Veteran Named 2014 Pittsburgh Small Business Community Hero

Pittsburgh, PA (July 24, 2014) - Direct Energy and Trib Total Media honor Walter Aguirre, owner of L.A. Taco, as the 2014 Pittsburgh Small Business Community Heroes awardee for his dedication to community investment. Aguirre started his small business with a tarp and a charcoal grill, which has grown into a food truck staple in the Kittanning area that has encouraged other food trucks to open for business in the area. He was chosen because of utilizing his food truck as a collection point for Toys for Tacos, among other acts of volunteerism and charity.

Since Toys for Tacos began in 2012, Aguirre has collected nearly $4,000 in toys, which benefit children via the Armstrong County Salvation Army. He spearheads a local group, the First Friday Foundation, which hosts a monthly event in downtown Kittanning, which he volunteers many hours each month organizing. The events generate a great deal of income for local organizations and charities. Thanks to Aguirre, a group of local food trucks gather each month and donate a percentage of their net sales to a specified charity. "Walter's dedication to giving back to the Kittanning area epitomizes what we seek when selecting the Pittsburgh Small Business Community Heroes award winner," said Steve Girard, head of small business, Direct Energy Business. "Not only is Walter an inspiration to bolstering the small business community, he gives back to many organizations in need."

"Trib Total Media is proud to join Direct Energy in honoring Walter for the good he's doing in his community and beyond," said Ralph Martin, Trib Total Media President and CEO. "Walter is truly a community hero."

By winning the Pittsburgh Small Business Community Heroes award, Direct Energy will donate $2,000 to PA Hero Walk. Additionally, Aguirre will receive a $500 cash prize and will be presented with a commemorative award. An award ceremony will take place Thursday, July 31, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. at L.A. Taco's food truck, which will be located across from Jack's Ford, 700 Ekastown Rd., Sarver, PA 16055.

The judging committee for the Pittsburgh Small Business Community Heroes also selected one Honorable Mention, Sally Power, of Treasure House Fashions (THF), for her steadfast dedication to the resale shop helping women in need. Direct Energy will donate $250 to THF.

Last year, Scott Pipitone, CEO and president of the Pipitone Group, was the first Pittsburgh Small Business Community Hero.

For further information, please contact:
Andrea Romo
Direct Energy
Andrea.Romo@directenergy.com
412-334-9510