Building Congress pays tribute to NYC's best.

Nearly 1,200 members of the building community gathered to honor three industry leaders--Charles A. DeBenedittis, Jeffrey M. Levy and Joseph D'Angelo--during the New York Building Congress 2004 Industry Recognition Dinner at the Grand Hyatt New York on October 21.

The annual gala event recognizes the brilliant careers and dedicated civic leadership of New York City's foremost members of the design, construction and real estate industry.

Building Congress Chairman Frank J. Sciame told the assembled guests, "By my count, only 17 individuals have received the Building Congress Industry Recognition Award since 1996. This year's line-up continues an extraordinary list of awardees. We owe them a great deal, and this dinner is the best means for us to express our gratitude."

Sciame was joined onstage by Dinner Chairman and Turner Construction President and CEO Peter J. Davoren, as well as Dinner Executive Co-Chairman and Tishman Speyer Properties senior Managing Director Thomas D. Farrell, to present an Industry Recognition Award to Tishman Speyer Properties Senior Managing Director Charles DeBenedittis. Said Davoren, "Over a long career, Charlie DeBenedittis has been known for his innovations and worldwide accomplishments. I can say that few industry executives have done more over a longer period of time." Davoren cited such no table projects as the World Trade Center in New York and the John Hancock in Chicago, before adding, "He also has been a pioneer in construction management and the use of energy-efficient building materials."

DeBenedittis chose the occasion to thank the many people in attendance who have worked with him on major projects throughout his career. "It is you men and women out there, and those before you, who provide the special expertise required to build the projects that I have been privileged to have worked on. Thanks to all of you who come together on each project and make them happen."

Davoren was joined on stage by Hazardous Elimination Corporation President and Dinner Executive Co-Chairman Cathleen B. Colella to present the evening's second Recognition Award to former Building Congress Chairman Jeffrey M. Levy. "What I especially admire about Jeff is his dedication and commitment to this industry," said Davoren. "He is thoughtful when others go with the flow."

"I can't imagine any greater honor than to be recognized by my peers," said Levy, who noted that the building industry as a group does not get the recognition it deserves. "We are the people who deliver the real thing."

A Special Recognition Award was presented to long-time New York Electrical Contractors Association Executive Director Joseph D'Angelo. The award was presented by Zwicker Electric Company President David B. Pinter, who also served as an Executive Co-Chairman for the Building Congress Dinner.

"Joseph D'Angelo has a wonderful knack of forging consensus and bringing people together. He has done this exceptionally well within the electrical sector of this industry for the past 40 years," said Pinter.

In his acceptance, D'Angelo said, "I feel very privileged to receive this award and to share this evening with Charles DeBenedittis and Jeff Levy. I am proud to be part of such a great industry and to be part of this great enterprise my entire career."

The evening also included a video, which saluted the honorees, and performances by the USO of Metropolitan New York Troupe.