Lieutenant governor Ravitch kicks off BuildingsNY trade show

Lieutenant governor, Richard Ravitch, together with Jerome Belson, president of the Associated Builders and Owners of Greater New York (ABO), kicked off the BuildingsNY/GreenBuildingsNY 2010, one of the largest annual real estate trade shows on the east coast. In his opening address to attendees and exhibitors the lieutenant governor discussed the current and future economic state of New York. He was particularly supportive of the overall efforts of the BuildingsNY/GreenBuildingsNY trade show, which promotes green and sustainable products for the building and design community. "We are fortunate with everything going in NYS that the lieutenant governor was able to take the time to serve as our kick-off speaker at this year's show," said Nicholas LaPorte, executive director of ABO. "Given his timely topic, the fiscal meltdown of New York, more than 100 people attended the speech and more than 10,000 people walked the trade show floor." Ravitch further stressed why economic growth is at a halt and how the state currently has fewer resources than before. He spoke on the impact of public infrastructures and the importance of focusing on resources that directly impact the future of NYS. In addition, he touched on the current scope and budget for New York roads, water, waste, public transportation and national spending. Ravitch also spoke on his past involvement within the real estate and political communities. Following his remarks, the lieutenant governor was joined by Belson and members of ABO, the BuildingsNY official sponsor, to cut the ribbon that opened the two-day trade show, which was filled with 500 exhibitors and thousands of top industry professionals. At the trade show, attendees had easy access to the latest products and services for all buildings and facility types and benefited from the opportunity to sit in on various speakers and educational sessions on a variety of topics including how to improve your buildings bottom line and provide amenities, efficiencies and technology that today's tenants are demanding. Sessions were organized around five key areas: architecture, energy, LEED, management, materials and policies & programs.