Press Releases & Statements

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New York, September 17, 2001 – In response to the tragic consequences of the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, and the outpouring of offers of support from representatives of the design, construction and real estate industry, the New York Building Congress has established a World Trade Center Memorial Fund through its New York Building Foundation. The Fund will accept contributions from firms, organizations and individuals who wish to direct their support to the families of victims who served the industry and to area restoration. To most effectively administer the Fund, contributions will be dispersed in consultation with contributors and other industry organizations sponsoring similar efforts, and will be guided by the Building Foundation's Board of Governors.

"The inspiration for this fund was the overwhelming desire expressed by many of our colleagues, particularly Alan Traugott of Flack & Kurtz, to help those in our industry who have been harmed by this brutal attack," said Building Congress Chairman Jeffrey M. Levy, President and COO of EMCOR Group, Inc. "With this vehicle, we hope to galvanize the industry's support and bring some relief to those who have most accutely felt the impact of this horrible event."

"One of the primary goals of the Building Foundation has always been to assist New York City and its residents through philanthropic activities that take advantage of the expertise of our members," said New York Building Foundation Chairman John F. Hennessy III, Chairman and CEO of Syska & Hennessy, Inc. "Now, we are faced with an unimaginable tragedy that requires more than our professional skills. It requires our empathy, our compassion, and our support of the families of our friends in the industry and beyond whose jobs may have cost them their lives." Mr. Hennessy noted that the first contribution to the Fund in the amount of $10,000 has been pledged, on his firm's behalf, by Leevi Kiil, Chairman & CEO of HLW International LLP. He added that Mr. Levy and Building Congress President Richard T. Anderson are recommending to the Board of Directors that the Building Congress pledge another $50,000 to the Fund.

The New York Building Foundation was formed in 1998 to promote the long-term growth and well being of the industry through a program of research, educational and philanthropic activities. The Foundation's World Trade Center Memorial Fund is accepting donations effective immediately. Checks should be made payable to NYBF World Trade Center Memorial Fund and mailed to

The New York Building Foundation
c/o New York Building Congress,
44 West 28th Street, 12th Floor,
New York, New York, 10001.

For more information, contact Richard T. Anderson, President, at (212) 481-9230.

 

The New York Building Congress is a membership coalition of business, labor, association and government organizations promoting the design, construction and real estate industry in New York City.