Annual Report 2010

Message from the Chairman

The recent global economic downturn created major challenges for New York State and New York City and precipitated a significant decline in construction spending. While we are still feeling the effects of both, there are signs of renewed life for the design, construction and real estate industry. As an organization committed to supporting the building community, now is a good time to review and emphasize how the New York Building Congress can help the industry as it adjusts to another economic cycle.

	Peter A. Marchetto Chairman

For nearly 90 years, the Building Congress has served as a unique coalition from all sectors of the industry. It remains the only place that engineers and contractors, architects and labor unions, associations and public authorities, can exchange ideas, debate public policy, and review procedures that effect and impact us all. The Building Congress is an invaluable network for those involved in building in the New York region, and one of the most effective vehicles for those who wish to reach that audience.

Over the past several years, the Building Congress has enhanced its value to members - and been its most effective - by positioning itself as an advocate for the industry at large and supporting initiatives with benefits Citywide. Through public policy research, committee programs and events, the organization helps demonstrate the enormous value of the industry to the City's economy. What's more, it facilitates a constructive and proactive exchange with government officials at every level.

Some of our recent initiatives include:

• Initiating monthly Construction Outlook Updates, which expand on the annual multi-year forecast by providing more frequent updates of timely construction related economic data;
• Adding a new Infrastructure Update to analyze the status of capital programs of the City of New York as well as the various major infrastructure agencies and authorities that operate in New York City;
• Creating a new Healthcare Committee to review and discuss expansion and renovation plans in the growing healthcare sector; and
• Enhancing member services through new electronic communications and member protected website features.

The Building Congress, of course, is not alone in its efforts to improve the image and effectiveness of the overall building industry. Our partners in many other associations and in multiple public agencies are working hard to rein in costs, improve regulatory oversight, modernize operations and review new project delivery methods. All of these efforts are vital to the health and prosperity not only of the industry but of the City itself. The New York Building Congress maintains its commitment to serve the building community and asks for your continued support as we seek to emerge from the recent downturn an even more effective and united industry.