The increase in the score comes from an optimistic view of a rising economy, as nearly half of the participants expect construction to grow up to 5% in 2014

RALEIGH, N.C. (February 17, 2014) – FMI, a leading provider of management consulting and investment banking to the engineering and construction industry, announces the release of the 2014 First Quarter Nonresidential Construction Index report. The NRCI shows a 7.5 point increase since the 2013 fourth quarter report, as well as a 6.8 point increase from Q1 2013. This is the highest NRCI score to date.

The increase in the score comes from an optimistic view of a rising economy, as nearly half of the participants expect construction to grow up to 5% in 2014. With the increase in growth, executives are eagerly searching for talented individuals to assist and manage industry projects. Panelists with a more moderate view of the growth potential cite some additional challenges in 2014:

1. Hiring talented people
2. Finding profitable work
3. Uncertainty in the direction of the government, especially regarding decisions directly affecting the economy

FMI is a provider of management consulting, investment banking* and research to the engineering and construction industry. They work in all segments of the industry providing clients with value-added business solutions, including:

• Strategic Advisory
• Market Research and Business Development
• Leadership and Talent Development
• Project and Process Improvement
• Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Consulting*
• Compensation Benchmarking and Consulting
• Risk Management Consulting

Founded by Dr. Emol A. Fails in 1953, FMI has professionals in offices across the U.S. FMI delivers customized solutions to contractors; construction materials producers, manufacturers and suppliers of building materials and equipment, owners and developers, engineers and architects, utilities, and construction industry trade associations.

*Investment banking services provided by FMI Capital Advisors, Inc., a registered broker-dealer and wholly owned subsidiary of FMI.