Robert Manasier Nominated for 2016 Ecosystem Champion Award

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Sept. 2, 2016 - PRLog -- "The Ecosystem Champion is for individuals who are catalyzing and supporting startup activity across multiple Upstate communities and Robert Manasier - EIR, The Sage Colleges; CEO, In Focus Brands; COO, Autonomy Distributors; President of IFP Films; Managing Director of the Diamond Point Co-Development Fund and The EDA Fund exemplifies the unifying philosophy, leadership, drive and passion that is needed to bring real economic development to the region" adds Jill Daye of In Focus Brands.

Robert Manasier comments: "I am humbled by the praise and very lucky to call many of my co-nominees, friends. It is all about teamwork, being there and building collaborative resources to be utilized in the proper sequence for maximum effect. I look forward to the future of Upstate with this great group of people and doers."

Many co-workers, partners and clients have commented on Robert's (Manasier) nomination.

Kim Frederick, Dean of Sage's School of Management: "It is great that Robert Manasier is being nominated as an Ecosystem Champion at UVC.  Bob is a true champion and mentor of countless startup businesses.  As our Entrepreneur in Residence at the Sage Colleges, we continue to build collaborative relationships with students, businesses and the community and we look forward to continuing to bring together all of these groups."

Tim Katusha of Autonomy Distributors: "Always prepared, always available and always watching out for your interests, what else can you ask for. He reaches across aisles and continents to bring the best to our needs and goals."

Patrice Perkins of EDA Labs: "Bob is fully immersed and engaged all the time. Heart-centric leadership, open, honest, inclusive, he is an awesome partner in the trenches and out."

Tony Marten of IFP: "I have had the honor and pleasure to see Bob at his infancy with IFP. The focus, drive, care and humor have never changed. His belief in team is real and he truly practices servant leadership every day; the reason that I have been with the company for over 20 years."

Robert Manasier is one of the 26 community leaders and one company (Autonomy Distributors which Robert (Manasier) was instrumental in) from the Capital District that have been nominated for 2016 Venture Ecosystem Awards! UVC received over 100 submissions across the five awards categories. These nominations represent the entrepreneurial leaders throughout Upstate New York who are transforming our region's economy.

"This is a clear sign of how our ecosystem has become more connected and inclusive with so many entrepreneurial leaders emerging to transform their communities, and the region as a whole," said UVC Founder & Venture Catalyst Martin Babinec.

Winners will be announced at a special Awards Luncheon held at the Turning Stone Resort on September 16, featuring keynote speaker and serial entrepreneur Tim Keenan, and honorary guest Dane Stangler, VP of Research and Policy at Kauffman Foundation. Tickets are now available at 2016-Upstate-Unleashed-Awards.eventbrite.com.

An independent panel of judges will review the nominations and determine the winners. For a complete list of nominees visit: http://www.UVC.org/Awards-Nominations.