Reaping rewards of a strategic move.

After almost two decades of hard work and a reputation as a well-regarded Queens-based general contracting and construction management firm, ACC moved its entire operation to midtown Manhattan in October 2002.

Although it has only been approximately a year and a half, dramatic changes in the company profile have taken place that may be clearly attributed to greater accessibility and a central location in New York City.

Immediately we saw an expansion in our client base and a change in the breadth and scope of the projects we were being awarded. We recognized that in a central location, minutes from the Midtown Tunnel, FDR Drive and Lincoln Tunnel, we could be more responsive to our clients and increase the level of hands-on performance for which we are known.

Traditionally, many of our outer borough projects come from clients with offices in New York City. For example, we have completed five retail stores for Commerce Bank. We had been working with Commerce for a few years on projects based in Long Island. Since our move, Commerce Bank has retained ACC to complete branches closer to the city, in Middle Village and Forest Hills, Queens.

In certain industries, and to certain people, a company's stature is enhanced by a New York City address. Despite ACC's fine reputation, spanning two decades of experience, we were still perceived as a smaller operation that specialized exclusively in corporate interior and healthcare.

The relocation has changed that perception quickly. Moreover, because we were moving into new offices after so many years and doubling the size of our space, we had the interiors designed in a way that reflected a more corporate environment. The combination of the central location, larger space and attractive decor, reinforces a positive impression of ACC Construction--from first sight. When prospective clients visit our offices, they automatically attain a level of comfort and trust with the firm's capabilities.

The relocation has also had a marked impact upon our personnel. We are attracting qualified and experienced professionals, as well as a top-notch administrative staff, to add to our seasoned staff. These are people who want to work in Manhattan; if it's not for the cachet of the location, alone, then it is because their commutes are made easier. Last year, we added an entire project team, headed by a respected engineer and project executive, Sean Gann. The team comprises two project managers and four supervisors, all of whom are highly experienced and unequivocally qualified to take on larger, more complex projects.

Finally, entree into this new echelon of projects is largely through ACC's excellent sales staff, which is now able to reach a wider spectrum of clients. Fordham University, Orda Management and the Hilton are all projects that have been assigned to us since our move to Manhattan. The Cold Stone Creamery store we are working on in Staten Island is through a franchisee based in New York City. Some of the other Manhattan projects we have been awarded since the relocation include 11 Rector Street, Ruppert Towers and the law firm of Pachulski, Stang, Ziehl, Young, Jones & Weintraub.

On a practical note, a central location reduces our turn-around time. Adding to this concept of time efficiency is the fact that most of our subcontractors are located in the city. Hence, it is easier for them to come to our office, pick up drawings and review them with our estimators.

So "movin' on up" is ostensibly what we have accomplished. Sometimes, it is still hard for me to grasp how a few miles over a bridge or through a tunnel have had such a tremendous affect upon our company. Granted, it is the people working for ACC Construction who make the projects successful, but our growth due to the move has created a need for additional personnel.

Our current clients are happier because we are more accessible and available to them. Plus, prospective clients come to our Manhattan offices and see attractive, professional space that exemplifies the level of professionalism they can expect on a job site.

The move to Manhattan has afforded ACC the opportunity to implement an already successful business plan to a higher level focusing on integrity, intelligence and experience.

MICHELE MEDAGLIA, PRESIDENT

ACC CONSTRUCTION