The Building Owners & Managers Association of New York recently honored local building managers with Pinnacle Awards, which evaluate management in more than 80 categories, including energy management, environmental compliance, training and tenant relations. Individuals whom BOMA/NY considers outstanding contributors to the industry were also recognized.

This year, BOMA/NY honored 12 buildings and managers. The winners are: The Seagram Building, owned by 375 Park Avenue LP, with the management team of RFR Realty and building manager Frank Farella, has won the Historical Building award.

The US Post Office & Courthouse at 271 Cadman Plaza East in Brooklyn owned and managed by US General Services Administration, with building manager Jeffrey Sussman, received the Government award.

The New Construction award went to 731 Lexington Avenue, managed by Vornado Office Management and building manager Bert Lok.

The Hearst Tower, owned by Hearst Communications, Inc., managed by Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P. and building manager Siro Gonzalez won the Earth award.

The Morgan Stanley building at 1585 Broadway, owned by Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., managed by Hines Interests Limited Partnership with building manager Brian McCarthy has received the Corporate Facility award.

The Renovated Building award went to 100 Park Avenue, owned by SL Green Realty Corp. and Prudential Real Estate Investors, managed by SL Green Realty Corp. with building manager John Flaherty.

Operating Office Building (100,000-499,999 sq ft) award went to 215 West 125th Street, owned and managed by CRG Management, LLC with building manager Wayne Gordon. Operating Office Building (500,000-1,000,000 sq ft) award went to 522 Fifth Avenue, owned by Morgan Stanley Financing Inc., managed by Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. with building manager Sandra Hahn.

Louis Mantia, managing director at Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. has won the Outstanding Local Member award. Silverstein Properties has secured the Henry J. Muller Achievement Award, Recognizing Vision for New York. Managing Riverside Church through Grubb & Ellis Management Services, Jose Toro received the Manager of the Year 3-10 Years award. Managing 885 Third Avenue/292 Madison Avenue through CB Richard Ellis, Inc., Javier Lezamizhas secured the Manager of the Year 10+ Years award.

“If our management teams are not on the job, there’s no opening bell on Wall Street, currency ceases to flow, broadcast studios go dark and three million tenants are left without a way to make a living,” said BOMA/NY President Angelo Grima. “We are vital to the economic health of this amazing city . . . [and] we celebrate the accomplishments of the men and women who keep our skyline running like a finely-tuned watch.”

The American Council of Engineering Companies of New York and the New York State Transportation Engineering Alliance have merged.

“We think NYSTEA and ACEC New York are a great fit,” said NYSTEA leader, Steve Morgan. “And we’re excited to be a part of this dynamic group of diverse engineering professionals.”

Both groups, headquartered in Albany, will operate under ACEC New York, and will encompass more than 300 consulting engineering companies and related firms throughout New York State, representing more than 100,000 employees globally.

“This process has identified strengths within each group that will be used to provide more benefits to all of our constituent companies at a reduced cost,” explained Greg Kelly, president of ACEC New York.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 164 in New Jersey has raised $50,000 for Project Grandma—the association’s annual fundraising initiative to honor breast cancer survivors.

The proceeds will be given to Hackensack Medical Center and cancer support organization Gilda’s Club of Northern New Jersey to aid in research efforts.

“At Local 164, many of our members and their families have been touched by this disease,” said Richard Dressel,business manager for Local 164. “Our goal is to support organizations that are committed to easing the burdens of our members and others in a similar situation.”

Project Grandma, which was initially established to honor breast cancer survivors related to IBEW Local 164 members, also includes a capital drive, special events and raffles as well as an evening to honor breast cancer patients, survivors and their families. Over the past nine years, IBEW Local 164 has raised more than $300,000 in support of breast cancer programs.

“This annual gathering achieves two very different objectives. In addition to raising much-needed funds to combat breast cancer throughout the year, we designate one night to celebrate hope and what these women, their spouses and children have endured,” explained Barry Hammond, Local 164’s chairman of the event.

The American Society of Safety Engineers has recently voiced its opposition to a proposed law which would amend the administrative code of New York City and require permits for atmospheric biological, chemical and radiological detectors.

ASSE, along with the American Industrial Hygiene Association, sent a letter to Mayor Michael Bloomberg opposing the amendments indicating they will have a negative impact on the practices of safety, health and environmental professionals.

“Enacting the proposed bill will hinder our members’ ability to adequately help employers protect employees and the public in many ways,” wrote ASSE New York Chapter President Stephanie Altis-Gurnari, in a release disclosing the contents of the letter. “We understand the need to take measures to protect New York City’s citizens from unnecessary fear of harm from biological, chemical and radiological threats, however, this proposal will not accomplish its aim if it makes every SH&E professional subject to its restrictions and penalties.”

The Mayor has not yet responded to the letter, said Jason Post, a spokesperson for Mayor Bloomberg’s office. “The intent of the bill is not to interfere with science and I think we have to do a better job explaining the bill.”