Real estate’s finest, along with city and state dignitaries including Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio, showed up in force at the Real Estate Board of New York’s (REBNY) 120th Annual Banquet held at the New York Hilton January 21.
The evening honored the legacy of industry titan John Zuccotti, a former REBNY chairman, and the exceptional contributions and accomplishments of Matthew, Tara, and Darcy Stacom – who became the first family to receive The Bernard H. Mendik Lifetime Leadership in Real Estate Award – as well as those of Daniel Brodsky, Jeffrey E. Levine, Bill Montana, Edward V. Piccinich, and Steven H. Marvin.
“REBNY’s annual celebration is always the biggest night of the year for the real estate industry, and this year was certainly no exception. We were thrilled to be joined by more than 2,000 of our members, as well as top government and business leaders from across the City and State, in celebrating the best and brightest of New York’s real estate community,” said Rob Speyer, president and CEO of Tishman Speyer and REBNY chairman.
Prompted by REBNY’s annual video presentation, the evening also ignited discussion concerning the city’s need for the development of new commercial office, industrial manufacturing, and life sciences space for continued economic growth and the creation of good jobs for New Yorkers.
The video highlights the history of New York City office development and findings from a recent study commissioned by the NYCEDC.
The study projected that, based on projected job growth over the next 10 years, the city will need up to 60 million additional square feet of office space to keep up with demand.
“While there will be challenges and obstacles to this growth initiative, commercial vacancy rates are well below the national average, and there is strong demand for new office product throughout New York City,” said REBNY President John Banks. “We commend the administration for their analysis and efforts to address this critical need.”
City, State and Federal officials who celebrated the close of another dynamic year for the real estate industry and a promising 2016 with REBNY members and their guests, included: Governor Andrew Cuomo; New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli; New York State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan; New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio; City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito; New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer; Public Advocate Letitia James.
The Stacom Family — the late Matthew Stacom, former Vice Chairman of Cushman & Wakefield; Tara Stacom, Executive Vice Chairman of Cushman & Wakefield; and Darcy Stacom, a Vice Chairman and Head of the Investment Properties group for CBRE’s New York Office – received The Bernard H. Mendik Lifetime Leadership in Real Estate Award for their exceptional accomplishments in the profession, leadership, and service to the real estate industry.
This was the first time a family was presented with an award at REBNY’s Banquet.
Daniel Brodsky, Senior Managing Partner of the Brodsky Organization, received The Harry B. Helmsley Distinguished New Yorker Award, which is presented for invaluable contributions to New York’s civic welfare and the real estate community.
Jeffrey E. Levine, chairman of Douglaston Development, Levine Builders and Clinton Management, received The Kenneth R. Gerrety Humanitarian Award, which recognizes a REBNY member’s meritorious service to the community.
Bill Montana, Senior Managing Director of Savills Studley, received The Louis Smadbeck Broker Recognition Award, which celebrates a commercial broker with exceptional personal and professional integrity, leadership, prominence.
Edward V. Piccinich, Executive Vice President of SL Green Realty Corp., received The George M. Brooker Management Executive of the Year Award, for superior accomplishment in property management.
Steven H. Marvin, Executive Managing Director and Partner of Olmstead Properties, Inc., received the Young Real Estate Man of the Year Award. This award is selected by the Young Men’s/Women’s Real Estate Association of New York.
