| Encouraging
Free Exchange; Saluting the Industrys Best
Gala
Tributes
During the Building Congress 79th Anniversary Leadership Awards Luncheon
and the 2000 Industry Recognition Dinner, more than 2,100 industry
leaders honored the tremendous accomplishments of extraordinary individuals
who have devoted their lives to the betterment of New York City and
the building community. The Luncheon honorees were KeySpan Energy
Chairman and CEO Robert B. Catell;
and Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc. President and CEO Thomas
J. ONeill. The Dinner honorees included AMEC Construction
Management, Inc. Vice Chairman John
A. Cavanagh, NYC Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner
Joel A. Miele Sr., P.E., and
Empire State Development Corporation Chairman Charles
A.Gargano,
who accepted an award on behalf of Senator
Daniel Patrick Moynihan and the many others involved in the
historic Farley-Pennsylvania Station
Redevelopment Project.
These
gala tributes also attracted a host of prominent public officials,
including Governor George E. Pataki
and State Comptroller H. Carl McCall.
Forums
Throughout its 80-year history, the Building Congress has served
as a link between the industry and key public officials. Through
its monthly forum series, co-sponsored by New York Construction
News, and other events, the Building Congress provides members with
timely updates on issues vital to the design, construction and real
estate professions. More important, these updates are communicated
directly bythe public officials entrusted with the building of New
York. In 2000 alone, speakers included:
Mayor
Rudolph W. Giuliani, who
discussed his plan to spur economic development in several boroughs;
- City Council Speaker Peter F.
Vallone, who unveiled his proposals to create more affordable
housing;
- New York City Comptroller Alan
G. Hevesi, who warned of widespread infrastructure problems
that can result from a growing reliance on debt financing;
- State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph
H. Boardman, who outlined his agencys $14.3 billion
five-year capital plan;
- Bronx Borough President Fernando
Ferrer, who challenged City leaders to streamline the building
approval and review process;
- Port Authority of NY& NJ Executive Director Robert
E. Boyle, who described the ongoing
renaissance at JFK Airport and plans for continuedcapital improvements
at other Port facilities; and, New York City Economic Development
Corp. President Michael G. Carey
and Empire State Development Corp. COO Kevin
S. Corbett, who with Mr. Boyle, responded to the results
of a PaineWebber survey that gauged NewYorkers views on
transportation and infrastructure improvement projects.
Other Events
During a special Guggenheim Museum reception in the Spring, members
were treated to a sneak preview of plans to build a second New York
City Guggenheim above Piers 9, 13 and 14 on the East River. In July,
members, colleagues and guests joined the Building Congress for another
successful Golf and Tennis Outing at the Tamarack Country Club in
Greenwich. And in September, members of the Building Congress were
saluted at the fourth annual Membership Appreciation Reception, held
at the newly renovated CUNY Graduate Center the site of the
former B. Altman Department store. |