California American Water’s Aiko Yamakawa Joins CalAsian Chamber Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

California American Water (CAW) announced that Aiko Yamakawa, Director, Corporate Counsel, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CalAsian Chamber). Yamakawa brings over 18 years of experience in corporate law and advising water utilities to the CalAsian Chamber Board of Directors. California American Water actively searches for partnerships with diverse suppliers, with an impressive 45.93 percent of the company’s spending going to diverse-owned businesses in 2022. The CalAsian Chamber is the largest statewide ethnic chamber of commerce in California, representing over 600,000 AAPI-owned businesses.

Positive

• Aiko Yamakawa's election to the CalAsian Chamber Board of Directors strengthens California American Water's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• California American Water exceeded all goals for spending targets in diverse subcategories, recognized as the only utility in the state to do so by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Negative

• None.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- California American Water announced today that Aiko Yamakawa, Director, Corporate Counsel, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CalAsian Chamber).

Aiko Yamakawa, Director, Corporate Counsel for California American Water and Pat Fong Kusihda, President & CEO of the CalAsian Chamber of Commerce. (Photo: Business Wire)

Yamakawa brings over 18 years of experience in corporate law and advising water utilities to the CalAsian Chamber Board of Directors. She joined California American Water in 2020 and has been providing legal support to the company’s operations, projects, and initiatives.

“We are proud of Aiko’s achievements and her contributions to the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) business community in California,” said Kevin Tilden, President of California American Water. "Aiko's position on the CalAsian Chamber Board further strengthens our commitment to diversity and inclusion, which are values deeply ingrained in our company culture and business model.”

California American Water actively searches for partnerships with diverse suppliers to fuel economic growth and create a more inclusive network of companies to work with. In 2022, an impressive 45.93 percent of the company’s spending went to diverse-owned businesses. California American Water was recognized by the California Public Utilities Commission as the only utility in the state to exceed all goals for spending targets in each of the diverse subcategories.

The CalAsian Chamber is the largest statewide ethnic chamber of commerce in California, representing over 600,000 AAPI-owned businesses. The CalAsian Chamber’s mission is to advocate for policies and programs that foster economic development and create opportunities for AAPI entrepreneurs and professionals.

“I am honored and excited to join the CalAsian Chamber Board of Directors,” said Yamakawa. “I look forward to collaborating with the other board members and the chamber staff to advance the interests and needs of the AAPI business community in California.”

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 (formerly Twitter) 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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231221415370/en/

Media

Nichole Baxter

External Affairs

Phone: 916-291-0736

Email: nichole.baxter@amwater.com

Source: California American Water

FAQ

Who has been elected to the Board of Directors of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce?

Aiko Yamakawa, Director, Corporate Counsel of California American Water.

How much of California American Water's spending went to diverse-owned businesses in 2022?

An impressive 45.93 percent.

What is the mission of the CalAsian Chamber?

To advocate for policies and programs that foster economic development and create opportunities for AAPI entrepreneurs and professionals.