American ORT salute to industry's finest raises $200,000.

A record-breaking crowd of over 350 engineers, building contractors and representatives from the area's labor unions attended the American ORT Engineering & Construction Industry Chapter Annual Tribute Luncheon held on Thursday, November 9, 2006 at the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center.

"The success of this year's luncheon far exceeds our goals and expectations," said Engineering and Construction Industry president Neal Forshner of DMJM Harris.

"Proceeds surpassed the $200,000 mark, the largest ever raised from an event by our Chapter since it was established in 1982. We are especially excited to know that these funds will immediately benefit ORT's wonderful schools and programs worldwide, including Bramson ORT College in New York City."

The luncheon was held in tribute to Thomas Iovino, founder and CEO of Judlau Contracting Inc.; Emily Lloyd, Commissioner, New York City Department of Environmental Protection and Raymond Pocino, VP and Eastern Regional Manager of the Laborers' Intl. Union of North AMerica and Commissioner of The Port Authority of NY & NJ, all of whom were presented with the Chapter's 2006 American oRT Community Achievement Award.

The American ORT Community Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have substantially improved the quality of life for fellow individuals, creating role models which could be emulated and/or established new directions for society.

"The tremendous response American ORT's Engineering Chapter received is due in no small measure to the amazing appeal and drawing power of our three extraordinary honorees," added Chapter chairman and the program's emcee, Frank Lombardi, of the Port Authority of New York and NJ.

"Furthermore, the funds we raised this afternoon will make an enormous difference in the lives of ORT's 270,000 students."

"It's not only that ORT offers students an education, but it is increasingly making a commitment to better society with programs to motivate its students to become actively involved in the community as volunteers," Thomas Iovino said.

"ORT is so important as it plays an essential role keeping the city functioning by providing technical education to youngsters so that they have the necessary education to join the workforce, skilled and prepared to take on the high tech jobs," noted fellow honoree Commissioner Emily Lloyd in her acceptance remarks.

"I humbly accept this award on behalf of the 40,000 members of the Laborers' International Union of North America who reside and work in the Eastern Region of the United States," said Raymond Pocino as he accepted his plaque from Frank Lombardi.

"What makes this honor so especially meaningful is that it deepens the historic connections ORT and labor have forged throughout their storied histories. ORT has been Labor's partner for social justice and shares its guiding principle of giving people the skills they need to find meaningful employment so that they can provide for themselves and their families with dignity and hope," Pocino went on to say.

Jay Dier and John Giarrusso of Judlau Contracting Inc. served as luncheon co-chairs and Lynn Mourey, Esq. of General contractors Association was Journal Chair. For more information on the Engineering & Construction Industry Chapter's activities, contact Lorraine Braun at 212.547.9134, or by e-mail [e-mail].