Best Companies is a global initiative of Deloitte that, since 2021, is promoted in Central America together with Grupo Promerica and INCAE Business School. In addition to awarding a distinction to the most outstanding companies in their management and financial performance, this program, with presence in 45 countries around the world, offers free advice and feedback to all companies that complete the process, on how to improve their business practices and enhance their growth.

"While the primary purpose for a company is to generate revenues, jobs and profits, to speak of excellence implies much more: a real focus on customers, efficiency in operations, a culture of continuous improvement, getting and developing the best talent, and doing today what is necessary to exist tomorrow...This is what we look for at Best Companies", says Pilar Ruiz de Chávez, Partner of Best Companies in Latin America at Deloitte Spanish Latin America.

Which companies can participate?

To participate in the fourth edition of MECA, companies must register before april 20 on the website: www.mejoresempresasdelatinoamerica.com/MECA

There is no cost to participate in any of the stages of the program, and to do so, companies only need to meet the following requirements:

• Be a private company, with a majority of capital from the region.
• Have annual sales between US$3 million and US$70 million.
• Have been in operation for at least five years and have been profitable for at least two of those years.
• Present audited financial statements for the last 3 years.
• Be willing to share information on their strategy and results in order to obtain a comprehensive diagnosis that contributes to the company's decision making.

Since its creation in 2021, the MECA program has been a driving force for companies in the region, bringing multiple benefits not only to the participating organizations, but also to the economies of the countries where they operate, through a process of continuous improvement, pursuit of excellence and learning. As Grupo Promerica, we are proud to be part of this program, which is aligned with our mission to promote a relationship banking system that works on behalf of the communities we serve", said Ramiro Ortiz Gurdian, CEO of Grupo Promerica.

The Best Companies selection process consists of an analysis and evaluation of corporate practices, as well as the results documented by the participating companies, taking as a reference the Deloitte Value Map (ValueMap), whose methodology, the result of thirty years of experience of the program worldwide, demonstrates how a company generates "value" and what actions should be taken to improve its results through five drivers:

1. Sales growth
2. Operating margin
3. Asset management
4. Strengths and external factors
5. Talent and sustainability

"At Banco Promerica, we are pleased to participate once again in MECA, reaffirming our commitment to local economic development. This initiative not only strengthens businesses, but also boosts business quality standards in El Salvador. We are excited to contribute to the growth and excellence of salvadoran companies, leaving a positive mark on the history of our regional business environment", said Lázaro E. Figueroa, CEO of Banco Promerica.

"The MECA program promotes administrative, strategic and sustainable excellence in participating companies, fostering networking and offering opportunities for business advancement. We extend a warm welcome on behalf of INCAE and colleagues, encouraging them to enroll and take the initiative. This program provides great value, insights and learning to strengthen the future of companies and their teams, and we look forward to seeing you at MECA!", says Bernard Kilian, Dean of Faculty and Director of Residential Masters at INCAE Business School.

All companies that complete the process, even those that are not recognized, receive a free feedback report prepared by Deloitte's multidisciplinary experts, which presents a comprehensive and totally confidential diagnosis, in which companies can identify their main strengths and areas of opportunity, accessing recommendations on practices of excellence and continuous improvement.

"Throughout 3 editions, we have delivered more than 100 reports free of charge to companies in the region. Our commitment as a program is to provide this tool to companies to enhance their growth through our methodology and a unique process that gives them a comprehensive view of their business and a regional comparative. All of these are essential components in the formula for excellence and success for all organizations", said Diana Espinoza, Leader of Best Central American Companies.

Translated by: A.M