I don't have a reference, just a memory from flight school. I'm sure if I'm close that someone here will be able to provide a ref.
I recall that the turbulent air penetration speed was defined as the fastest speed at which you cannot exceed positive or negative 'g' limits (a plot of airspeed versus normal acceleration that shows stalling speeds, maximum airspeed and g limits would be really useful).
If you went faster than it then a severe gust could cause exceedance of a g limit, whereas at the turbulent air penetration speed that same gust would either cause the aircraft to meet a 'g' limit or cause the aircraft would stall.
If you went slower than the turbulent air penetration speed, then the concern is that you are more likely to stall due to a strong gust, and that you will spend more time in turbulent air.
If the speed you are talking about is derived the same as the turbulent air penetration speed that I remember from flight school, then the textbook answer would be, "it depends". If you were concerned that the turbulence could lead to stalling or structural damage, then that speed is your best bet, so by all means, speed up. If you weren't so concerned about losing control, but were instead concerned with comfort, etc. then the only benefit to speeding up is to minimize time in turbulent air, so...your call.
The funny thing is that even though this all works on paper, when you get into turbulence so severe that the above limits are a concern, your ASI will be all over the place, and the best you can do is to maintain the attitude you think would give you that speed.
Any other thoughts?
Matthew.