American Water’s Laura Monica Honored with PR News PR People of the Year Awards

VOORHEES, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE:AWK), the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company, announced today that Laura Monica, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and External Affairs, was named one of PR News’ PR People of the Year. Monica, along with her fellow honorees, was recognized in an awards ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on December 1, 2009.

Monica received an honorable mention award in the category of PR Team Leader for her extraordinary leadership in spearheading a national communications campaign aimed at educating customers and other external audiences about the company and the complexities of the water industry. Monica conducted a communications department assessment, which led to department reorganization nationwide; established best practices and operating procedures including strategically streamlined costs; enhanced customer communications in print and online vehicles; and led her team to plan and execute proactive external communications strategies on the national level and in American Water’s service areas of 32 states and Ontario, Canada. Monica is a native of southern New Hampshire.

PR News’ PR People Awards competition showcases the top talent in the public relations industry – the innovators and passionate professionals who are making communications matter in the marketplace. The winners of this annual recognition set the benchmark for the industry and underscore the outstanding public relations achievements made in the past year. The winners are profiled in the PR News All-Stars Special Issue, in print and online at www.prnewsonline.com.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.