Press Releases & Statements

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New York – More than 1,200 members of the building community joined in a salute of Governor George E. Pataki for his devoted stewardship of New York State, especially since September 11, 2001, during the New York Building Congress 81st Anniversary Leadership Awards Luncheon. Governor Pataki, who received the Building Congress Leadership Award, served as the keynote speaker at the event, held at the New York Hilton and Towers on May 23.

Building Congress officials and Governor Pataki used the occasion to thank the legions of New York City civil servants and design, construction and real estate industry professionals who have been directly involved in virtually every aspect of the rescue, recovery and cleanup effort in Lower Manhattan and who will certainly be involved in rebuilding efforts in the months and years ahead.

"Our industry has responded since September 11 in extraordinary ways, ranging from immediate rescue efforts to a remarkable cleanup and now planning for the rebirth of Lower Manhattan," said Luncheon Chairman Stuart E. Graham, Executive Vice President of Skanska. "Nothing has made me more proud of our colleagues than the quality and sensitivity of their work since September 11. You in this room and those still working downtown are truly the best and the most committed professionals in this great City."

In presenting the 81st Anniversary Leadership Award to Governor Pataki, Building Congress Chairman Marilyn Jordan Taylor said, "The Governor's distinguished career is no match for his courage, compassion and leadership since September 11. His determination has never wavered, and together with Mayors Giuliani and Bloomberg, he is forging the consensus and vision to carry New York to even greater heights. If that weren't enough, the Governor has led us through a period of economic resurgence and government restructuring, that is of long-term importance to all New Yorkers. The Governor is our hero, our leader, and an inspiration to us all."

Governor Pataki, in turn, praised all segments of the building community for helping to shape the City's valiant response to the terrorist attacks. "It was absolutely extraordinary how the construction industry came together after September 11. There is not another place in the world where we could have seen such a response. It is a tribute to the leadership and professionalism of the construction industry in New York," said Governor Pataki, who added, "The entire country and world looks at New York and its people differently than they did before September 11. We will continue to move forward. No City has stronger people. No State has stronger communities. We will not be deterred."

The Building Congress also presented its inaugural George A. Fox Public Service Award to Commissioner Kenneth Holden and Executive Deputy Commissioner Michael Burton of the New York City Department of Design & Construction (DDC) in appreciation of their heroic leadership at the site of the former World Trade Center. The award, which will be given annually to one or two individuals from the building community, honors those with a record of outstanding public service above and beyond the normal scope of their responsibilities.

The award also honors the tremendous legacy of George A. Fox, who inspired the industry with his unsurpassed construction expertise, commitment to education and devotion to the highest standards of public service. The Building Congress will fund two $3,000 scholarships, in each recipient's name, to students in the ACE Mentor Program, which supports New York City graduating high school students planning to pursue careers in architecture, construction or engineering.

"Two New Yorkers stood out among the many who did so much at Ground Zero. Kenneth Holden and Michael Burton exemplify the public spirit, teamwork, and tireless efforts that we've heard so much about today," said Luncheon Executive Co-Chairman Frank J. Sciame, President and CEO of F. J. Sciame Construction Company. "Working around the clock and often outside the public spotlight, these industry heroes pulled everyone together in a remarkable display of construction leadership."

Remarked Holden, "September 11 proved that the talent and creativity that made New York great still exist. I proudly accept this award on behalf of the 150 DDC professionals who have been and continue to work on site at Ground Zero. These professionals have demonstrated strength of character and determination that is inspiring."

The Building Congress also publicly acknowledged Rudin Management Executive Vice President John Gilbert and retired Consolidated Edison Vice President William Harkins for their work as Co-Chairs of the Building Congress Energy Committee.

 

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.