Direct Energy names first-ever Pittsburgh Small Business Community Hero

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.

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.

One thought on “Direct Energy names first-ever Pittsburgh Small Business Community Hero

  1. THANKS Direct Energy and Pittsburgh Magazine. Your leadership in creating this award will set the bar for all small businesses to foster more “great work” for our Pittsburgh communities and people. We are all honored at Pipitone Group for the recognition and the help for my favorite organizations.

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