![Jagjeet S. Bindra](https://indiapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Photo_Bindra-web.jpg)
IRWINDALE, CA: Celebrating business and community partnerships, Southern California Edison (SCE) hosted its eighth annual Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebration on Friday May 3, highlighting the company’s partnerships with local business customers and organizations.
“SCE takes pride in cultivating relationships with diverse business customers and community organizations on energy conservation, supporting our local communities, and working towards a better environment,” said Lisa Cagnolatti, SCE’s vice president, Business Customer Division.
“We are pleased to recognize the positive contributions made by Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations and businesses in our service territory.”
Keynoting the event was Jagjeet S. Bindra, a member of the board of directors of Edison International and SCE, and a recognized leader in the South Asian American community. He is the founding chairman of the board of directors of South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting issues affecting the South Asian American community.
“I am honored to be a part of the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration with Southern California Edison,” said Bindra. “It is important to celebrate diversity and recognize the achievements made by leaders in business and nonprofits serving the community in Southern California.”
The Energy Efficiency Participation Awards were presented to IMPEX Inc. and Park Avenue Chinese Cuisine for their efforts to conserve energy. The Diverse Business Enterprise Award, which honors a business that is part of SCE’s Supplier Diversity and Development Program, will be given to Apex Computer Systems, Inc., a Chinese-owned company that provides complete technology services to companies of all sizes.
The Community Partnership Award was presented to the Samoan National Nurses Association (SNNA), which is currently working on a project with SCE to create policies to provide a safer environment for the elderly. Serving as this year’s emcee was Jannelle So, host and producer of Kababayan L.A.
SCE began this event in 2006 to recognize the accomplishments of AAPI businesses, their contributions to economic growth, and their commitment to being energy efficient.
SCE Diversity Facts:
• Within the region SCE serves, 35 languages are spoken.
• Over one-third of the nation’s AAPI citizens reside in California, and out of that more than half reside in Southern California.
• SCE spent over $1.5 billion during 2012 with suppliers owned by minorities, women and disabled veterans – 38.2 percent of all such spending. This represents a 199 percent increase since 2008.
• In 2012, 54 percent of SCE’s 16,500 employees and 55 percent of SCE’s new hires were part of diverse ethnic groups.
India Post News Service