Officials offer thanks and praise to outgoing EDC chair Penta  

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor

Westborough – Local officials, past and present, gathered June 5 to laud the outgoing chair of the Westborough Economic Development Committee (EDC), Deborah Penta.

Penta, the founder and CEO of Penta Communications, Inc., served eight years on the EDC, the last two as president. In the reception held in her honor in the foyer of the Town Hall prior to the EDC’s monthly meeting, she was praised by those in attendance for not only for her work with the committee but her other charitable endeavors in the town.

Bonnie Sullivan, who will now serve as chair, thanked Penta for her “professionalism, friendship and high standards.”

Jim Robbins, the town planner, echoed those thoughts.

“You taught us how to have a standard of excellence…and how to do things well,” he said.

Ian Johnson, a member of the Board of Selectmen who serves as the board’s liaison to the EDC, noted that Penta had helped take the board “to a new level.”

“It’s now one of the top EDCs in the state,” he added.

One of the highlights of Penta’s tenure was establishing an annual Review and Celebratory Event where the EDC honors local companies in categories such as Small Business Award, Public Private Partnership, Best Expansion Project, Driver for Business Growth and more.

Joining current EDC members and other town officials were past EDC chair Lester Hensley; former EDC coordinator Francisco Torres; former Building Inspector Tin Htway, and Paul Matthews, executive director, 495/Metrowest Partnership.

Sullivan announced that a donation would be made to the Westborough Food Pantry in Penta’s honor.

At the meeting following the reception, Penta noted how touched she was by the show of support from those gathered.

“I have truly loved being involved with the EDC for the last eight years,” she said. “It has been wonderful to have the chance to contribute and build upon what Lester [Hensley] and Rod [former EDC chair Jane] have developed over the years. And I am very excited about the future of the EDC.”

Speaking to new EDC Coordinator Katelyn O’Brien, Penta added, “You’re a dynamic, bright and talented. I am really excited to see you grow in this role.”

For more information on the EDC visit http://edc.town.westborough.ma.us.