American States Water Company and Golden State Water Company Recognized for Leadership Opportunities for Women and Support of Minority Businesses

SAN DIMAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

American States Water Company AWR today announced that it received special recognition from two organizations for its high percentage of women in leadership positions and for its support of the Black Business Association and diverse suppliers.

American States Water Company was listed in California's Top 25 Companies from the 2013-2014 UC Davis Study of California Women Business Leaders: A Census of Women Directors and Highest-Paid Executives. The study details the presence of women at the very top of the 400 largest publicly held corporations headquartered in California. American States Water Company ranked fifth with approximately 43% of positions held by women among the board of directors and five highest-compensated executive officers.

Golden State Water Company, the largest subsidiary of American States Water Company, received The Black Business Association's Utility Company of the Year Award, given to those that have been most supportive of the growth and development of the Black Business Association and providing equal opportunities for diverse suppliers including women, minority and disabled veteran business enterprises. The Black Business Association (“BBA”) is a nonprofit organization and is one of the oldest, active, ethnic business organizations in the nation. Since 1970, the BBA has successfully mentored and worked with emerging black-owned businesses to help them gain access to long-term contracts and expansion capital.

“We are proud to be recognized by these two organizations,” stated Robert J. Sprowls, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our commitment to diversity in the workplace and the broader community remains steadfast.”

About American States Water

American States Water Company is the parent of Golden State Water Company and American States Utility Services, Inc. Through its utility subsidiary, Golden State Water Company, AWR provides water service to approximately 257,000 customers throughout 10 counties in Northern, Coastal and Southern California. The Company also distributes electricity to approximately 24,000 customers in the Big Bear recreational area of California. Through its contracted services subsidiary, American States Utility Services, Inc., the Company provides operations, maintenance and construction management services for water and wastewater systems located on military bases throughout the country under 50 year privatization contracts.

American States Water Company has paid dividends to shareholders every year since 1931, increasing the dividends received by shareholders each calendar year since 1954.