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4. Penco Celebrates 150 Years: Gala-Style Kickoff

Penco Celebrates 150 Years: Gala-Style Kickoff

On Saturday, May 4, 2019, Penco celebrated 150 years of excellence, growth, and innovation gala-style.  Beautiful décor, the enticing aroma of elegant cuisine, and invigorating tunes spun by DJ David invited colleagues, families, and friends into an atmosphere of warmth and worthy merriment.  Factory employees who typically see their co-workers in jeans and t-shirts had the opportunity to see each other donned in their Sunday best attire or better.  What a beautiful sight to behold!

Our President and CEO, Tom Kulikowski, graced the gala stage with a heartfelt welcome – sharing one of his key factors for efficacious business growth:  people.   His second chance, prisoner re-entry initiative gives ex-convicts an opportunity for gainful employment with Penco.  “People are grateful for second chances and they rise to the occasion to keep their jobs,” resulting in excellence internally that reflects in service externally.  Tom shared the journey of how Penco started, what has been achieved, and the growing relationships with employees, customers, and suppliers that will continue to flourish.

Greenville’s Mayor, PJ Connelly, shared congratulations via video and presented a special surprise for Penco:  Our very own appreciation day!  Not many corporations receive this honor so we are extremely proud.  One of our core values at Penco is building and maintaining great relationships with the community.  It comes as no surprise that esteemed local leaders participated in the Anniversary Gala, sharing congratulatory and inspirational messages.  Among those were Pitt County District Attorney Faris Dixon, who reflected on the impact Penco has had in the local area.  Responses from our VIP guests included these comments:  “Penco Products has been a pillar in the community,” and “Of all the corporate celebrations in Greenville, and there are many, Penco’s Gala was by far the most enjoyable.”

Rep Express Catering and Events started our night with appetizers ranging from simple cheese squares and fruit to the exquisite taste of barbeque and cream cheese-filled cups.  They followed with a beef brisket to die for, stuffed chicken, ravioli, garlic mashed potatoes, and more!  Rep Express sealed the buffet-style dinner with delectable desserts:  Oreo brownies, blondies, and cookies…so many sweet choices for a sweet night of fun. 

 One of the most exciting and hilarious events of the night was getting to see everyone “shake what their Mama gave them.”  Who knew that this bunch of professionals could really get down like this?  We did the Cupid Shuffle, went all the way back to the Electric Slide, and it looked like some people may have been moonwalking and break dancing!   Michael Jackson would have been honored. 

 The Anniversary Gala was simply beautiful.  Perhaps the most beautiful part was seeing all the love!  Penco is full of love, and it is reflected in the people who make this place great.  You!  Thanks to all who participated and to our wonderful, hard-working planning committee who brought everything together!  This has been the best fiscal year in Penco’s history since we have been in Eastern North Carolina.  Here’s to another 150 years of greatness!

impact Penco has had in the local area.  Responses from our VIP guests included these comments:  “Penco Products has been a pillar in the community,” and “Of all the corporate celebrations in Greenville, and there are many, Penco’s Gala was by far the most enjoyable.”

Rep Express Catering and Events started our night with appetizers ranging from simple cheese squares and fruit to the exquisite taste of barbeque and cream cheese-filled cups.  They followed with a beef brisket to die for, stuffed chicken, ravioli, garlic mashed potatoes, and more!  Rep Express sealed the buffet-style dinner with delectable desserts:  Oreo brownies, blondies, and cookies…so many sweet choices for a sweet night of fun. 

 One of the most exciting and hilarious events of the night was getting to see everyone “shake what their Mama gave them.”  Who knew that this bunch of professionals could really get down like this?  We did the Cupid Shuffle, went all the way back to the Electric Slide, and it looked like some people may have been moonwalking and break dancing!   Michael Jackson would have been honored. 

The Anniversary Gala was simply beautiful.  Perhaps the most beautiful part was seeing all the love!  Penco is full of love, and it is reflected in the people who make this place great.  You!  Thanks to all who participated and to our wonderful, hard-working planning committee who brought everything together!  This has been the best fiscal year in Penco’s history since we have been in Eastern North Carolina.  Here’s to another 150 years of greatness!