Construction chiefs out in force at PWC event.

"The 'big chiefs' really showed up tonight," said Lenore Janis, president of Professional Women in Construction as she introduced the speakers at "Meet the Construction Chiefs," a networking event presented on Feb. 24.

Addressing a capacity crowd, Janis continued, "The men and women here tonight are involved in billions of dollars of works in progress--and they are ready to meet you. PWC is proud to act as a catalyst on your behalf." The evening program, held at La Maganette Ristorante in New York City, also showcased exhibit tables representing a wide spectrum of the industry and those who serve it, including IT and environmental firms, public agencies and authorities, construction companies, visual designers and trade publishers.

The speakers were heads of mid-sized to large construction companies or key representatives from the public sector. Michele Medaglia, president of ACC Construction, said that the company, which is about to celebrate its 20th anniversary, "has grown tenfold--as has its staff." Beginning as a Long Island City-based firm with a niche market, ACC is now a full service general contractor and construction manager headquartered in midtown serving such clients as Columbia University, Commerce Bank, Stony Brook University, Long Island College Hospital, The Burke Rehabilitation Center, and L'Oreal USA.

Paul Anderson, president of Skanska USA Building Inc., said that the New York division of Skanska has over 25 active construction projects and a team of over 175 construction management professionals and numerous subcontractors. Current projects include Long Island University in Brooklyn, the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island, Coney Island Hospital with DASNY, and the Queens Center Mall with Macerich Development.

"We are always looking for talented individuals and firms to work with the Skanska team," said Anderson.

Gary Negrycz, construction executive with Turner Construction Company, the largest general contractor in the U.S., is currently overseeing the preconstruction of the West Side Yards. Negrycz welcomed women to explore opportunities, saying, "Turner plans a billion dollars worth of work this year, which we did last year and the year before. We want you to be part of that business."

Andy Frankl, a PWC board member and president and CEO of IBEX Construction, which has recently completed projects at Home Depot and Time Warner Center, said, "We'd like to talk to you--there are lots of opportunities. We're glad to share our knowledge."

Peter Zipf, general manager of the Engineering Management Services Division (EMSD) of the Port Authority of NY & NJ, told the audience that the Authority is planning to award over $500 million in construction contracts this year and plans to complete approximately $800 million of construction by the end of 2004. "To find out specific information about this work and how to be a part of it, check the Port Authority's web site (www.panynj.gov) for consulting and contracting opportunities," said Zipf.

Mary Fengya, project officer for NJ Schools Construction Corp., represented the agency's new CEO John F. "Jack" Spencer, at the PWC session. Fengya said that the SCC has an "$8.6 billion program over several years to build schools for the children of New Jersey" and encouraged women to participate, noting that the SCC will host an event for women in March.

"The SCC has a program goal of setting aside 25% of every contract for small business enterprises (SBEs) which includes women and minority-owned firms.

In 2004, we will build 88 schools at a cost of $1.4 billion. In 2005, SCC will build another 132 new schools at $2.2 billion--and this represents only the Abbott districts, just a portion of the whole program," said Fengya.

Nancy Czesak, vice president of Tishman Construction Corporation in charge of Zankel Hall, a major addition to Carnegie Hall which has received, noted Janis, "rave reviews," said, "Tishman is proud to be a corporate sponsor of PWC, and looks forward to working with the qualified firms that are members in the rebuilding of the downtown area and on other projects in New York and elsewhere."