Below is only a small sampling of what we accomplished in 2006.

Strategic Plan. The development of our 2010 Strategic Plan sets the framework for consistent and manageable growth, while laying out the provisions for operating as an engineering and project delivery firm focused on “creating value-based solutions.”  This strategy builds long-term client relationships, which leads to increased shareholder value, and opportunities for our employees.

Partnerships. The continued development of strategic partnerships with technology, financial, and resource networks is a cornerstone of our strategic plan. With these partnerships, O’Brien & Gere is well positioned to tackle new and emerging markets.

Higher Education. Our relationships with distinguished colleges and universities are a key element to our ability to create, develop, and commercialize new technologies and to gain access to new talent that the Firm needs to achieve many of its objectives.

Intellectual Property. Advancing the development of intellectual property of O’Brien & Gere and our partners is imperative to the future of the Firm. This past year, we made great strides in the areas of renewable energy (e.g., wind, ethanol, biodiesel) and the development of other new technologies (e.g., duct injection to control power plant emissions.)

Headquarters Move. Our commitment to move O’Brien & Gere’s headquarters to downtown Syracuse, NY will not only lower operational costs, but also improve efficiency. This move is consistent with our philosophy regarding redevelopment, collaborating with academic research institutions, and improving accessibility to our clients. This new facility will provide O’Brien & Gere with an opportunity to demonstrate green buildings and renewable energy technologies that we are currently developing and commercializing.

Energy Leadership. In 2006, O’Brien & Gere became involved with the first ethanol facility in the State of New York.  Getting in at literally “the ground level” in the Northeast is a large part of O’Brien & Gere’s commitment to moving beyond petroleum to alternative energy sources. O’Brien & Gere is also a partner in the development of the first cellulosic ethanol production facility in the Northeast. To date, the project has received more than $10 M in funding.

Diversity. We must strive for a continuation of increased diversity across the Firm. This includes not only diversity of background, but also of education, thought, and expertise.

As we move forward, the following are some of the hurdles that we will have to overcome in order to achieve the objectives of our 2010 Strategic Plan.

• We will strive to provide our employees with competitive benefits, especially healthcare. This is essential for our employees and their families. With rising costs, it is important that we manage fluctuations in order to control the overall financial impact of these benefits.

• As we move forward with our commitment to “creating value-based solutions,” our organization needs to acquire new skills and embrace the vision, mission, and values of O’Brien & Gere. It will take dedication from everyone to foster a culture of creating, managing, and protecting intellectual property that will distinguish O’Brien & Gere as a leader in innovation and technology.

• While we continue to expand our business, we must always stay focused and not lose sight of our goals for operational excellence through implementing and continuous improvement of our Quality Management System (QMS-Business Management System).  As we move toward the goals set in our 2010 Strategic Plan, we must ensure that all employees in every facet of our organization are involved in the opportunities that will be presented before them. With the appropriate planning and training, all of us at O’Brien & Gere will be able to share in our future successes. 

Thank you all again for all of your hard work in 2006.  I look forward to O’Brien & Gere’s exciting future in 2007 and beyond.

Sincerely,

Terry L. Brown, PE
Chairman and CEO