Annual Report 2007

Message from the Chairman and President

While New York City and our industry are always evolving, never has this transformation been as comprehensive and far-reaching. As documented in the sixth Building Congress Construction Outlook, in 2006 the City’s robust building activity expanded to every sector of the industry and to all five boroughs. What’s more, this heightened activity is expected to continue for the next several years and beyond, as the project timeline included in this Annual Report illustrates. With such levels of construction, attention rightfully turns to addressing the challenges involved in accomplishing so much simultaneous building activity.

We are fortunate to have exceptional partners in this effort at all levels of government. In particular, the administration of Governor Eliot Spitzer, including his new leaders at key agencies, has strengthened the commitment of these organizations to accomplish their comprehensive capital programs. Here in the City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s PlaNYC initiative demonstrates his resolve to create new opportunities for growth even while he continues to shepherd large scale projects such as Hudson Yards, Atlantic Yards and Willets Point.

The Building Congress itself experienced significant expansion and activity in 2006, building on twelve consecutive years of increasing membership and influence. While adding more new members than ever before, the quality and timeliness of publications, events and committee functions are at all-time highs.

Our strategic plan for the coming year emphasizes fostering the best possible working relationship with our industry and government colleagues as we continue to support and promote economic expansion and sustainability. We are confident that our organization and our industry are viewed by those in Albany and City Hall as committed partners for growth. It is our goal to further that reputation.

Other key objectives are continuing to improve membership services as well as efforts to enhance the industry’s image and stature.This will be supported by our acclaimed research publications, political action program, New York Building Foundation activities, and an effective team of staff and consultants.

We are especially grateful to members who participate in various ways on our Board of Directors, committees, task forces, and councils. These groups are stronger than ever, working with other organizations and public officials on issues facing the City and the metropolitan region.

New York City is in the midst of an undisputed era of great building – an era it has been approaching for several years. The Building Congress, together with its valued industry partners, is concentrating on helping to maintain and build on this momentum .As we look at 2007 and beyond, we are confident that through our collaborative efforts, and the marshalling
of so many talented individuals and organizations industry-wide, the challenges before us
can be met, enabling so many extraordinary projects to come to fruition.

Dominick M. Servedio, Chairman
Richard T. Anderson, President