Annual Report 2001

Page 9

Gala Tributes

During the Building Congress 79th Anniversary Leadership Awards Luncheon and the 2000 Industry Recognition Dinner, more than 2,100 industry leaders honored the tremendous accomplishments of extraordinary individuals who have devoted their lives to the betterment of New York City and the building community. The Luncheon honorees were KeySpan Energy Chairman and CEO Robert B. Catell; and Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc. President and CEO Thomas J. O’Neill. The Dinner honorees included AMEC Construction Management, Inc. Vice Chairman John A. Cavanagh, NYC Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Joel A. Miele Sr., P.E., and Empire State Development Corporation Chairman Charles A.Gargano,
who accepted an award on behalf of Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and the many others involved in the historic Farley-Pennsylvania Station Redevelopment Project.

These gala tributes also attracted a host of prominent public officials, including Governor George E. Pataki and State Comptroller H. Carl McCall.

Forums

Throughout its 80-year history, the Building Congress has served as a link between the industry and key public officials. Through its monthly forum series, co-sponsored by New York Construction News, and other events, the Building Congress provides members with timely updates on issues vital to the design, construction and real estate professions. More important, these updates are communicated directly bythe public officials entrusted with the building of New York. In 2000 alone, speakers included:

• Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, who discussed his plan to spur economic development in several boroughs;
• City Council Speaker Peter F. Vallone, who unveiled his proposals to create more affordable housing;
• New York City Comptroller Alan G. Hevesi, who warned of widespread infrastructure problems that can result from a growing reliance on debt financing;
• State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph H. Boardman, who outlined his agency’s $14.3 billion five-year capital plan;
• Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, who challenged City leaders to streamline the building approval and review process;
• Port Authority of NY& NJ Executive Director Robert E. Boyle, who described the ongoing renaissance at JFK Airport and plans for continuedcapital improvements at other Port facilities; and, New York City Economic Development Corp. President Michael G. Carey and Empire State Development Corp. COO Kevin S. Corbett, who with Mr. Boyle, responded to the results of a PaineWebber survey that gauged NewYorkers’ views on transportation and infrastructure improvement projects.

Other Events

During a special Guggenheim Museum reception in the Spring, members were treated to a sneak preview of plans to build a second New York City Guggenheim above Piers 9, 13 and 14 on the East River. In July, members, colleagues and guests joined the Building Congress for another successful Golf and Tennis Outing at the Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich. And in September, members of the Building Congress were saluted at the fourth annual Membership Appreciation Reception, held at the newly renovated CUNY Graduate Center – the site of the former B. Altman Department store.