Times are tough, but the Big Apple always ends up in a better position after a downturn, NYC EDC prez Seth Pinsky told members at yesterday’s monthly IREM luncheon at the New York Helmsley Hotel. We stopped by to hear about what the city government is doing to assure so (and for the free food).

Seth (second from left) with Leebar Management’s Edward Andron, IREM chapter president James Hayden of Cushman & Wakefield, Kismet Construction’s Karen Shunick, and TIAA-CREF’s Nicholas Stolatis. He reports that the city is taking a three-pronged approach  to emerge unscathed: making sure the government is increasing efficiency by doing more with less; investing in public works like Willets Point and Hunter’s Point South; and creating new jobs through diversification.

IREM also welcomed five new CPMs into the chapter: Dawning Real Estate’s Angela Zarrilli; Skanska USA’s Richard Zarrilli; The Heights Real Estate’s George Huang; Waldron Associates’ Eric Waldron; and Transaction Modeling’s Michael Hammerslag. Unlike Chief Justice John Roberts, we’re sure that James Hayden recited the oath correctly.

Glen Oaks Villages’ Mildred Marshburn (center, with Karen Shunick and Advantage SafeRent’s Paul Mitchell) keeps busy managing 3k co-ops in Queens, but sneaks in some time on the links as a member of Long Island’s Executive Women’s Golf Association of Long Island.

SBW Management’s Winnie Morgan, Great American Brokerage’s Paul Fetscher, and Goldblatt Associates’ Leslie Goldblatt. Paul’s been busy lately, helping wireless carrier MetroPCS open stores in Queens and Brooklyn. Expect further expansion into Long Island, Westchester, Hudson County, and Manhattan in the coming months, he tells us.

March is going to be eventful for James Hayden (right, with Penmark Realty’s Jeffrey Klarfeld and Alfredo Sanchez). In addition to holding the chapter’s annual Asset & Property Management Symposium on March 18th, the Cub Scout volunteer will be sleeping on a battleship in Massachusetts with his son.

DeWitt Stern’s Alan Rappaport (center, with Richard Zarrilli and DeWitt colleague Diane Mittenzwei) will be speaking at  a seminar on the insurance market during the IREM symposium. He also owns an interest in The Pig Hill Inn bed-and-breakfast in Cold Spring, NY.

Related’s Judy Wong and Graubard Miller’s Peter Schwartz. Despite the economy, Peter’s been closing shopping center deals around the New York metro, and sold a multi-family development in Brooklyn. He tells us it’s slower than usual, but there are buyers ready to take advantage of opportunities. Judy reports Related is finishing up on its Brompton, Harrison, and Superior Ink condo devs in Manhattan.

R.Y. Management’s Eric Clarke, Lisa Dragone, and Teresa Tota report that there’s plenty of work these days. That means Lisa, who usually plays on two softball teams and in two bowling leagues, has to cut back on sports a bit.

Reader suggestions for ‘09’s theme song:  The Alberty Group’s Judith Alberty says “Eye Of The Tiger” (by the appropriately named Survivor); Sperry Van Ness’ Neil Golub suggests “Beat It,” “Smooth Criminal” (with a shout-out to Madoff), “Cry Me A River,” “I’m A Believer,” “Another One Bites the Dust” or “Stayin’ Alive.” Send other song suggestions or stories to Amanda@bisnow.com