According to our logo, ECNY was established in 1993. Uncovering its beginnings was the mystery of this writer, reading through the files of the corporation like an evolving novel. After much research and interviewing the key people, pinpointing the origin of this great organization has become clear. The idea was hatched from an industry salesman who entered the NYC marketplace but was participating in other regional elevator industry organizations and then asking “Why not NYC.”

Nick Kassetas was this person and in his capacity as Manager of Adams NYC branch he began his work in forming ECNY. During 1991 Nick had conversations with Jip Chun, an engineer with many years in the industry, about forming such an association and was directed to speak with James Moran of Universal Elevator and Jim McDermott of Millar Industries. An exploratory meeting was set up in 1992 and on top of the above mentioned, it was attended by among others Joe Altamuro of New York City Transit, Tom Olenick of VDA, Larry Clarke of Marcato, Nick Montesano of DTM, Herb Liebowitz of GAL, Charles Buckman of National Inspection Services, Bill McLean of NYC Transit and Richard Dalvano of Barist Elevator Company. It was determined at the meeting and voted upon to continue the process of organizing an NYC elevator association.

The name of the organization has always been a conversation piece. It was discussed many times over, NY Elevator Association, Association of NYC Elevator Industry, but the final version “Elevator Conference of New York” or “ECNY” for short was accepted in 1993 and was chosen for its representation for allowing everyone from within the elevator industry, Contractors, Consultants, Suppliers and others, to join this one all encompassing association with its emphasis on safety within the Industry. Voted as its original Officers and Directors were Nick Kassetas as President, James Moran as Vice President, Charles Buckman as Secretary, James McDermott as Treasurer and Directors Richard Dalvano, Patricia Daub of Middle Dept. of Inspection Agency, William (Bill) McLean, Dennis Sullivan of the Port Authority of NY/NJ, and Mike Spataro of Titan Machine. Also during the year of 1993 a set of by laws was drafted with the help of Richard Dalvano. The by-laws were reviewed and accepted and with that the Elevator Conference of New York was officially registered and incorporated with the State of New York.

Since this time the ECNY has grown from its origins of 20 individual members to its current membership base of about 60 individual members and 70 corporate members. Its growth can be attributed to its continuing education programs that have become an industry staple and its outreach of communication to the Department of Buildings of the City of New York. The Annual Dinner Dance and Holiday Party are not only local industry too do’s, both events have attracted national recognition. In 2003, ECNY has endowed an annual scholarship program for its membership and made its first award at the 2003 Holiday Party to Kimberly Stack who is now matriculating at NYU. ECNY continues to support the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation with contributions and its annual Safety week programs of educating the local riding public.

As you can see the Elevator Conference of New York has made tremendous strides in the last 10 years. The membership continues to grow, and its support of safety and education to the riding public and those who make their living in the industry is paramount to the Board of Directors.

Elevator Conference of New York 2006 Meeting Places over the Years 1. Adams Elevator Parts (Where it all started) 2. Brooks Restaurant - LIC (Across from the CitiCorp Building) 3. Court Square Diner - LIC 4. Golden Pheasant - Astoria (Technical Meetings and the infamous Mystery Dinner) 5. Ricardo's - Astoria (another infamous Mystery Dinner) 6. Skyline Hotel/Motel - 10th Av in NYC (meeting venue) 7. The Old NY Coliseum - NYC (Our first collaboration with Buildings NY) 8. NBC Studios/Rockefeller Center - NYC ( who remembers meeting Mick Jagger in the elevator?) 9. Javits Convention Center - NYC (Continuing our Buildings NY and Technical seminars) 10. Brunos on the Blvd. - Jackson Heights (Our staple for meetings, our home) 11. Villa Barone - Bronx, NY (The home for many an ECNY Dinner Dance, many more to come) What a ride!