEOs, CFOs and investor relations professionals from different sectors.
Institutional Investor is a North American organization considered the number one publisher on international financial market matters. In addition to the magazine, it produces newsletters, newspapers, books, surveys and rankings, and also provides an information service.
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Petrobras OTC Receptio Memorable evening with prestige of elegant and professional It was a memorable evening with the opportunity to meet one of the most powerful women in the world, Maria das Graรงas Foster, President of Petrobras in Brazil, who showed to be warm and simple in her way of interacting with everyone around her. The reception was carefully prepared in all aspects with stylish decoration and good taste.
on e and energy ladies.
World Youth Day in Rio Steve Clark is a regular contributor to Brazil Texas Magazine. Most of these articles are technical in nature, but his travel experiences give him things to share that go beyond his work as a railway engineer. In 2013, Rio de Janeiro was host of World Youth Day, and by accident, Steve Clark found himself in a front row seat. World Youth Day (WYD) is an event for young people organized by the Catholic Church, and was initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1984. The first celebration of WYD was in 1986, and at first, it was an annual event. Eventually, the event grew so large, that it is now held internationally every two years. By Steve Clark This is a story some might consider a series of small miracles. It is a story of a journey into a reawakening of faith in humankind and fellowship experienced beyond what most of us can imagination. If you have no belief in God, no connection to a spiritual life, or you aren’t willing to see where God is working in our daily lives, you probably won’t be interested in what follows. But if you do, then I hope you will read on.
This is not my usual topic of writing. More often than not, I’m writing something technical. But sometimes, we are fortunate to have passed through what seemed at the time to be a series of random events, only to look back and realize that everything was connected in some way, and probably for a reason. In these words, I bring my reflections on how I became a very small part of a great event, an event that dwarfs each.
20 Brazilian Texas Magazine 2013
World Youth Day in Rio of our own existence, while showing us that we are connected to each other, as humans, and as God’s children as regular readers of my Brazil Texas articles know, I travel frequently to Brazil. Recently, my clients and I had scheduled a number of meetings in Rio, without realizing that same week was World Youth Day, the event started by Pope John Paul II in 1984. Looking to reschedule flights to attend work the following week, the price change for my airfare gave good reason to go ahead and travel south, and spend a couple of days just enjoying, something I don’t do enough of, but would this time. As I was packing up my briefcase at the office and about to head off to the airport for my trip to Rio, I got a call from Sergio Lima, the editor and publisher of this magazine. “Hey, Steve, I just got back from Brazil. It was great. What are you going to write for me for the next issue?” “Sergio, I’m heading to the airport, flying to Brazil tonight.” “Perfect, my friend, you have the whole flight to write my article. What’s it going to be on this time?” “I have no idea. Why are asking me at the last minute? When to you need an article? “Get me something by the end of the month?” “Okay, no promises. Let me give it some thought, and I will get back to you, okay?”
While I’m always on the lookout for a good deal on one of Copa’s beachfront hotels, most recently I’ve started using the Windsor Copa. Here’s a free plug for the Windsor: It’s a high quality business and tourist class hotel on Avenida Nossa Senhora, well located in Copacabana, just around the corner from the beach, a block from Cardeal Arco Verde Metro station, and about half the price of a front room on Avenida Atlantica. When I arrived to the Windsor Copa, it was Thursday morning of World Youth Day. Already there was a bit of buzz in the air, and more people than I was used to seeing in Copacabana. The receptionist apologized that the hotel had been overbooked, but I was assured that I had an accommodation at one of their other hotels. They hoped that I wouldn’t mind moving to their Windsor Excelsior, just around the corner and on the front of Copacabana. And given the inconvenience, they had provided me a room on the front with an ocean view. No problem, of course, even though it had not yet hit me what I was about to spend three days observing with a front row seat. In the spirit of full disclosure, I must confess that I am not Catholic, but I am Christian. I was raised in the Episcopal Church, which is very close to the Catholic church, and
“Okay, my friend, I know you will think of something” And so the challenge for an article was the first of in a chain of the random coincidences. I love Rio de Janeiro and it is one of my favorite cities of the world. Over the years, I’ve stayed in just about all the areas of Zona Sul, and have settled on Copacabana as my favorite spot. The “crustiness” and vibrant life of Copacaban don’t compare to the elegance and tranquility of Leblon or Ipanema, but it is what keeps Copacabana alive and always awake.
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I have taken to attend St. Anne’s Basilian Church in Houston, at the corner of Shepherd Drive and Westheimer Road. It is the Catholic church that my grandmother attended, and took my father and aunt, when the Protestant side of the family wasn’t at odds with the Catholic side. That’s a “Hatfield and McCoy” story in and of itself, and will have to wait for another day.Irrespective of my non-Catholic status, it’s very hard not to be impressed with the charisma of Pope Francisco. Being from South America helps him really understand the challenges being faced by developing nations. Clearly, the World Youth Day event centers around the Pope, but this is really a story of a few folk who by circumstance where brought together in Rio, at a time that stirs one’s soul.That evening, my girlfriend, Regina, and I watched the Papal procession from the top of our hotel. It was great, with everyone lined up along Avenida Atlantica, cheering as the Pope’s motorcade passed by. The Pope would frequently stop to kiss babies or bless someone. The people loved him, and he seemed to love them. With each night the crowds grew, and he seemed to connect closer and closer to the people.
World Youth Day in Rio After all, it is Brazil Texas magazine,andshouldn’t there be something about Texas in the article?
The next day during lunch I told Regina about the telephone call I had with Sergio as I was leaving Houston, and began to see that World Youth Day was something worth writing about, But how could I make a connection to Texas?
The next morning while serving myself from the breakfast buffet, an elderly gentleman introduced himself as Bishop Michael Pfeifer of San Angelo, Texas. So, here he was. Out of almost 800 bishops from around the world attending World Youth Day, Bishop Pfeifer reached out to me, and made the Texas connection I was looking for. When I explained the article I was seeking to write, he was more than happy to participate. Bishop Michael Pfeifer I met Bishop Michael on his 28th anniversary of being
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ordained a Bishop in the Catholic church, another remarkable coincidence that only adds to the richness of the story. Bishop Michael has spent his entire career serving God through his service to people across North and South America. The more I spoke with him, the more I began to appreciate his caring, humility, and devotion to humankind. Bishop Michael and I discussed the recent protests in Brazil, and both of us recognize the tension between the government and the people. While neither of us condones the violence which accompanied many of the protests, we both agreed that the motivations for the protests were well founded. For example, having spent as much time as I have in Brazil, it was inevitable that I would experience health care at some point.
World Youth Day in Rio The outcome of my experience several years ago was positive, but I confess that the public health system in Brazil is a bit scary, particularly to someone accustomed to health care in the USA. Transportation and mobility is another area where Brazil suffers. I’ve previously written about what consider to be an irresponsible quest for high speed rail between São Paulo and Rio, while traffic and surface transportation in these two cities and others are paralyzed from a long term lack of public investment into transportation infrastructure. And having traveled throughout the interior of Brazil, I’ve seen the deplorable conditions of some schools, and even met teachers who were tasked to teach English, but could not speak English.
Unfortunately, like most other places, there is a dark side to Brazil that most foreigners never see, tourists and business people alike. When put into this context, it is easy for me to understand why the people of Brazil are frustrated by a government that is spending huge sums of money to improve and prepare World Cup venues, build the 2016 Olympic site, but has neglected critical needs in transportation, education, and health care. Fortunately, the government is starting to accelerate spending in these important areas, and although things are improving, there is a long way to go. It was interesting speaking with Bishop Michael, as we come from different perspectives.
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I’m an engineering consultant, with a focus on providing technical services for a profit, while Bishop Michael is a career servant of the Church. And through our conversations, Bishop Michael affirmed that the Church is concerned not only with the spiritual health of a person, but also their health as a whole person. If we can help people be healthy overall, then we can focus on their spiritual needs, and this in turn will help entire communities.
World Youth Day in Rio It was good to hear Bishop Michael’s views on how business and government are essential to the world. In his view, and I tend to agree, the goals and objectives of business, government, and the Church can be aligned in terms of helping people. There should be at least some common goals to improve the lives of people, and we should respect the efforts of each, and not place obstacles in the way of each other. In Bishop Michael’s words, “We should all be striving to live of peace, justice, devotion to family, and working for social improvements.” Our conversation moved on to the World Youth Day event itself. This was his seventh World Youth Day event, and it was a pleasure to listen as he recollected memories from earlier events, reflecting on how Pope John Paul II’s vision continues today. Young people, gathering from across the globe, are capturing the spirit of unity, and taking this back into their lives at home. Many will continue coming together for years ahead, with the connection of having met in Rio. Later that day, I met Gabriel, a young man attending from Florida, and one of 15 young people attending from the American Bible Institute. Like me, Gabriel is not a Catholic, but he was equally moved by the spirit of World Youth Day. As was just about anyone who attended, it was impossible not to be impressed by the magnitude of the gathering, and the peaceful and friendly nature of the crowds.
The Closing
World Youth Day came at a good time for Brazil, and it was very impressive to see youth from over 180 countries across the world coming together in the spirit of love and friendship. Through their week of fellowship, it was easy to see how they formed bonds, all of which create fond memories, and some of which create lasting friendships and more. After three full days and half of Sunday, having been immersed in a sea of fellowship, the Pope announced Krakow, Poland, as the next host city for World Youth Day, and gave his final blessing to close the event. Three million people began to disperse. It took most of Sunday afternoon and into the evening for Copacabana to clear out. One can only imagine that three million people crowded into Copacabana would produce some waste. And there was a lot of rubbish left behind. But the locals commented that even after the three days of World Youth Day, there was much less trash than what is left behind from one New Year night. Still, a fine testament to the folks attending. Not having had the opportunity to get close to the alter that was constructed for the ceremonies, once the crowds had started to clear, Regina and I walked down the beach to see what we could see. Volunteers were everywhere, cleaning the beach and picking up trash.
One of the things that impressed Gabriel most were the number of languages he had heard through the days. When I asked what was the number one thing he got from World Youth Day, it took him no time at all to respond, “It is a great example of how God is moving in all people, to gather here as one community.” I think he was right. Every shop, hotel and restaurant in Copacabana was crowded during those three days, but everywhere the people were kind and considerate, obviously not wanting to tarnish the spiritual beauty of the event.
This is where I saw my last direct connection to Texas at World Youth Day. There, in a small pile of rubbish, was a plastic bag with a face familiar to most anyone from south central Texas. There, in that little pile of trash almost 5,000 miles from Houston, was the face of our little beaver friend, Buc-ee. At first it didn’t register, and then it hit me like a load of bricks. There is only one place in the world where I know you can get one of those bags…it came from Texas.
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Autism four times likelier when Gustavo Román, M.D., a Neurologist and
Neuroepidemiologist who directs the Nantz National Alzheimer Center P regnant women who don't make nearly enough thyroid hormone are nearly 4 times likelier to produce
autistic children than healthy women, report scientists from the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute and Erasmus Medical Centre in an upcoming Annals of Neurology. The association emerged from a study of more than 4,000 Dutch mothers and their children, and it supports a growing view that autism spectrum disorders can be caused by a lack of maternal thyroid hormone, which past studies have shown is crucial to the migration of fetal brain cells during embryo development. “It is increasingly apparent to us that autism is caused by environmental factors in most cases, not by genetics,” said lead author Gustavo Román, M.D., a neurologist and neuroepidemiologist who directs the Nantz National Alzheimer Center. “That gives me hope that prevention is possible.” The researchers also found that autistic children had more pronounced symptoms if their mothers were severely deficient for T4, also called thyroxine. Mild T4 deficiencies in mothers produced an insignificant increase in autistic children’s symptoms. The most common cause of thyroid hormone deficiency is a lack of dietary iodine -- because both the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, contain that element.
Iodine deficiency is common throughout the world, including developed countries. The World Health Organization estimates nearly 1 in 3 people are affected globally. A 2005 CDC-University of Kansas study estimated that in the U.S., where iodine deficiency had been practically eradicated thanks to iodized salt, 1 in 7 Americans is believed deficient. The present work was based on the Generation R Study, conducted by Erasmus Medical Centre (Rotterdam, Netherlands) doctors and social scientists, in which thousands of pregnant women were voluntarily enrolled between 2002 and 2006 Blood was withdrawn from the mothers at or around 13 weeks into their pregnancies to measure levels of T4 and two proteins that could indicate the cause of thyroid deficiency. Six years later, mothers were asked to describe the behavioral and emotional characteristics of their children using a standardized psychology checklist.
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mother’s thyroid is weakened Researchers identified 80 “probable autistic children” from a population of 4,039 -- a number consistent with the Dutch rate of autism spectrum disorders. 159 mothers were identified as being severely T4 deficient (defined as having 5 percent or less of normal T4, but producing a normal amount of thyroid stimulating hormone), and 136 were identified as mildly T4 deficient. The researchers found a weak association between mild T4 deficiency and the likelihood of producing an autistic child, but a strong association between severe T4 deficiency and autism (3.89 more likely, as compared with mothers with normal thyroid hormone). Román, who is a physician, says he has advice for women who are now pregnant, or who are considering having children. “If you are planning to become pregnant, have your doctor measure urine iodine and thyroid function beforehand. If you have just become pregnant, have your doctor measure urine iodine, thyroid function, and begin using prenatal vitamins, making sure iodine is present.” A lack of dietary iodine interferes with normal thyroid function, leading to pregnancy complications, as well as deafness and developmental delay in the baby and loss of control of fat and sugar metabolism and heat generation in the mother.
Pregnant women who don't make nearly enough thyroid hormone are nearly 4 times likelier to produce autistic children than healthy women, report scientists from the Methodist Neurological Institute and Erasmus Medical Centre in an upcoming Annals of Neurology
It is well established that expecting mothers’ poor thyroid function (whether caused by poor diet, disease, or genetics) can lead to serious problems with fetal brain development, but only in the last 10 years or so has hypothyroidism been implicated as a possible cause of autism spectrum disorders. Previous work by Román and others has shown that a deficiency of T4 during a crucial period of embryonic development causes mild to severe brain development errors, such as the lackluster migration of specialized brain cells from the cortex to the outer areas of the cerebrum -- a characteristic of autistic brains. In a 2007 review Román published in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences, he presented a wide swath of evidence that the near-epidemic rise in autism diagnoses -- which Román says cannot be accounted for by heightened awareness alone -- could be at least partly the result of an iodine-starved diet and/or exposure to toxins that interfere with normal thyroid function. The Annals of Neurology study presents a troubling correlation, but it does not prove that the thyroid function of expecting mothers causes autism in their children.“The next steps are interventional studies,” Román said. “We must look at a large nationwide population of women in early pregnancy, to measure urine iodine and thyroid function. We must then correct thyroid deficiencies, if present, and provide prenatal vitamins with supplementary iodine. If autism cases fall precipitously compared with recent historical numbers, I think we will be able to conclude that thyroid function is critical.” Román is a Weill Cornell Medical College professor of neurology. Also contributing to the Annals of Neurology paper were Akhgar Ghassabian, M.D., Ph.D., Jacoba J. Bongers-Schokking, M.D., Ph.D., Vincent W.V. Jaddoe, M.D., Ph.D., Albert Hofman, M.D., Ph.D., Yolanda B. de Rijke, Ph.D., Frank C. Verhulst, M.D., Ph.D., and Henning Tiemeier, M.D., Ph.D. (Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre). Work was supported by grants from The Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation and the European Community’s 7th Framework Programme. To speak with Román, please contact David Bricker, Houston Methodist, at 832-667-5811 or dmbricker@tmhs.org. To speak with one of the Erasmus MC coauthors, please call +31 (0) 10 7033289 or e-mail press@erasmusmc.nl.
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July 1, 2013 Dear Valued Customer, As you may know, since 2009, NewPort has been in a strategic alliance and operating agreement with Sinochem Safe Transport, which brought to the marketplace a global platform for our respective companies. We have found Sinochem to be an excellent partner, and like-minded in our quest for growth, best-in-class customer service, and shared values as an organization. Up to now, we have been two companies (Sinochem and NewPort) marketing and operating – as one company. Now, we are very pleased to announce that we have taken a further step to strengthen this partnership by creating a single organization, with two shareholders, which will create a common, single face to the marketplace. NewPort will be branded, worldwide, with the creation of NewPort China, and in the near future, NewPort Singapore. Sinochem will become an additional shareholder in NewPort Tank Containers in the USA, The Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Dubai, France, and Germany. The new combined entity is expected to become effective as from August 1, 2013, subject to customary approval process. This development creates many positive opportunities for our customers, management, and our global team:
A vision, and reality, to be among the top bulk liquid logistics organizations in the market, worldwide; With Sinochem comes the addition of parcel tankers and bulk terminals in Asia to our global bulk liquid, logistics platform; Immense investment potential in people, equipment, systems, and offices, worldwide – to sustain ourselves as the leading ISO tank operator in the world; and Commitment from the shareholders and active engagement in our future, positioning the company in the market with our strategic customers for the long-term.
We take this opportunity to thank you for your support of NewPort. We remain committed to serve your organization with continued focus, best-in-class customer service, superior equipment, and the attention to detail which you have come to expect from NewPort Tank Containers. Please let us know if we can support you in any additional way. Our local sales and service teams look forward to continuing our strong relationship with your good company.
Sincerely,
Frederick M. Hunger Chairman
Michael de Rijk CEO/President
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