Annual Report 2010

Event Highlights

One of the cornerstones of the New York Building Congress is its ability to convene key players from across the design, construction and real estate industry, as well as those government officials entrusted with planning, funding and building New York City's infrastructure.

The broad array of Building Congress policy forums, awards galas, committee meetings and special events provide members with the opportunity to debate and influence emerging issues, salute the achievements of colleagues, and network with associates across industry sectors.

For the better part of two decades, the Building Congress Construction Industry Forum series has served as a platform for leading City, State and Federal officials to discuss their capital plans and receive feedback from the building community. Recent highlights include Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman and CEO Jay H. Walder on the MTA's budget challenges; U.S. Representatives Jerrold L. Nadler and Michael E. McMahon on federal transportation funding; Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch on the State budget; Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn on the priorities of her office; and the annual Construction Outlook forum featuring New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky and the release of the multi-year Building Congress construction forecast.

Nearly 2,000 members and guests joined the Building Congress to pay tribute to a group of exceptional men and women whose professional and personal accomplishments have helped shape and improve the City. Honorees at the 88th Anniversary Leadership Awards Luncheon and 2009 Industry Recognition Dinner included: Lee C. Bollinger of Columbia University; Sharon L. Greenberger of the New York City School Construction Authority; Christopher O. Ward of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey; Janette Sadik-Khan of the New York City Department of Transportation; Edward Cruz of E. E. Cruz & Company; Frank J. Sciame of F. J. Sciame Construction Company and Robert E. Selsam of Boston Properties.

The New York Building Foundation continues to expand its research activities, charitable giving and educational scholarships largely due to revenue generated by its successful annual events. In 2009, these events included the second annual Premier Wine Dinner and seventh annual Theatre Benefit, which honored Andrea Wenner, Executive Director of Out2Play. These events, as well as the Building Congress annual Golf Outing, provide significant networking opportunities while raising awareness of the important work of the Building Foundation.