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Listen to this articleLong Island Business News real estate reporter David Winzelberg earned a top honor at the annual meeting of the Commercial Industrial Brokers Society of Long Island on Monday.
Winzelberg, an award-winning journalist who has covered commercial and residential real estate, development, retailing, franchising and more for LIBN for over 17 years, was presented with the 2024 CIBS-LI President’s Award at the event combining CIBS’ annual meeting with its holiday party held at the Founders Room in The Paramount in Huntington.
CIBS-Co-President David Pennetta said it was the first time the group gave the award to a journalist.
“David Winzelberg investigates and reports on news and information which affects our business life on Long Island. He has done so in an accurate, balanced, and engaging way for two decades, while adhering to ethical standards and maintaining objectivity,” Pennetta said. “What I personally like best about David is when he calls with an inquiry, he doesn’t try to guide you to validate thoughts he already has, he is truly there with you to mutually seek the truth based upon your added perspective. He is unique and indispensable to our region.”
CIBS also honored Elene Bara, development manager for Henrickson Furniture & Design with its Associate Award and Paul Farrell of Avison Young with the Rising Star Award.
“CIBS is proud to continue our tradition of celebrating excellence and innovation within the Long Island commercial real estate community,” said Pennetta, who is also executive managing director of Cushman & Wakefield on Long Island. “These awards not only recognize outstanding achievements but also inspire the industry’s future leaders.”
The founding fathers of the 32-year-old CIBS, Joe Lagano Sr., Herb Agin, Sam Rossi and Paul Amoruso, were made Members Emeritus of the organization.
In addition, CIBS announced its new slate of officers and board members for 2025, with Ralph Benzakein of Cresa as president; Melissa Naeder of Cushman & Wakefield as vice president; Leo Farrell of Avison Young as treasurer; Joe Lagano Jr. as secretary; and David Pennetta as strategic officer.
New governing board members for CIBS include Joseph Sorbara of JLL, Darren Leiderman of Colliers, Marko Glavadanovic of CBRE, and Stephen Cadorette of Cushman & Wakefield. New associate board members are Kyle Crennan of JLL, Marian Campi-Conde of NAI Long Island and Michael Murphy of Douglas Elliman Commercial. The group’s new affiliate board member is Andrea Curto of Forchelli Deegan Terrana.
The 2024 graduates of the new CIBS Designation program are Gary Schacker of United Realty, Ralph Benzakein of Cresa, Ted Stratigos of Avison Young, Eric Launer of JLL, Michael Rosenfeld of The Rochlin Organization, Stephen Cadorette and David Pennetta of Cushman & Wakefield, and Marian Campi-Conde and Michael Corsiello of NAI Long Island.
CIBS also took time at the event to honor and remember three of its members who passed away this year, including Al Centrella Sr., Brian Pinnola and Bill Yorio.
