New York, NY – On January 16th, New York City’s real estate industry gathered with City and State dignitaries at the Real Estate Board of New York’s (REBNY) 124th Annual Banquet and former 32BJ President Hector Figueroa received special tribute.
The two posthumous honorees, Héctor Figueroa and Jay Kriegel were given special recognition for their commitment to making New York a better place. Kriegel’s son, Connor, and Figueroa’s wife, Deidre McFadyen, along with 32BJ SEIU President Kyle Bragg accepted the awards and paid emotional tributes to the lives and legacies of the honorees. Addressing an audience of approximately 2,000, REBNY President James Whelan presided over the evening’s festivities for the first time.
While presenting The Kenneth R. Gerrety Humanitarian Award, REBNY Chairman, William C. Rudin said, “Héctor was a valued partner to our industry and a fierce advocate for his members. He was a champion for working people and a leader in the fight for economic, social, and racial justice.”
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer delivered introductory remarks paying special tribute to Héctor Figueroa, Jay Kriegel and former REBNY Chairman, Burton P. Resnick. Schumer went on to outline specific policy objectives for New York. “It is my goal is to be the first New Yorker ever to be the Majority Leader in the Senate of the United States. And if I get that office, I’m going to tell you two things: we will get Gateway built and we are going to restore the full deduction of State and Local Taxes.” The statement was met with a thunderous ovation from the audience.
The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) is the City’s leading real estate trade association. Founded in 1896, REBNY represents commercial, residential, and institutional property owners, builders, managers, investors, brokers, and salespeople; banks, financial service companies, utilities, attorneys, architects, and contractors; corporations, co-partnerships, and individuals professionally interested in New York City real estate.
