LOS ANGELES, June 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) earned top marks as an energy utility industry leader in The Greenlining Institute's recently released 2014 Supplier Diversity Report Card. The Greenlining Institute is a multi-ethnic public policy research and advocacy group based in San Francisco and rates California utilities each year on their commitments to supplier diversity.
"We are very pleased to be acknowledged by The Greenlining Institute for our efforts and results," said Dennis Arriola, president and CEO of SoCalGas. "We recognize our business is only as strong as the communities in which we live and work. And by working with diverse businesses we can help grow companies and jobs in those communities. Looking ahead, we will continue to work with community partners to identify potential opportunities for diverse suppliers as well as continue to provide technical assistance and mentoring to help diverse firms grow and flourish."
In the report, SoCalGas was hailed for its strong performance in the Latino and Minority Women category. This is the third year in a row the company has been recognized by The Greenlining Institute and the seventh consecutive year of growth in minority business spending.
In fact, SoCalGas achieved a record year in 2013 with 45.4 percent of its contracting budget going to woman, minority, and service-disabled veteran business enterprises (WMDVBEs). Over the years, SoCalGas has steadily increased its procurement with diverse suppliers and is seen as an industry leader. Diverse suppliers provide SoCalGas with everything from meters to pipes and computers, to legal services, heating and air conditioning, information technology to janitorial services and advertising solutions.
SoCalGas also won numerous awards last year from a variety of organizations including: American Indian Chamber of Commerce, Asian Business Association of Los Angeles, Black Business Association, Elite Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business of Los Angeles Appreciation Award, Southern California Minority Business Development Council, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and others.
SoCalGas' commitment to diversity extends beyond its diverse suppliers to its workforce and the communities it serves as well. Last year, SoCalGas donated more than $4.2 million and thousands of volunteer hours to the more than 500 communities it serves, benefitting underserved community groups in African American, Hispanic, Pacific Asian, Asian Indian and Native American communities. And, SoCalGas' commitment doesn't stop there. Its diverse workforce of more than 8,200 employees includes 65 percent minorities.
About Southern California Gas Co.
Southern California Gas Co. has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 140 years. It is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 20.9 million consumers connected through nearly 5.8 million meters in more than 500 communities. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles throughout Central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border. SoCalGas is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE).
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SOURCE Southern California Gas Company