Scott Pipitone Wins First-Ever Pittsburgh Small Business Community Heroes Award

Direct Energy and Pittsburgh Magazine award Scott Pipitone, president & CEO of Pipitone Group, the inaugural award for dedication to bettering communities

Pittsburgh (June 27, 2013) - Direct Energy and Pittsburgh Magazine honor Scott Pipitone, president and CEO of Pipitone Group, as the 2013 Pittsburgh Small Business Community Heroes awardee for his dedication to community investment and revitalization. Pipitone was chosen for his personal contributions as well as his Observatory Hill-based integrated marketing communications firm's commitment to helping dozens of area non-profits advance their missions to benefit thousands of people.

During the past six years the company has provided pro-bono marketing services to the tune of more than $230,000 of in-kind contributions for organizations such as Strength & Courage: Exercises for Breast Cancer Survivors; the Northside/Northshore Chamber of Commerce; Ingomar Living Waters; and many others. These contributions don't include his personal financial contributions and his fostering and facilitating of a spirit of giving back to the community in his 33 employees, who in turn, take that spirit into their own communities.

"Scott's dedication to Observatory Hill, as well as the greater Pittsburgh community at large – both at work and at home - epitomized what we were seeking in the first-ever Pittsburgh Small Business Community Hero," said Todd Sandford, head of small business, Direct Energy Business.

Betsy Benson, publisher and vice president of Pittsburgh Magazine, said "We received a lot of outstanding nominations and they were all very admirable but Scott's passion for community investment and revitalization is nothing short of amazing. We are honored to be able to help two causes near and dear to his heart."

By winning the Pittsburgh Small Business Community Heroes award, Direct Energy will donate $1,000 each in Scott's name to the Presbyterian SeniorCare Foundation and the Good Grief Center for Bereavement Support, a division of Ursuline Senior Services. Additionally, Pipitone will be recognized in the July issue of Pittsburgh Magazine and Direct Energy will award him a $500 cash prize.

Pipitone's eye for the smart implementation of creative design in collaboration with other marketing and communications strategies has helped Pipitone Group grow from a one-person graphic design shop to a fully integrated marketing and communications firm. In addition to the in-kind donations mentioned, Pipitone doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk. Each year for the last two years, he has closed down the office for an annual Pipitone Group community service/volunteer day. During these team outings, employees contribute their time, talents and sweat supporting local community groups with renovation projects.

The judging committee for the Pittsburgh Small Business Community Heroes also selected four Honorable Mentions that include: Dr. Gary A. Cuccia, owner of Cuccia Chiropractor Center; Heather Knuth, principal, Integrity Design; David L. Townsend, managing member and owner of D.L Townsend Insurance Agency, LLC, and; Leigh Anne Weiss, co-owner of Airheads Balloon Art. Direct Energy will donate $250 each to the honorable mentions' charity of choice.

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 45 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada.

About Pittsburgh Magazine
Since 1969, Pittsburgh Magazine has been the leading magazine in the region. Built on a foundation of independent quality journalism, PM is a trusted resource for our most engaged residents and visitors. Today, our brand encompasses a monthly print magazine; a digital edition available on pittsburghmagazine.com; online videos and award-winning blogs; a free App available on iPad, iPhone, Android and Kindle Fire devices; and a robust social media presence.

About Pipitone Group
Pipitone Group is a Pittsburgh-based marketing and communications firm that does great work with great people. How do we do it? We InteGREAT. Your people and our people. Brand building and business building. Marketing and sales. We develop multi-disciplined, integrated approaches – and then execute them flawlessly – to help clients achieve results. Experience how we InteGREAT at pipitonegroup.com.

For further information, please contact:

Andrea Romo
Direct Energy
412.334.9510
Andrea.Romo@directenergy.com

Scott Henry
Pipitone Group
412.321.0879
shenry@pipitonegroup.com