PENTA CEO Appointed to Westborough Economic Development Committee

Retention and Attraction of Businesses Large and Small is Primary Focus

WESTBOROUGH _ Deborah Penta, CEO of PENTA Communications, Inc. was recently appointed to the Town of Westborough Economic Development Committee by a unanimous vote of the Westborough Board of Selectmen on Tuesday evening, August 17, 2010.

The Committee was formed from Article 4 of a Special Town Meeting that took place on October 20, 2008. The purpose of the Committee is to promote business development within Westborough, provide advice to the Board of Selectmen on economic development policy, meet and work with current and prospective Westborough businesses, and work cooperatively with businesses and state agencies to retain current businesses; and attract new businesses to Westborough.

The Economic Development Committee is comprised of town officials and local business leaders who share a passion for the benefits of Westborough as a profitable, convenient, and competitive location for businesses and as a community rich in lifestyle benefits.

“The Economic Development Committee is an active, results-oriented team that is committed to expanding the number of jobs and local commercial revenues in Westborough. The EDC already has many achievements in its first two years of existence including:  1. Establishing Westborough as an Economic Target Area (making it eligible to receive state incentives), 2. Proposing and obtaining approval of a new zoning bylaw that will allow more development of Westborough’s commercial business parks, and 3. Playing a role in bringing BJ’s corporate headquarters (1,000 new jobs) to Westborough, and the expansion of eClinicalWorks operations in Westborough from 450 to 550 jobs,” said Rod Jané, chairman of the Board of Selectmen. “We are excited that Deborah Penta has decided to bring her energy to the EDC team in a role where she can add substantial value to the Town of Westborough.”

Committee members from the Town of Westborough include, Jim Malloy (Town Manager), Jim Robbins (Town Planner), John Walden (DPW Director), Joe Inman (Building Commissioner), Linda Swadel (Town Assessor), Greg Franks (Town Counsel), and Rod Jané (Selectman). They are joined by business community members Bonnie Sullivan (Senior Vice President – Mass Development), Joe MacDonough (former CEO of Westborough Bank), and Lester Hensley (CEO of EMSEAL Joint Systems).

“Deborah brings extensive experience to the table including marketing and communications as the head of PENTA Communications, and economic development experience as the former Chairperson of the Corridor Nine Chamber of Commerce.  In addition, she is an executive who runs a business in Westborough, so she has a clear perspective of the benefits and challenges of operating and growing a Westborough-based business,” said Rod Jané, chairman of the Board of Selectmen.

“Deb Penta’s 20 years of business leadership experience, as well as commitment to her community make her an ideal addition to our town’s Economic Development Committee,” said Joe MacDonough, Committee Member. “She believes in creating an environment that will allow business to thrive and grow while at the same time being mindful of corporate responsibility to local and regional needs of the communities in our area. She is actively involved in the Central Mass. Regional Planning Commission helping foster job growth throughout the area. Her marketing expertise, especially in the area of web site design will be a huge addition to our team. I look forward to working with Deb on our committee.”

“We are thrilled to have Deb join us. Her expertise will be quickly drawn in our efforts to develop the EDC’s website. I am really looking forward to working with her,” said Committee member Bonnie Sullivan.

The Economic Development Committee reaches out to existing businesses for input and feedback on what will keep them located and growing in Westborough, while also welcoming many new, prospective companies that are considering Westborough as a future site of operations.