PENTA Helps Worcester Ring in the New Year in Style

WORCESTER _ First Night Worcester 2009 is less than a month away but the folks at PENTA Communications, Inc. launched its marketing efforts for First Night Worcester 2009 shortly after First Night Worcester 2008 ended.

PENTA, the Westborough-based marketing firm, has been working to make First Night Worcester 2009 even bigger and better than 2008 with an integrated program including website redesign, print and transit advertising, creative design and the event program book.

“First Night Worcester is a wonderful organization that exudes artistic and creative talent in every facet of its production, and we are dedicated to helping it shine again in 2009,” said Deborah Penta, CEO of PENTA Communications, Inc. “We are proud to have an opportunity to help First Night Worcester, which is one of the most successful First Night operations in the United States. Joyce Kessler and her entire team of board members and volunteers work tirelessly to offer Worcester and people throughout New England a fabulous evening to ring in the New Year. Our entire team is delighted to support this exceptional community arts initiative.”

Among last year’s many successes, the integrated marketing campaign by PENTA Communications Inc. helped achieve record attendance for First Night Worcester and its new website received a Prism Award. This award was received for best web design from among all First Night’s in the nation. This is the highest recognition given out by First Night International, which judged over 100 websites.

“The website design was not only artistically outstanding, but also captured the upbeat, fun nature of the event, while offering easy access to everything from performance information to bus routes. No wonder it won an award,” said First Night Worcester Executive Director Joyce Kessler. “The design and promotional services that PENTA provides for First Night Worcester have positioned our small organization to stand out in a very competitive marketplace.”

Now in its 27th year, First Night Worcester is a special and memorable event and each year on Dec. 31, Worcester is transformed into a major festival that rivals bigger city First Nights across the country. This family-friendly event draws over 50,000 people who come from across New England. First Night Worcester is a non-profit 501 C (3) organization that is dedicated to expanding arts in the city; and, its board members make up an eclectic mix of the community.

This year’s theme, “Where the Arts Make Magic,” will offer over 100-artistically diverse performances and activities in 20 indoor locations. The highlight of this year’s First Night Worcester is the creation of the largest origami sculpture project ever attempted. Businesses or anyone with six business cards and a $10 donation can participate (see website for more details).

“This year’s event will be even more outstanding than last year. Joyce and her team did an exceptional job orchestrating an evening that everyone will enjoy. We believe that this year’s theme, Where the Arts make Magic, is a perfect description of what happens in Worcester on December 31,” Penta said.

“Once again, the PENTA team has delivered a creative edge leading our organization into another successful year, especially remarkable given the current economic environment,” Kessler said.

For more information on First Night Worcester 2009, visit www.firstnightworcester.org.