Annual Report 2013

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One of the strengths of the New York Building Congress is its ability to bring together key players from design, construction, and real estate, as well as public officials who manage and implement New York City's infrastructure projects, economic development initiatives, and capital programs.

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

For more than 22 years, the Building Congress Construction Industry Forum series has served as a platform for leading City, State, and Federal officials to discuss capital plans and receive feedback from the building community. Recent highlights include: United States Senator Charles E. Schumer, in September 2012, discussing how investments in infrastructure are of critical importance to the region's future and the Federal government's role in advancing key projects; the annual Construction Outlook forum in October 2012, featuring New York City Deputy Mayor Robert K. Steel and the release of the latest Building Congress multi-year construction forecast; New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky in April 2013, previewing the findings and recommendations from the Special Initiative for Rebuilding and Resiliency, a Mayoral Task Force; former Metropolitan Transportation Authority Executive Director Joe Lhota, in January 2013, discussing how the MTA prepared for and responded to Superstorm Sandy; and former New York State Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch along with New York's Deputy Secretary for Economic Development Leecia Eve, in June 2013, discussing the Building Congress report Risk & Resiliency After Sandy and reviewing State recovery efforts.

Nearly 3,000 members and guests joined the Building Congress to honor a group of exceptional men and women whose professional and personal accomplishments have helped shape and improve the City. Honorees at the 91st Anniversary Leadership Awards Luncheon, 2012 Industry Recognition Dinner, and 92nd Anniversary Leadership Awards Luncheon included: Bruce C. Ratner, Chairman and CEO, Forest City Ratner Companies; Peter A. Marchetto, President, North America, Tishman Construction Corporation - An AECOM Company; George J. Pierson, President & CEO, Parsons Brinckerhoff; Steven J. Corwin, MD, Chief Executive Officer, NewYork- Presbyterian Hospital; and Mary Ann Tighe, Chief Executive Officer, New York Tri-State Region, CBRE, Inc. Special Recognition was given to Thomas F. Prendergast, Interim Executive Director, on behalf of the women and men of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for their heroic response to Superstorm Sandy. The New York Building Foundation continues to expand its research activities, charitable giving, and educational scholarships largely through the revenue generated by its successful annual events. Most recently, these events included the 6th Annual Premier Wine Dinner and the 11th Annual Theatre Benefit, which celebrated the New York Building Foundation's 15th Anniversary and honored the Foundation's past and present Chairmen: John F. Hennessy III, Richard L. Tomasetti, Dominick M. Servedio, and Frank J. Sciame. 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.