The Consultant - Q1 2009 - (Page 7) From the President A new year, new beginnings, new challenges. The Big “R” word is very evident in our global marketplace. Government bailout appears to be the only hope for some of our major industries. The possible collapse of the Detroit three (automakers) could create major unemployment for many North Americans. These events have also affected the global sector, as sales have declined on all fronts. As developments start to unfold, what will be the effect on our industry? Generally, our work follows the construction curve as new infrastructure seems to have a direct bearing on the foodservice facilities being built. How are we as consultants going to maintain the status quo, never mind the growth necessary for our businesses? How do we become more creative, more valuable and possibly more endearing to our clients? What can we offer that will make the difference? New foodservice projects normally carry an allowance of some type for the front- and back-of-the-house requirements. As times get tougher, budgets will become more restrictive, requirements more stringent and payback more essential. Our role as consultants is to advise and assist the owner in ensuring that the foodservice facility being developed will meet all the anticipated and projected expectations. A consultant is hired to bring tangible benefits and true value to a project. As FCSI members, we are accomplished, skilled and highly qualified to meet the demands of the marketplace, especially in a highly competitive and restricted environment. One advantage for FCSI members is that we have a vast number of MAS and Design consultants who can collaborate to counsel and support the client in any venture. As new projects become more scarce, renovations and redevelopment may begin escalating. Again, we can contribute by becoming more creative, more effective and more empathetic to the challenges underway. There must be a reasonable payback to our clients – it is up to us to ensure that there is adequate corroboration to support their objectives. We need to make ourselves indispensable to the process. FCSI is your ally in this process – our new web site has been enhanced and improved. It is now more interactive and easier to access. CPS is endeavoring to make us more effective as consultants. Our Allied members are creating more informative seminars to keep us abreast of new products, as well as existing ones. I urge you to take advantage of their support. There is always something more to learn or even to re-learn, especially if it benefits our clients in becoming more efficient and effective and to minimize expenditure. Energy savings is now more urgent than at any other time – LEED, Energy Star, carbon offsets and other environmental issues can contribute to the success of a project. As consultants we need to appreciate and understand these programs and initiatives. Sustainability is becoming a vital part of our world. The conference in Beijing was energizing with excellent information for members to take away. I only wish that more members could have had the opportunity to hear the speakers. In Asia, the driving force is education. Their mantra is “with knowledge everything else is possible”. Indeed, education is the key for us all. How do we become more knowledgeable, better informed and more capable? FCSI is endeavoring to be the standard bearer for its members. The Brand must be synonymous with competence, integrity and trust. Our FCSI Division Boards are working diligently to provide members with the tools and resources necessary to allow them to become a more complete and skilled consultants. Nevertheless, it is still up to each member to step up and do their part. Take advantage of all that FCSI has to offer. Knowledge is power! Enhance the image and the appeal of our profession, the FCSI name and ultimately, yourself. “We Share, We Support, We Inspire” John Radchenko, FCSI President FCSI Worldwide First Quarter 2009 7
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