Page 98 - Annual Report 2016 - Cover & Divider Pages.indd
P. 98

T R E A S U R E R’ S  R E P O R T



                     Last year at this time, we reflected on the various challenges FGM met head-
                     on  and  how  the  firm  achieved  profitability.  We  made  reference  to  the
                     incredible “ride” that demanded swift and difficult decisions to overcome a
                     shaky beginning to FY 2015. We are very much aware, in our cyclical industry,
                     peaks and valleys are inevitable.

                     Now, a year later, we reflect on similar and continued challenges, the clear
                     and present kind, that presented even more pressing obstacles to profitability
                     for  FY  2016.    Let’s  call  it  “The  Perfect  Storm.”  Yet,  unlike  the  movie,  FGM
                     weathered the seemingly insurmountable waves and secured a profit, albeit a
                     modest one.  Some of those challenges continue to loom, yet there are a few
                     success stories that should not be overlooked.

                     Despite  the  enormity  of  waves  stemming  from  project  delays,  continued  state
                     budget constraints impacting funding of new projects, and key client personnel
                     changes,  FGM’s  diversification  strategy  began  to  pay  dividends.    Lower  net
                     revenue  in  PK-12  and  Higher  Education  were  partly  offset  by  the  emerging
                     Corporate  practice  and  a  steady  Municipal  market.  Additionally,  FGM’s
                     geographic expansion strategy began to yield some significant gains.  We saw
                     success in our St. Louis office as net revenue earned from clients with a Missouri
                     zip code reached the $800 thousand threshold.



































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