PENTA Mentors Learn the “Business of Banking” from Executives at Avidia Bank

Westborough, MA – On Wednesday, November 16, the 2016-2017 Class of PENTA Marketing Mentorship Scholars embarked on the first of several tours in this year’s innovative business preparatory course, established by PENTA Communications, Inc.’s Founder and CEO Deborah Penta.

In an effort to educate the students on various aspects of business management, PENTA offers educational training at its Westborough headquarters, and has also created opportunities for students to visit companies in different industries to engage with c-level executives at leading organizations.

This year’s Westborough High School (WHS) seniors arrived at Avidia Bank located at 100 E Main Street, Westborough, to learn about “The Business of Banking.”

“We designed this unique program model to provide real world education and high-level exposure to business students, and we are grateful to the companies that partner with us to deliver a world-class program each year,” said Deborah Penta, CEO of PENTA Communications, Inc.

“In shaping this year’s program, it was only natural to ask Avidia Bank to be our financial site host,” said Penta. “For years, Avidia has proven its commitment to the region as a dedicated community bank, always in the trenches to support and empower the residents of the towns in which it services with significant gifts of time, energy, and financial support. The bank is very generous to numerous organizations. They were a perfect fit.”

“Avidia Bank was proud to host the students that are participating in the 2017 Class of the PENTA Marketing Mentorship Scholars Program. Avidia is committed to financial literacy and understands the importance of how banking and financial services impacts us all,” said Mark O’Connell, President & CEO.

Mike Allard, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Avidia Bank, worked with Penta to organize a site visit that shared numerous ways the bank markets its products to businesses and consumers, and led four hands-on training modules during the visit.

“Avidia’s commitment to innovative service delivery for its customers is a reminder of what a community bank is capable of providing. We are certainly proving that the playing field is being leveled for institutions of all sizes. We like the combination of being forward thinking and a community bank,” said Mike Allard, SVP, CMO.

“Our Mentees had an excellent experience during their visit to Avidia Bank, and we appreciate the time the executives at Avidia spent to plan such a well thought out, organized, and innovative program,” said Penta.

The students, who were selected to participate in the six-month PENTA Marketing Mentorship Scholar Program by WHS Principal Brian Callaghan and WHS Business/Computer Science Department Head Darrell Potosnak, gained an in-depth understanding of how the bank implements and analyzes its social media marketing efforts in the November session.

According to Penta, in the coming months, the students will also participate in a “Business and Government” segment featuring local and state legislators, as well as a site visit and tour of Columbia Tech, an innovative leader in global product development.

In the 2015-2016 academic year, students enjoyed numerous corporate site tours including Westborough TV and Columbia Tech. Last year’s “Business and Government” segment brought Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Massachusetts Senator Michael Moore, and State Representatives Carolyn Dykema and Hannah Kane to PENTA’s Marketing Innovation and Customer Insights Center™ to speak with the Marketing Mentorship Scholars about the role government plays in business, and they also shared their professional journeys with the students.

The 2015-2016 program year culminated with a celebratory event last May, bringing the students together with community, business, legislative, and scholastic leaders, as they were recognized for their participation.

“Westborough High School has been a wonderful partner in welcoming this program. This is a great example of what transpires when schools and businesses work collaboratively to achieve successful outcomes in bringing innovation and real world experiences to classrooms. We are grateful for the opportunity,” said Penta.

For nearly three decades, PENTA has been an avid supporter of the advancement of education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and is dedicated to promoting a healthy economy by providing future leaders with essential applied learning opportunities.

To learn more about the PENTA Marketing Mentorship Scholar™ program, visit: https://pentamarketing.com/community/

PENTA Communications, Inc. is a full-service integrated marketing firm celebrating nearly 30 years of marketing excellence. As a vested community stakeholder, the firm has contributed $2.5 million to numerous non-profit and charitable organizations. A member of the United Nations Global Compact, PENTA is making a significant impact regionally and remains focused on the creation of a stronger global community, which is in full alignment with the Firm’s core values. As a strategic marketing partner to many of the region’s most recognizable organizations, PENTA is renowned for its reputation, proven track record, and expertise to help bring organizational marketing to the next level. To learn more, visit www.pentamarketing.com.