PWC Trade Show held at The Guardian Building - a huge success

The BIG Show, the Professional Women in Construction (PWC) National Trade Show recently held in The Guardian Building in lower Manhattan, offered proof positive that the A/E/C industries are alive and well and ready for work opportunities. "This was one of our best showings ever - very well attended and received," said PWC president Lenore Janis, noting that major construction companies and public agencies reached out to W/M/SBEs while mid-sized to small businesses engaged in B-to-B marketing. Lina Gottesman, president of Altus Metal and Marble and PWC Trade Show chair applauded the results: "All the vendors made significant leads and fulfilled our aim -- to help businesses meet other businesses." Aimee Hazuda, president of Touchstone Construction Services, noted that recruitment efforts fared well. "PWC representatives facilitated many one-on-one connections and exhibitors were glad to discover some really high-quality candidates," she said. Sharon Greenberger, a guest speaker and president of the NYC School Construction Authority, said that the budget allocation is now $6.1 billion for new school construction and $5.2 billion for capital investment. Stressing that all new school buildings will comply with green design standards, she said, "We welcome suggestions for school sites that may be part of mixed-use developments" Guest speaker Lillian Valenti, director of procurement with the Port Authority of N.Y. and N.J., was similarly upbeat in her forecast. "We anticipate over $2 billion in awards for 2010. Note that 17% of PA business goes to women and minorities; last year half a billion went to women and minorities. Awards continue to help us stimulate the economy and create jobs," she said. Pam Chong and Paul Ehrman, National Financial Network, hosted forums on financial topics. Said Chong, "The construction world needs to focus on success. Cash flow strategies are key to using funds effectively." The Valenti Brothers, Angelo and Dominick, of VSA Consulting, conducted mini-workshops offering practical and innovative networking tips. Bill Brody, vice president with Ibex Construction, summed up the event, "The PWC Trade Show is powerful yet personalized. It's an excellent opportunity to be one-on-one with decision makers from important companies and agencies. Everyone from architects to service companies ... is here. PWC is an amazing force for bringing people together." Trade Show sponsors were: Guardian Life Insurance, Battery Park City Authority, Walmart Realty, National Financial Network, MTA, Tishman Construction, STV SimplexGrinnell, Polytechnic Institute of NYU, and ACB Architects & Planners, PC. Photographs by Marc Becker.