Associated builders and owners working for members.

Since 1910, ABO members have been shaping the world's most celebrated skyline with new development and rehabilitation projects in the residential, commercial, hotel and retail sectors.

One major factor in ABO's success is our ongoing efforts towards developing and maintaining effective relationships between the real estate industry and federal, state and city governments.

The ABO's mission is to create and foster a better business environment for the real estate industry in New York City. A powerful force on the legislative front, ABO's lobbying efforts have time and again garnered important victories on behalf of builders and owners, while protecting them from unreasonable government mandates and legislation.

The ABO is an influential membership organization with approximately 1,000 members for whom it is an important resource, providing critical up-to-date information and guidance on all matters impacting the real estate industry and an array of programs designed to help owners maximize their profitability. At the same time, ABO provides a full slate of social, networking and educational activities, including monthly luncheons, seminars, an annual dinner dance and the largest annual real estate trade show on the East coast, the BuildingsNY trade show.

ABO membership encompasses a broad spectrum of the real estate industry. Members include the region's most prominent builders, developers, owners and entrepreneurs, as well as architects, engineers, planners, building materials suppliers, contractors, managing agents, bankers, and other allied professionals. In addition, ABO maintains strong relationships with other real estate industry associations. Our goal is to help our members make money or save money; our motto is "Do Business with a Member."

This strong membership and affiliate group has enabled ABO to support the vital continuing campaign to create a better business environment for the real estate industry. Our structure also allows all elements of the industry to convene in a spirit of professionalism and camaraderie. Our annual trade show is the largest on the eastern seaboard and provides our members the opportunity to reach thousands of potential clients in a two-day period.

This year's 26th annual BuildingsNY trade show, the largest, most extensive real estate tradeshow on the East Coast, was a huge success. More than 15,000 industry members jam-packed the Javits Center for the two-day event held June 14 and 15. Over 650 exhibitors provided information on innovative products and cost effective services, as well as the latest news in management, security, renovation, and restoration and retrofit services. Keynote speaker Larry Silverstein kicked-off this year's trade show by providing attendees with an update on the status of the development of the World Trade Center and downtown Manhattan, including the addition of 12 million square feet of new residential housing and the creation of 11.5 million square feet of new class-A office space.

Silverstein also discussed the many exciting projects being constructed downtown in the next 10 years, including the Santiago Calatrava-designed PATH Terminal and the new Fulton Street subway hub. The 2007 BuildingsNY trade show promises to be bigger and better than ever!

As mentioned, ABO strives to help our members make or save money. We do this through many innovative programs, including the most comprehensive property and casualty program available in the market, and by having the best workers compensation program that generates millions in savings each year for our members.

ABO also focuses on working with various agencies to represent our members' views in legislation. Currently we are in the midst of several negotiations with the city council on a myriad of issues, ranging from developing a cost effective building code to keeping pets out of non-pet buildings.

In addition, we continue to fight overregulation and imposition of unreasonable standards on the real estate industry, as well as supporting those initiatives that create a user friendly and cost saving atmosphere.

For example, the ABO is in constant contact with the NYC Department of Buildings regarding the International Building Code and even sits on some of the committees working on code changes. We have testified before the City Council on the adoption of a code modeled after the International Building Code that was adopted by the State of New York last year.

This new code will help drastically reduce costs to industry professionals.

ABO continues to develop and maintain effective communication and networking between the real estate industry and local, state and federal governments in issues that affect building, managing and operating real property in New York City.

ABO's members will continue to shape the world's most celebrated skyline for years to come. We encourage you to come join us today, or attend one of our upcoming luncheons.

For more information call 212-385-4949 or visit www.abogny. com.

BY NICK LAPORTE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ABO