Manzi is 'Mr. Monticello'

John Manzi, Monticello Gaming & Raceway’s longtime director of publicity and public relations, was recently honored by the management of Empire Resorts, Monticello Gaming & Raceway’s parent company, for his outstanding work over the past 26 years.

“I was absolutely floored; it felt so good,” Manzi said. “It’s just wonderful to know that you’re appreciated; it’s like a vote of confidence.”

Dave Hanlon, president of Empire Resorts, awarded Manzi a certificate of appreciation Monday that was signed by each member of the Empire Resorts' board of directors.

“John has always been an asset here, someone committed and enthusiastic about his work,” said Hanlon. “We’re incredibly lucky to have him on our team.”

Manzi, who has spent a lifetime serving the sport of harness racing, took a position at Monticello Raceway in 1974 working first as assistant race secretary, then race secretary, followed by a position in community relations. In 1980 he became the track’s public relations director and over the years he has been known as one of the most creative forces in the industry.

Manzi joined the U.S. Harness Writers Association in the mid-1970s, eventually becoming national president in 1990 through 1991. In 1992 he received Member of the Year honors, the William R. Haughton Good Guy Award in 1999, and earlier this year he was the recipient of the Proximity Achievement Award.

He has worked tirelessly to promote amateur driving with hopes that it will lure more people into the sport. He also serves as publicist of the C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Association.

“John is ‘Mr. Monticello Raceway’ and his dedication and passion to the harness racing profession is a model for all employees of Monticello Gaming & Raceway to follow,” said Cliff Ehrlich, senior vice president of Monticello Gaming & Raceway.

Manzi’s tireless efforts in the sport recently prompted the U.S. Harness Writers Association to elect him to the Communicators' Corner of the Hall Of Fame at The Harness Racing Museum. The induction ceremonies are slated for July 1, 2007 at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet in Goshen, N.Y. (Monticello)

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