http://www.aacei.org/ for more information about AACE.

Barrett Richards, senior consultant in Strategy’s New York City office, was recently elected as president of the New York Metro Section of the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACE). Barrett has also served as secretary of the NY Metro section and member of AACE’s education board. Please visit

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce (MCC) is a membership organization comprised of a cross section of member businesses ranging from sole proprietors to large corporations and conglomerates. We represent the voice of over 100,000 companies in Manhattan and partner with over 300 diverse business organizations in the city.  Our members are part of one of the largest constituencies in the country representing approximately 1.6 million US employees and approximately 4.5 million employees globally.  Locally, our member companies have over 165,000 employees.  And, collectively, our member companies account for over $630 billion dollars in annually revenues.

Strategy has relocated its New York City office to 240 W. 35th Street. This strategic location is close to Penn Station allowing easy access to both employees and clients.

This move is in response to our desire to provide a better means of support to our clients, and increasing project list, and to help the company’s visibility in the local area.

• Services to Condominiums & HomeOwners Associations – Strategy is experienced in representing both the association and developer in inspecting and documenting the conditions of the assets transferred, and in determining if there are construction defects or other issues impacting the owners.
• Services to Troubled Real Estate – Strategy provides a number of services to those who have real estate assets or debt. Very few organizations have resident expertise in the many disciplines involved in analyzing the condition and options involved in ownership of such assets. Our services include: condition survey, cost to complete, strategic alternatives consulting and outsourced project management.
• Property Casualty Consulting – When a property is damaged or destroyed as a result of fire, storms or other casualties, it is important for all parties with a vested interest to fully understand the implications of the casualty. These implications involve the degree of destruction, cost to correct, development of a remediation plan, and quantification of any business interruption costs.

Since its inception in 1907 as the Miami Board of Trade, this organization – known today as the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce – has been recognized and respected for its impressive stature in the community.

With its record of extraordinary economic development and community improvement throughout the years, the Chamber has earned its position in the region. As the oldest and largest business organization in South Florida, and with its rich legacy of leadership, be assured the Chamber will continue to build on its record as it continues to help build a greater Miami.

The Greater Miami Chamber is an activist chamber that seeks solutions to the problems that vex businesses and creates solutions when answers cannot be found. It is dedicated to building the best environment for business in the Americas. The Chamber is committed to improving the economic vitality of the community, with a keen eye on quality of life issues and social justice for all residents. To carry out this mission, the Chamber serves as the voice of business enterprise and involves the private sector in community leadership.

Strategy, LLC (Strategy), a Worldwide Construction, Environmental, Financial & Property Consulting Firm, announced today that Barrett Richards has joined the company as Senior Consultant and will be based in the New York office. Mr. Richards is a Certified Cost Consultant, as well as a Planning and Scheduling Professional with over ten years of experience managing construction-related assignments of varying sizes and complexity. Mr. Richards also has 8 years of claims experience including claims review, damages and scheduling analysis (delay), and report development. Mr. Richards is a focused team leader with knowledge of site work, general construction, specialties, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems.

“Barrett is a welcome addition to our team,” said Alfred E. Schaer, Chairman and CEO of Strategy, LLC. “He has extensive experience in the construction industry with special emphasis in estimating and scheduling. We are confident that Barrett’s expertise will further support our services.”

Prior to joining Strategy, Mr. Richards served as Estimating Group Manager and Associate at Carter Burgess, where he was responsible for creating and managing the Estimating Group. He also worked for GREYHAWK North America as a Senior Consultant, where he managed new and renovated projects.

Mr. Richards has a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Hofstra University and a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Brigham Young University. Mr. Richards is currently a member of the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International and serves on their Education Board.

Strategy, LLC (Strategy), a Worldwide Construction, Environmental, Financial & Property Consulting firm, announced today that Joseph Wallwork, Vice President of Strategy, has been selected by a joint venture of J.F. White Contracting Co., Skanska USA Civil Northeast, and Ecco III Enterprises as a scheduling consultant for the Catskill-Delaware Ultraviolet Light Disinfection Plant in Mount Pleasant, NY. Mr. Wallwork will coordinate the scheduling for all prime subcontractors involved in the project.

The facility will be located in the towns of Mount Pleasant and Greenburgh, and will include a main treatment building, two forebays on the existing Shaft 19 of the Delaware Aqueduct, conveyance conduits for raw and treated water and various valve chambers, flow meter chambers and a connection structure on the Catskill aqueduct. The plant will tie into the Delaware and Catskill Aqueducts. The total project’s bid cost was approximately $1.3 billion and when completed, will be the largest ultraviolet plant of its kind in the world.

“We are proud to continue our relationship with J.F. White,” said Al Schaer, Chairman and CEO of Strategy. “Their decision to choose Strategy on a project of this magnitude re-enforces their confidence in our consultants and the quality of our work.”

Mr. Wallwork is Vice President of Strategy and has 30 years of experience in all aspects of design and construction, specializing in preparing estimates and schedules, and managing projects through completion. Mr. Wallwork is a licensed Professional Engineer, a Certified Cost Engineer and a Planning and Scheduling Professional with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Manhattan College.

Strategy, LLC (Strategy), a Worldwide Construction, Environmental, Financial & Property Consulting Firm, announced today that Bethany Libenson has joined the company as Consultant and will be based in the New York office. Ms. Libenson is a construction professional with experience in estimating and project management. Ms. Libenson has provided estimating services for corporate, educational and healthcare facilities, laboratories, airports, and municipal buildings. Ms. Libenson’s project management experience includes cost projections, review of project submittals, construction coordination, document control, as well as negotiation of change order and payment requisitions.

“We are excited to have Bethany join the company,” said Alfred E. Schaer, Chairman and CEO of Strategy, LLC. “She has experience in project management and estimating, which will further support our Scheduling and Estimating services.”

Prior to joining Strategy, Ms. Libenson served as Estimator at Carter Burgess, where she was responsible for estimating services for corporate, educational and healthcare facilities, laboratories, airports, and municipal buildings. She also worked for Equity Office Properties/ Beacon Properties as an Assistant Project Manager, where she performed the role of General Contractor for all interior construction projects for their 3 Million square foot office park.

Ms. Libenson has a Master’s degree in Construction Management from Stanford University and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Duke University.