About
Our History
Celebrating over 75 years as the largest, independent trade association serving the building and realty industry in Westchester County and throughout the Hudson Valley area.
Founded in 1946, our Westchester County, NY based organization has more than 1500 members, primarily in the Westchester/Mid-Hudson Valley region of the state.
The BRI is supported by a multi-talented professional and consultant staff versed in all facets of the building industry: planning, engineering, law, insurance, environmental regulations and governmental relations on a state, county and local level. Let the talented team at the BRI help you with your construction and realty industry needs!
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1946The BRI is founded as The Home Builders Association Of Westchester
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1951Safety Insurance Group 458 established
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1954George A. Frank is named Executive Vice President of the BRI.
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1959The Home Builders Association Of Westchester changes its name to The Builders Institute Of Westchester and Putnam Counties, Inc.
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1971The formation of the Apartment Owners Advisory Council (AOAC) marks the introduction of the organization's primary real estate element.
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1972The Westchester Foundation is formed, with six representatives from the BI and six from the BTEA (Building Trades Employers Association).
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1978IMPACT Newsletter, the official publication of the BRI, revises its format to become a tabloid newspaper.
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1979The Cooperative and Condominium Advisory Council (CCAC) of the BRI is formed to represent co-op and condominium boards.
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1985The Advisory Council of Managing Agents (ACMA) of the BRI is created to represent property managers of co-ops , condos and rental apartment buildings and complexes.
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1990The Safety Insurance Grouped 530 is established.
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2000The BRI relocates from White Plains to Armonk.
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2001Albert Annunziata is named Executive Director of the BRI. He remained in that position until the end of 2019.
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2013New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg honors the BRI for its valuable contribution to the building, real estate, and construction industry in the metropolitan area.
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2016The BRI marks its 70th anniversary with a birthday celebration at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle. Currently, the organization boasts 1,500 members across 14 counties in New York State.
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2017āBuilding Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)ā - a radio show of the BRI - debuts on 1460 WVOX AM. The show concluded its run in 2023. Jeff Hanley, Associate Executive Director of the BRI, hosted the program.
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2017The Suppliers and Service Providers Advisory Council (SSPAC) of the BRI is formed.
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2018"Constructive Conversations With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)" premieres on AM 970 The Answer, the BRIās N.Y. City radio show. Previously airing on Talk Radio 77 WABC AM and 710 WOR AM, the show, hosted by Jeff Hanley, Associate Executive Director of the BRI, wrapped up its broadcast in 2022.
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2019The Cooperative and Condominium Advisory Council (CCAC) at the BRI celebrates its 40th anniversary with a special event at The Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle.
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2020Timothy Foley takes on the position of Executive Director at the BRI in January.
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2020The Building and Allied Construction Industries (BACI) group, affiliated with the N.Y. State Builders Association (NYSBA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), is established, with the BRI serving as the group's administrator.
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2020Lisa DeRosa from DeRosa Builders is chosen as the President of the BRI, marking her as the first female President of the association.
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2021The Welcome Home Westchester Campaign is launched under the leadership of the BRI. This collaborative advocacy initiative, comprising business and non-profit leaders, academics, think tanks, faith leaders, and community advocates, aims to spark a fresh public dialogue on addressing the housing shortage in Westchester County.
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2021The BRI celebrates its 75th anniversary with a commemorative event at The Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle.
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2024"Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)", previously one of the BRIās radio shows, is transformed into a podcast series accessible on Apple and Spotify. Hosting the podcast is Jeff Hanley, the Associate Executive Director of the BRI.
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2024The Hudson Valley Women in Construction Group is founded by the BRI, tailored to women engaged in the homebuilding, remodeling, construction, and contracting sectors.