How do we do it? How has the New York Building Congress managed to succeed and prosper in an industry as large and diverse as design, construction and real estate? For 84 years, through countless economic cycles and so many issues to potentially divide and polarize the building community, the Building Congress has demonstrated that great achievements and impact are possible through collaboration.

While we know the value of participation in associations that address the needs of specific industry sectors, the unique ability of the Building Congress to serve the entire industry allows it to play an important role advocating the kind of public policy initiatives and large-scale investments that benefit all. Furthermore, the active participation of our members who are leaders in business, labor and government provides practical opportunities to work together that might otherwise be impossible to create. It is our public/ private coalition that allows us to help shape and support economic development, infrastructure investments and public policies that create jobs and support the City’s long-term prosperity.

Despite our past successes, we must earn our members’ support constantly. Every day tests our mission and our capacity to serve the industry’s best interests. The following pages will bring you up to date on the broad program of activities pursued by the Building Congress with particular emphasis on what we believe is a new era of great building in New York City that is just beginning.

Far from the prolonged downturn many had predicted just a few short years ago, builders are thriving in nearly every sector, and multiple comprehensive private and public sector development projects are now proposed. If realized in whole or in large part, these initiatives would dramatically increase the City’s capacity to create jobs, move residents and tourists efficiently, educate the next generation of New Yorkers and continue attracting brilliant minds from around the globe.

Despite reasons for optimism, we cannot afford to be complacent. For each dynamic proposal, there are those who wish to derail it. For every proposed investment to upgrade our transit system or improve our schools, there are intense budgetary pressures that threaten to delay it.

But working cooperatively with our members and other industry associations, as well as our partners in government and the business community, the Building Congress will continue to advocate economic development, to emphasize the value of our industry to the City, and to provide aninfluential and respected voice on public policies.

The Building Congress has never been better positioned to accomplish its mission. Over the past decade our membership, finances, services and influence have grown steadily. Our publications, events, and advocacy are at their highest levels and demonstrate the stature and influence of the industry in New York City. Most importantly, the leadership of the Building Congress continues to be drawn from the best and most accomplished in design, construction and real estate. These devoted leaders are what make this organization and its activities so credible.

It is important that our membership continue to grow and to represent the diversity of this industry in New York -- an industry so vital to the continued prominence of the greatest City in the world. We appreciate the active involvement of all our members and look forward to what we can accomplish together in 2005 and beyond.


Frank J. Sciame, Chairman
Richard T. Anderson, President