Southern Santa Catarina, considered one of the most promising regions in the state for the next decade by McKinsey, is gaining competitiveness with the duplication of BR-101 and the new management of Porto de Imbituba. Despite lacking major projects like the Jaguaruna airport and full duplication of BR-101, the region is performing well in highlighting the state's economy, with mining, ceramics, and the chemical industry as economic pillars. The region is undergoing a strong industrialization process and enhancement of its manufacturing parks, investments that are necessary for it to achieve the status desired by its entrepreneurs and residents.

The team from DC, including reporter Danilo Duarte, photographer Charles Guerra, and driver Waldemar Santos, traveled 1,200 kilometers to engage with farmers, agricultural technicians, and furniture business owners in the northern region of Santa Catarina, an economic powerhouse. They observed the industrial transformation of iron and steel, large-scale textile production, and traditional crops like wheat, which are making way for soy. The reporter highlighted the region's inherited passion and quality standards from European colonizers, evident in all production chains. Reporter Janaina Cavalli noted the positive response from entrepreneurs and politicians in the small municipalities of Corupá and Massaranduba, who are committed to their local economies.