Chamber to hold Building Awards presentation

At the end of the calendar year, the Queens Chamber of Commerce always holds one of their signature events, and this year is no different, as they will fete 20 honorees at the 96th Annual Dinner and Building Awards.
This year’s festivities, which will take place on December 3 at Terrace on the Park, will honor winners for their outstanding contributions to the Queens community and helping to make the borough a beautiful place. Building owners, architects and contractors will all receive awards from the Chamber.
The Chamber’s Building Awards Committee reviewed entries from numerous applicants and selected winners in many different categories. After reviewing all of the applications, the Chamber committee selected winners in the respective categories, and all of the honorees will receive a plaque and recognition during the Building Awards ceremony.
“The beauty of the building awards is that we look for buildings that are making a difference in our neighborhoods in Queens,” said Chamber Building Awards Co-chair Carlos Soto.
In addition to the building award winners, the Chamber will also present a lifetime achievement award to Vincent Riso - Principal at The Briarwood Organization, a family-owned real estate group that develops, builds and manages property throughout Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx.
Riso’s chief responsibility is spearheading new residential and commercial development, but he is involved in all facets of the company’s operations. He works closely with Briarwood’s three other principals: Raymond Riso, Howard Goodman and James Riso. Founded by Vincent’s grandfather, Briarwood has been a trusted developer and general contractor of new homes, cooperatives, condominiums, apartments and commercial properties since 1912.
Over the years, Vincent and Briarwood have embraced public and non-profit initiatives and partnerships to create affordable housing where it is most desperately needed developing more than 2,500 low-and moderate-income homes. With a Briarwood career spanning more than 50 years, Vincent is instrumental in maintaining the company’s stellar record of accomplishment of successful developments that are embraced in their respective communities.
HSBC Bank is the premiere sponsor of the 96th Annual Dinner and Building Awards, which begins with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. and dinner follows at 7 p.m. Tickets for this year’s event are $150, and all guests will also be treated music by Music Flex. For more information or to make a reservation, please call the Chamber a 718-898-8500.