Chairman's Message
Beyond a doubt, O’Brien & Gere is a special place. We have a strong culture where our employees start with us and stay for a career. Through our earnings and endeavors we have supported thousands of families and enjoyed four generations of employee ownership.
In addition to our employees, our stakeholders include our clients, the communities in which we live, and the environment. Our goal is to create and deliver value to each of these four stakeholder groups – clients, employees, community, and environment.
Our 2008 Annual Report is dedicated to the stakeholder groups that we serve.
Clients
We start with our clients and the value that we create and deliver to our key Industrial, Municipal, Federal and Higher Education market sectors. This report highlights examples of value-based solutions that we provide to each of these market sectors, along with recognition and awards that O’Brien & Gere received this past year. Additional value is delivered to our clients through forums and roundtable discussions that we sponsor related to corporate sustainability, climate change, and energy.
Employees
Our report also discusses the diverse and inclusive culture that we are creating at O’Brien & Gere. We believe that the best ideas come from an inclusive environment where diverse voices are heard. Accordingly, in 2008 we created an Organizational Statement and implemention plan to ensure that we live our vision for a diverse and inclusive environment. The Diversity / Inclusion Program that we launched in 2008 will continue to gain momentum and leave its imprint on O’Brien & Gere.
We also recognize the need for ongoing employee development. This past year, we created a leadership development program for our senior management team and a resource management training program to ensure our managers possess the skills and tools to lead and inspire our organization.
Community
The communities in which our employees live and work is also an important stakeholder. Employees at all levels are encouraged to participate in the Firm’s philanthropy programs. For example, our Pathways to Employment internship program features a community service day. With robust community relations and corporate giving programs, we emphasize that success is not always measured in dollars and cents, but by the mark you make on society and the role we can all play in making our communities a better place.
Environment
O’Brien & Gere’s leadership in the areas of environment, water, and energy will continue to be in greater demand as resources become more costly and scarce. Experience in creating and implementing integrated sustainability programs at all levels of an organization will solidify O’Brien & Gere’s market presence and reputation.
Beyond the skills of our workforce in the fi elds of environment, water, and energy, O’Brien & Gere has worked to enhance its own sustainability eff orts. By moving our corporate headquarters to downtown Syracuse, NY, O’Brien & Gere’s new home will be LEED certifi ed and more effi cient in the use of water and energy. The move will lower carbon emissions produced by employees driving to the new offi ce given its more central location and access to mass transit.
As we continue to navigate an uncertain global economy, we must be certain that we are positioned correctly to take advantage of the opportunities that are presented before us. To ensure our success, we must be sure to serve the stakeholders that have supported O’Brien & Gere for more than 60 years.
With the full support of O’Brien & Gere’s stakeholders, we can position the Firm to thrive in these challenging economic times. I thank you for supporting us in 2008 and I look forward to continued success in 2009.
Sincerely,
Terry L. Brown, PE
CEO & Chairman of the Board