SAN FRANCISCO – The California Water Association (CWA) has been recognized as ‘Corporate Member of the Year’ by the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce Silicon Valley. CWA represents 101 water utilities throughout the state that are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission.
The honor came during a January 25 “Celebrating Success” event in Santa Clara, during which the chamber recognized CWA for “outstanding contributions and service to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities in the San Francisco Bay Area,” according to a Certificate of Recognition from California State Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont).
Established in 1999 to give exposure to the LGBT business community, the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce Silicon Valley is the largest not-for-profit corporation in greater Silicon Valley for LGBT businesses comprised of LGBT and LGBT-supportive business owners and professionals.
Over the past year, CWA representative Jose Espinoza of California Water Service served on the chamber board, chaired CWA’s Utility Supplier Diversity Program (USDP) Committee, coordinated its annual procurement community event (CONNECT: 2017) and revamped its 2018 Corporate Membership package, among other efforts.
“We are beyond honored to receive these awards,” said Timothy McLaughlin, Supplier Diversity and Community Involvement Manager for San Jose Water Company and USDP Committee vice chair, who accepted the award on CWA’s behalf. “They demonstrate the commitment by the California Water Association and its members to going above and beyond to providing opportunities for LGBT businesses and other diverse suppliers to thrive.”
Jose Espinoza, Supplier Diversity Program Manager for California Water Service (left), and Timothy McLaughlin, Supplier Diversity and Community Involvement Manager for San Jose Water Company, accept the Corporate Member of the Year award from the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce Silicon Valley on behalf of the California Water Association.
