Real estate industry gurus at PWC event stress commitment to NYC despite the economy

"This is where the work is and where the opportunities lie," said Professional Women in Construction (PWC) National president Lenore Janis as she introduced speakers from the public as well as the private sector at the organization's annual Meet the Real Estate Industry networking event recently held at Club 101. The newly appointed commissioner of the NYC Department of Buildings, Robert LiMandri said, "We're the office that enables New York to build New York." Gloria Guillo, procurement, NYC Housing Authority, reported a budget of half a billion dollars in construction work each year plus a new bonus of $420 million from the federal stimulus package and an excellent 20% participation track record with minority and women-owed businesses, Carol DiAgostino, ACCO, NYC Dept. of Design & Construction, noted that, "Even in these challenging times there is a commitment to rebuilding our city," and stressed that her office "maintains NYC's stature as a global leader." She said that the role of women in infrastructure construction needs to increase. "Clearly and absolutely - we need to create an environment for meaningful participation by women in a field that values competence, intelligence, and hard work." Carrol Bennett, general manager real estate, Port Authority of N.Y. & N.J., said, "Even though we're in a challenging climate our commitment remains strong," and with a 10-year capital budget of $29 billion the agency will continue to fund critical projects such as the ARC Tunnel, modernization of PATH stations, and the redevelopment of the WTC site. Frank Pampalone, AIA, director of design & construction, Walmart Realty, said that Walmart remains the world's largest retailer through a willingness to evolve and transform: changing the brand by updating stores and merchandise with renovations, a new look, new colors and a gradual conversion of many units into SuperCenters to enable true one-stop-shopping. Mindy Krause, Penmark Realty, senior property manager of the Orion, the City's sixth largest property, addressed the concerns of the building management community. Photographs by wechslerphotography.com.