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NEW YORK BUILDING CONGRESS SALUTES FOUR EXCEPTIONAL INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT LEADERS 2009 Industry Recognition Dinner Honors Edward Cruz, NEW YORK – Approximately 900 members of the building community gathered to pay tribute to four industry greats during the New York Building Congress 2009 Industry Recognition Dinner at the Grand Hyatt New York on November 17. EE Cruz & Company CEO Edward Cruz and Boston Properties Senior Vice President/New York Region Manager Robert E. Selsam were presented with Industry Recognition Awards. F.J. Sciame Construction Company Chairman and CEO Frank J. Sciame received the George A. Fox Public Service Award, and Special Recognition for Public Service was given to New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. In presenting the Industry Recognition Award to Mr. Cruz, General Contractors Association Managing Director Denise M. Richardson said, “What distinguished Ed for me is his reputation for quality work and the civility he brings to his dealings with union labor, public officials and his colleagues. Ed Cruz has an uncommon ability to deal with everyone fairly and openly and always as a true gentleman.”
Mr. Cruz used his acceptance to praise his colleagues at his firm and in the heavy construction industry. “I accept this on behalf of all the ditch diggers out there and all the employees of EE Cruz who made this possible.” Forest City Ratner Executive Vice President MaryAnne Gilmartin, who was joined by Tishman Construction President Peter A. Marchetto in presenting the Industry Recognition Award to Robert Selsam, said, “Robert is the model real estate developer. What I like and admire about Robert is his ability to work with so many in our industry and in our government. His quiet demeanor belies a toughness under pressure and a remarkable ability to get things done.”
Mr. Selsam used his acceptance to praise his colleagues at Boston Properties, the Building Congress and the Salvadori Center, of which he is the Chairman. Of his commitment to the Salvadori Center, which exposes young students to the wonders of architecture, engineering and building he said, “When we get kids to want to learn math and science, instead of pounding it into them, we have made a difference.” STV Chairman Dominick M. Servedio and Cauldwell Wingate President/CEO Susan L. Hayes presented the George A. Fox Public Service Award. Ms Hayes said, “Few individuals have contributed as much to the City as Frank Sciame. He has made substantial contributions to multiple charitable and civic organizations, taking leadership roles and lending his enthusiasm and expertise. Frank has created what we all want to create – he created a brand that starts with a foundation of integrity.”
Mr. Sciame used his acceptance to praise his colleagues at F.J. Sciame, which includes his four children, saying that their intelligent work allowed him the time to devote to important causes. He added, “I also want to thank the design, construction and real estate industry as a whole. This industry is second to none in its support for this City, in good times or bad.” Gregory A. Kelly, President of PB’s Americas Transportation Division praised Commissioner Sadik-Khan for her talent and hard work. “Janette’s extraordinary career has led to international recognition for her expertise in transportation – all gained from more than 18 years of high-level experience in federal and local government and in the private sector.” Added Building Congress Chairman Stuart E. Graham, “She has transformed New York’s transportation agenda, and her innovations will have lasting impact on the entire City.” Commissioner Sadik-Khan credited Mayor Michael Bloomberg for believing that increased mobility and more efficient public transit are vital to New York’s future and the economy. Thanks to the Mayor’s PlaNYC initiative and investments in roads, bridges and mass transit, she said, “We are well positioned to realize a new generation of transportation improvements. That is no accident. I couldn’t ask for better support than I get from City Hall.”
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli greeted the attendees, saying, “The construction industry is key to our vitality. We cannot afford to abandon our commitment to our infrastructure needs” and added that his office “is working to ensure that jobs promised (through the federal stimulus funding) are jobs created.” In a letter, Governor David A. Paterson wrote, “As members of a profession that helps shape our skylines and neighborhoods, those present can look forward to future success through cooperative efforts and shared goals. Your ongoing commitment will not only help advance the overall building and construction industry, but will ensure growth and process in the greatest city in the world.” “Each year, we salute the extraordinary leadership and professional accomplishments of top leaders in our industry. Including this year, we have honored 42 exceptional individuals from design, construction, real estate and government,” said Building Congress President Richard T. Anderson. “Our thanks to our Dinner Chairman Michael F. McNally, as well as to our Executive Co-Chairmen William Flemming, John T. Livingston, Charles F. Murphy, George J. Pierson, Dominick M. Servedio and Richard L. Tomasetti for their exceptional work in making this one of our most successful evenings yet.”
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