California American Water Celebrates Spending More Than 50% of Procurement Budget With Diverse Businesses

Company Spends $68.7 Million With Diverse Suppliers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--California American Water is proud to announce the release of its annual Supplier Diversity Report, "Celebrating the Beauty of Diversity," to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The report highlights the company's continued commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive supply chain, exceeding the CPUC’s goals for 2023.

“We are thrilled to share another outstanding year for Supplier Diversity at California American Water,” said Kevin Tilden, President of California American Water. “Since embracing this critical initiative, we've consistently met or surpassed the CPUC’s goals, and 2023 was no exception. In fact, this year marks our highest spend with diverse businesses since we began tracking our results 15 years ago.”

California American Water surpassed the CPUC's 2023 target of investing 22.5 percent of its total procurement budget with diverse suppliers, achieving a remarkable 50.49 percent. Thanks to the dedication of the company's leadership, supplier diversity team, and employees, California American Water achieved a $68.7 million spend with diverse businesses.

“Our commitment to diversity doesn't stop at our supply chain,” said Tilden. “We also lead the industry in our board diversity, and we are constantly looking for new ways to enhance the diversity among our employees. And we are going to keep improving.”

The annual Supplier Diversity Report showcases the positive impact of supplier diversity on California American Water's business and the communities it serves. It also details the company's plans to continue building a more inclusive supply chain in 2024.

“Supplier diversity is not just a principle – it's woven into the fabric of California American Water,” said Mary Lou Ruiz, Supplier Diversity Manager at California American Water. “By actively mentoring, connecting, and empowering diverse vendors, we open doors to their success and, in turn, unlock fresh perspectives and best practices for our company. This ultimately benefits our customers by fostering innovation and ensuring a strong, reliable supply chain.”

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About California American Water

California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, provides high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 700,000 people.