Local Public Relations Professional Wins National Award

Pittsburgh, PA (12/04/2012) - Julie Hendry, public relations specialist for Direct Energy, was recognized as one of PR News' '15-to-Watch' for 2012 at the PR People Awards Luncheon in Washington, D.C. on November 29. The awards, which were presented at the city's National Press Club, recognize up and coming public relations professionals across the United States. Winners will also be named and profiled in a special issue of PR News.

"I'm incredibly honored to represent Direct Energy and be named one of PR News' '15-to-Watch' public relations professionals. This award means a lot to me and I am truly humbled to be recognized this way." said Hendry.

Hendry, 27, handles public relations for Direct Energy Residential. Adding to the company's community investment efforts, she is lauded for her efforts in launching the Volunteer Citizen of the Year award in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati. Under her direction, the Volunteer Citizen of the Year award program has taken flight and is set to expand to 18 cities across the United States next year. Hendry was nominated for PR News' award by her supervisor Bethany Ruhe, senior manager of public relations at Direct Energy.

"Julie's tireless work and dedication to her craft is an inspiration to me," said Ruhe. "She brings more than just a killer work ethic and creativity to the office every day; she brings joy."

Award nominees must be under the age of 30 and be a practicing communications professional at any of the following: a corporation, PR firm, nonprofit/association, educational institution, government organization or industry supplier.

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with more than 6 million residential and commercial customer relationships. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE:CNA), one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 46 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada.

Bethany L. Ruhe
Direct Energy
1-412-841-3818
Bethany.Ruhe@directenergy.com