PennWest Edinboro’s branch of the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network earned four regional marketing awards this month for their work supporting local businesses.
The Center for Branding and Strategic Communication – Edinboro’s Beehive branch – earned a gold PRSA/NWPA Niagara Award in the “Video News Release/Marketing Video” category and three silver awards in “Marketing/Advertising."
The Beehive’s creative team partnered with Erie-based media company R. Frank Media to develop “Meet the NWPA Innovation Beehive Network,” to showcase the labs, leaders and student contributors of the Beehive network. This effort earned PennWest Edinboro a gold award for its marketing video.
“The talented team at R. Frank Media put together a true centerpiece for the Beehive’s storytelling efforts,” said Chris Lantinen, director of the PennWest Edinboro Beehive. “In 10 minutes, they’re able to take viewers on a tour to show off our great student employees and tell impactful client stories. This video will be a critical marketing piece for us for years to come.”
In the "Marketing/Advertising" category, the Beehive earned a silver for its collaboration with Tour Erie, a new family-owned small business that provides tours of the City of Erie and its Bayfront community. Brianna Signorelli, who graduated from PennWest in 2024 with a degree in graphic and interactive design, completed this branding for the new organization.
“Heather and Lauren Cass are driven local entrepreneurs that are building something special with Tour Erie,” Lantinen said. “Tourists and residents alike are given the chance to engage with Erie’s unique history and great geography. Brianna did an excellent job and helped to establish a strong brand identity.”
A student team from PennWest’s “Design Practicum” course – under the direction of faculty members Cassandra Reese and Scott Gladd – earned the second silver award for “Discover Harborcreek,” an initiative through the Harborcreek Community Engagement Team in eastern Erie County.
The third silver award was for the Beehive’s collaboration with Impact Corry’s “Transforming Small Business” podcast. The Beehive assists the podcast – hosted by retired Edinboro faculty member Dr. Tony Peyronel – with editing and created its artwork.
The PRSA/NWPA Niagara Awards are awarded annually to public relations and marketing communications practitioners who have successfully addressed a contemporary issue with exemplary professional skill, creativity and resourcefulness. The Beehive competes against seasoned professionals for these prizes.
Each year, the PRSA Niagara Awards recognize complete public relations or marketing communications programs and projects incorporating sound research, planning, execution and evaluation.
Photo: Scott Gladd, instructor in visual and performing arts; Cassandra Reese, assistant professor of visual and performing arts; Dr. Tony Peyronel, retired Edinboro faculty member; Chris Lantinen, director of PennWest Edinboro Beehive; and students Madeline Lucore and Nora Logue.
Photo contributed by Maureen Rizzo