By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Sometimes, the career path we’re meant to journey down isn’t evident.
There are no blinking lights or signs directing us, yet things naturally seem to fall into place. Communications professional Stu Coren, of Lower Southampton, can agree, as he gets ready to accept the Feasterville Business Association’s Person of the Year at the annual Frolic on April 29.
Though Coren has been a member of the FBA for 12 years, serving as both vice president and president, his entry into the association was coincidental. It was at a luncheon meeting with one of the FBA’s past presidents that Coren learned of the association. His lunch partner happened to mention it, and casually asked if he’d like to join.
Coren quickly learned his membership wouldn’t bring him or his Rosen Coren Agency any money, but that didn’t matter to him. He was intrigued by the community service aspect of the FBA, something he has worked with firsthand during his membership.
The FBA’s community and charity efforts include two $1,200 scholarships for high school students based on academics and community involvement; lead sponsorship for the Lower Southampton July 4 parade; an annual golf tournament; a blue-light ceremony honoring fallen soldiers; an annual Easter egg hunt with more than 10,000 eggs; and the dispersing of gift baskets for needy families at Christmas.
“I feel I get more out of it than I put into it,” Coren said.
Membership to the FBA is volunteer-based and full of locals who simply enjoy giving back to the community. This is why Coren was surprised and “truly humbled by this honor,” never imagining the organization he gives to would nominate him.
“Coren is being recognized and singled out for special attention for his service to the FBA, as well as to the community at large,” said Karen Madotto, president of the FBA. “He has been a real driving force in our association and has been instrumental in the success of our major fund efforts for a host of our area’s communal and charitable endeavors.”
In additional to his dedication to the FBA, Coren is a staple in the communications field, recently marking his 44th anniversary in the industry. In 1983, he co-founded with Al Rosen the Rosen Coren Agency, a Langhorne marketing communications agency that provides services for small to large businesses, corporations and nonprofit organizations.
The Rosen Coren Agency’s work has included hospitality with the Showboat Atlantic City Hotel, opening ceremony public relations for Six Flags Great Adventure and Sesame Place, and press for Bill Clinton and various celebrities.
Coren wasn’t always a public relations mastermind. Originally, he was a teacher at John Wister Elementary School in Philadelphia. That is, until the teachers went on strike. During those two to three weeks, Coren assisted Rosen at his old agency. When the strike ended, Rosen told him, “we’re keeping you.”
Guests who plan to attend the Frolic can expect food, music, dancing and some goodwill roasting.
“It’s my turn this year,” Coren laughed.
If you go…
The Frolic will be held at Brookside Manor at Somerton Springs, 50 Bustleton Pike, Feasterville, on Saturday, April 29.
Cocktails will be at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and an awards ceremony at 7 p.m. The public is invited.
Tickets are $65 per person, which includes a cocktail reception, open bar, dinner, silent auction and live music and dancing to the Craig Satchell Orchestra.
Anyone interested in attending can call 215–436–9768 or email [email protected]. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
