Auburn VNA honors PENTA Communications with President’s Award

AUBURN, MA _ On November 10, 2011, in an evening of celebration, the Auburn VNA Health Network honored PENTA Communications, Inc., a Massachusetts-based marketing firm with its 2011 President’s Award. PENTA was highlighted for developing a highly effective marketing strategy and all of the work the firm has done in the past year to help the Auburn VNA with its strategic realignment.

“The President’s award morphed out of creating the Agency’s first Annual Recognition Dinner in fall of 2010. This was my first year with the Agency and I recognized the importance of acknowledging those individuals and businesses that contributed to our success,” said Kim Harmon, president and CEO of Auburn VNA Health Network. “Each year the President/CEO identifies an individual, group or organization that is deserving of special recognition. The recipient is chosen at the discretion of the President/CEO and is selected based on an individual’s, group, or organization’s major contribution to the success of the agency.  PENTA Communications was selected based on the organization’s major contribution to the success of this Agency.”

“The success of the Auburn VNA Health Network is a unique collaboration of staff, volunteers, and business partnerships. Our annual recognition dinner gives us a chance to say thanks to all of those who contribute to our success,” said Auburn VNA Health Network Board Chairman Dan Craig.

“We are very honored to have been chosen for this award,” said Deborah Penta, CEO of PENTA Communications, Inc. “This was an exciting project and it has been a pleasure working with Kim, Brett and the Auburn VNA team. Kim’s vision for the organization was clear and we enjoyed helping the VNA bring its vision to life both strategically and creatively.”

“I would not have been able to successfully rebrand the entire organization in 2011 if it weren’t for PENTA Communications.  Deborah had a willingness to really listen to my vision for this 93-year old home care agency that was facing challenges with the economic climate. PENTA Communications fosters a team approach and really partnered with us. Deborah and her team have advocated for the Auburn VNA Health Network since the inception of our project,” Harmon said.

“A gourmet chief will tell you ‘Presentation is everything.’ What PENTA Communications has done for our ‘presentation’ in the health care industry would have to be rated five star. They have taken our 90 year history and given it a contemporary look, informing and educating our service area with what we have evolved to and can offer them, under a variety of banners, but with a single mission,” said Past Board Chairman Henry Camosse Jr. “They have given us an identity with which we can truly move forward with as we grow as an organization.”

PENTA Communications, Inc., has spearheaded numerous strategic marketing and rebranding campaigns in its 23-year history. Recently the firm completed rebranding programs for the Central Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board and is currently giving Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Massachusetts and Metrowest a “make-over.” The organization began working with the Auburn VNA in March 2011, and worked collaboratively with its CEO and Director of Marketing to spearhead strategic marketing initiatives, and to carry forward the Agency’s vision of rebranding the organization, in order to help it compete more effectively in an increasingly complex and challenging senior health care market.

“When I joined the organization in a newly created position of President & CEO, I was charged with the task of leading a strategic plan that would bring the VNA to the forefront. Intuitively, I knew that rebranding the Agency with new names that tied into our community roots, a fresh new look, and created our story, then the task of achieving sustainability was doable,” Harmon said. “In today’s home health arena, many home care agencies with revenues under $5M most likely will be facing dissolution, mergers, or acquisitions by 2015. It is becoming increasingly difficult for small, stand alone agencies to provide a high level of quality patient care yet maintain profitability. With PENTA’s expertise and guidance, I am now positioning Auburn VNA Health Network for growth.”

I know that we will always have a true business partnership with Deborah and PENTA Communications,” Harmon added.

The Auburn VNA Health Network is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization founded in 1919. The Agency offers three distinct divisions: The Auburn VNA Nursing & Therapy; Pakachoag Gardens, and Bancroft Private Care.