WEBVTT

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<v Operator>The feed for
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brought to you--

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<v Operator>For joining
today's conference,</v>

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all participant lines have been placed

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in Listen Only mode.

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Today's conference is being recorded.

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And now I'd like to turn
today's conference over

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to President Batjer.

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Thank you, you may begin.

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<v ->Thank you operator.</v>

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Good morning and welcome

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to the California Public
Utilities Commission,

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18th Annual Supplier Diversity En Banc.

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As Stated I am Maribel Batjer,

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the president of the California
Public Utilities Commission.

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And it's my pleasure
to welcome all of you

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to 18th Annual Supplier
Diversity EnnBanc

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on General Order 156.

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Themed "General Order 156:
Generating Economic Success

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"During Uncertain Economic Times."

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Before we begin, I'd like to note again,

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that this is a public meeting

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and it is being recorded

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and may be posted online
for subsequent viewing.

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By continuing to attend this meeting,

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you consent to being recorded.

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If you do not consent,
please disconnect now.

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Thank you.

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With that said, please join me.

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As we Pledge Allegiance to the Flag,

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I pledge allegiance to the flag of the--

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<v All>United States of America</v>

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and to the republic for which it stands,

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one nation under God, indivisible,

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with liberty and justice for all.

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<v ->Thank you.</v>

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It's the first time.

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I think I've said the
Pledge of Allegiance

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without looking at a
flag, but thank you all.

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As we start the program,

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we would like to take a few
minutes to honor someone

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who will be dearly
missed by the Commission.

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Most of you are aware of the passing

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of the honorable Gwen Moore.

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Ms. Moore, distinguished
herself as a founder

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and CEO of GeM Communication.

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And most notably as a Member

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of the California Assembly for 16 years,

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she served as majority whip

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and gained a national
reputation serving 12 years

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as Chair of the Assembly
Utilities and Commerce Committee,

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which had jurisdiction over
the California cable industry,

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rail and rail safety and all
the investor-owned Utilities,

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including water,
telecommunications and energy.

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Affectionately referred to
as the godmother of GO 156,

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Ms. Moore authored the historic

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Utility Supplier Diversity program

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that encouraged a fair
portion of total utility contracts

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and subcontracts for products

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and services be awarded to women

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and minority business owners.

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She, her service and accolades
are too numerous to count,

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her impact and influence
touch the lives of so many.

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On behalf of the CPUC,

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we would like to extend
our condolences to her family

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and loved ones.

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By way of background, General Order 156,

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the Utility Supplier Diversity
program was created

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as a voluntary program
over three decades ago,

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to encourage fair proportion
of total utility contract

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and sub contracts for products

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and services be awarded
to women, minority,

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disabled veteran business enterprises

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and lesbian gay, bisexual,
and transgenders, excuse me.

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Although the Supplier
Diversity program goal

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is to increase competition
and promote inclusion.

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This opportunity also
enriches the same communities,

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these companies sell their
products and services to.

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The program has been
making great strides

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since it was first adopted in 1988

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and continues to serve as the model

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of all supplier diversity programs

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throughout the United States.

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Corporations today want

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and need suppliers that
produce a quality product

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or provide a quality
service at reduced costs.

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In 2019, the 31 Reporting Utilities

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procured 12.66 billion diverse firms,

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while also exceeding
the 21.5% category goal.

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This is a great accomplishment

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and the achievement
has not gone unnoticed.

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The program is expanding
with the passage of SB-255,

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which lowers the annual
revenue threshold for participation

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from 21 million to 15 million.

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While including electric service
providers into the program

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and requiring Community
Choice Aggregators

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to report specified
information on diversity.

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We are a tight schedule.

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So let us proceed with opening remarks

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of my fellow Commissioners,
Commissioner Randolph.

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<v ->Good morning, President Batjer</v>

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and all of the participants.

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I think this year,

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it's hard not to think of the
things we have lost, like Gwen

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and the opportunity
for us to be together

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and here with the,
together with each other

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and networking and chatting

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and re-rebuilding relationships.

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But it's also important to
think of what we've gained,

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this year, we've gained
a renewed attention

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on the challenges about
racial equity in this country

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that inspire us to really
continue to build this program

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and further the success of
communities throughout the State.

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So I look forward to
the conversation today,

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about how we can always
improve this program,

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make it better, make it more expansive

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and bring economic
opportunity to communities

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throughout the State that
have been hit so hard this year.

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And we want to make
sure that communities

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have something to look
forward to going forward

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and also remind folks to
please make a plan to vote.

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Thank you.

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<v ->Thank you
Commissioner Randolph.</v>

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Other Commissioners.

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<v ->Yes, Commissioner Shiroma.</v>

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<v ->Thank you, President Batjer.</v>

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Good morning, everyone.

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Also a pleasure to be here,

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I'm looking forward to hearing the state

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of our Utilities meeting diversity goals

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in terms of business practices,

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in light of our ongoing pandemic.

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Utilities contracting programs
are economic engines

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for our California economy.

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I mean, the sheer numbers are phenomenal

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as outlined by you President Batjer.

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And to be strong, that
economy must be diverse

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and inclusive.

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And indeed, this was the
honorable Gwen Moore's vision

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when she introduced
the Enabling Legislation.

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That is the reason we have GO 156 today.

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And during these difficult times,

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I think it's all the more important

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that Utilities form partnerships

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and increase programs with high schools

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and community colleges for job training

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and meeting the GO 156 diversity goals.

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Also partnerships and
programs for incarcerated persons

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coming out of prison are
important for job training

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and giving a chance.

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Our society is diverse

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and the foundations laid
by our diversity pioneers,

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such as the Honorable Gwen Moore

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and Supreme Court
Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg

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are more important than ever
if we are to recover stronger

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from this pandemic.

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And I'm optimistic that we
can push this effort further

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across all of our regulated Utilities.

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And I look forward to the
dialogue today, thank you.

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Thank you, Commissioner
Shiroma, Commissioner.

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I can't see Commissioner Guzman Aceves.

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<v ->Yes, thank you
President Batjer.</v>

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Also wanna thank, recognize
the Honorable Gwen Moore

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for her undeniable impact on us all

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and this program in particular.

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I think after she passed,

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I learned that she had
over 400 laws to her name

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and they were all
focused on justice, equity

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and wealth creation.

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Many of the things are here today,

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I know also wanna recognize
during the pandemic,

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the importance of the another
law that Commissioner Shiroma

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is really leading on,

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which is the Moore
Universal Telephone Act,

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the Lifeline Program,

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and just the utter
importance of dependency

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that millions of Californians
have on that program today.

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And like Commissioner Randolph said,

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we are actually in
quite an exciting time.

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There's important initiatives
that will require potentially,

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if passed, Proposition 16 in particular,

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greater opportunities
for diversity in our State

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and our businesses
and all of our economy

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and the spending legislation
that would also require

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more explicit diversity

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and representation on corporate boards.

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So I think it is a rebirth of this issue

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of how we are intentional
about creating diversity wealth

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in our diverse communities.

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And I really look
forward to talking about

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some of the current opportunities.

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I know in the past,

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we talked about some
of the opportunities

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within wildfire,
response and prevention,

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and also would like to hear

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a little bit about COVID response

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and how these are creating
potentially new opportunities.

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So I look forward to our discussion

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and to our ever evolving
areas of opportunity, thank you.

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<v ->Thank you, Commissioner
Commissioner Rechtschaffen.</v>

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<v ->Thank you very
much, President Batjer.</v>

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I also want to acknowledge Gwen Moore,

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who is a tireless inspirational
leader and visionary.

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I had the pleasure
of sitting next to her

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at the last three En Bancs.

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And to the end, she worked
extremely hard to hold Utilities

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and others accountable for
their deeds and their promises.

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And not a statement would
go by that she wouldn't question

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to make sure that they were
holding their feet to the fire.

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So she was a real
inspiration for all of us.

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As my colleagues have said,

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this has been a year of
great challenge and stress.

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COVID has dramatically
underscored the economic

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and social disparities that
are still far too prevalent

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in our society.

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We know that people of color

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and businesses of color have suffered

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disproportionately from COVID

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and from the economic
dislocation that's followed

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and the killings of George
Floyd, Breonna Taylor

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and others have shined
a light on the pandemic

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of structural racism in this country.

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As my colleagues have said,

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and we firmly believe
that these events highlight

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how important programs
like General Order 156 are,

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which had, it has provided,

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for decades has provided
economic opportunities

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for communities otherwise on the margin

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or excluded from business opportunities.

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We need the program now
as much as we ever have,

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these more difficult times
have given rise to new

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and different business opportunities,

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from COVID, from the
thread of wildfire mitigation

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and others that we have
to see as we go forward.

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I look forward to the discussion today.

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<v ->Thank you very much
my fellow Commissioners</v>

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for all the very important words

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and points that you have
just made and underscored.

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I am missing the comradery last En Banc,

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last Fall was my first
and we were in Fresno

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and I so enjoyed sitting
on the dais with Gwen.

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I hadn't seen her for several years.

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It was great to renew our friendship.

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And it was just a great
meeting of all of we

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who care so deeply about
diversity, social justice,

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and the creation of wealth
in our low income areas.

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And with that, I will be moderating the

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General Order 156 Utility
Contracting Opportunities panel.

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I have specific questions,

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but I will ask of the
panel participants.

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And I also encourage the
participation of my colleagues

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if they may wish to
follow up with questions,

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we'll start with Tarrance
Frierson from the California,

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excuse me, from
Southern California Edison.

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First, climate change
is impacting California

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and many of the industries
regulated by the CPUC.

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More frequent and severe wildfires

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are an example of these impacts,

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which we are experiencing right now,

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which can have devastating effects

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for customers, communities,
and the environment.

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CPUC along with Energy, Utilities

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and others have been working
to develop comprehensive plans

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and direct investments to
help mitigate the wildfire risk

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as well as support a stronger, smarter

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and cleaner energy infrastructure

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for the State of California.

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One element of these comprehensive plans

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is vegetation management.

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Simply described as clearing dry brush

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and trimming trees.

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During the 2019 Supplier
Diversity En Banc,

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your CEO, Mr. Payne discussed

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the utilization of diverse firms

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for the SCEs Vegetation
Management program.

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So I'd like to say,

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what is the status of
the SCEs contracting

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and spend with diverse suppliers,

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specific to vegetation management

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and work streams.

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And please include
any participation barriers

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or challenges that you are
aware of for your suppliers.

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<v ->Good morning, President Batjer,</v>

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and to the other esteemed Commissioners.

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Before addressing
this specific question,

00:14:34.150 --> 00:14:36.980
I would like to join you in recognizing

00:14:36.980 --> 00:14:38.476
the honor of Glen Moore

00:14:38.476 --> 00:14:41.620
and really looking forward to the work

00:14:41.620 --> 00:14:46.620
that lies ahead of us as we
honor her just commitment

00:14:48.730 --> 00:14:50.823
to diversity equity and inclusion.

00:14:52.390 --> 00:14:56.570
SCE is proud of its overall results,

00:14:56.570 --> 00:14:58.470
supplier diversity program results

00:14:58.470 --> 00:14:59.890
from our sponsorships

00:14:59.890 --> 00:15:04.890
of various community-based
organizations to outreach events,

00:15:05.570 --> 00:15:07.717
to our contracting with diverse

00:15:07.717 --> 00:15:09.866
and small business enterprises.

00:15:09.866 --> 00:15:13.400
As you know, multiple factors can impact

00:15:13.400 --> 00:15:14.940
our overall performance,

00:15:14.940 --> 00:15:18.199
such as changing business
priorities, procurement needs,

00:15:18.199 --> 00:15:21.870
supplier availability, and more.

00:15:21.870 --> 00:15:26.870
In 2019 SCE recorded
$2.2 billion in spend

00:15:28.580 --> 00:15:33.580
with a 650 diverse business enterprises.

00:15:33.669 --> 00:15:37.130
And that represented about

00:15:37.130 --> 00:15:41.350
40% of our total corporate purchases.

00:15:41.350 --> 00:15:45.520
As it relates to our vegetation
management contracting

00:15:45.520 --> 00:15:47.220
and spending results.

00:15:47.220 --> 00:15:52.220
56%, $144 million of
our contractor spend

00:15:53.070 --> 00:15:54.711
was with diverse firms.

00:15:54.711 --> 00:15:59.160
Additionally, 20 of the 36 suppliers

00:15:59.160 --> 00:16:02.060
that are working on the
vegetation management program

00:16:02.060 --> 00:16:03.203
are diverse business.

00:16:05.743 --> 00:16:10.380
And nine of those
firms are participating

00:16:10.380 --> 00:16:14.525
as prime contractors with
direct contracting opportunities.

00:16:14.525 --> 00:16:16.920
One diverse firm, in fact,

00:16:16.920 --> 00:16:19.820
just transitioned from
a subcontractor role

00:16:19.820 --> 00:16:21.877
to a prime supplier role.

00:16:21.877 --> 00:16:26.877
And we are really excited
about that participation,

00:16:27.250 --> 00:16:29.659
and we are excited about those results.

00:16:29.659 --> 00:16:33.267
However, there are real
challenges for suppliers

00:16:33.267 --> 00:16:36.093
and the Utilities in the
vegetation management.

00:16:36.093 --> 00:16:38.284
(mumbles)

00:16:38.284 --> 00:16:40.533
For suppliers, it is the insurance costs

00:16:40.533 --> 00:16:43.300
and the intendant liability risk,

00:16:43.300 --> 00:16:45.920
premiums are on the rise.

00:16:45.920 --> 00:16:49.320
We're hearing that over
and over and over again

00:16:49.320 --> 00:16:51.619
from so many different suppliers

00:16:51.619 --> 00:16:56.619
and one adverse
judgment against a smaller,

00:16:57.840 --> 00:16:59.920
diverse business, nearly just,

00:16:59.920 --> 00:17:02.152
or absolutely ruined their business.

00:17:02.152 --> 00:17:06.160
For Utilities, it is the limited
marketplace availability

00:17:06.160 --> 00:17:11.160
of suppliers, diverse suppliers
who have the capabilities

00:17:12.097 --> 00:17:15.980
or the capacity to support the work.

00:17:15.980 --> 00:17:19.920
And the Utilities
themselves are competing

00:17:19.920 --> 00:17:22.800
for some of the same resources

00:17:22.800 --> 00:17:24.930
to work on our various projects.

00:17:24.930 --> 00:17:27.730
So to address some of these challenges,

00:17:27.730 --> 00:17:31.650
SCE a transition from managing

00:17:31.650 --> 00:17:36.650
our vegetation management
work from seven large work zones

00:17:37.410 --> 00:17:40.940
to 11 zones, and they have been sized

00:17:40.940 --> 00:17:43.540
to help with those capacity constraints.

00:17:43.540 --> 00:17:45.763
And the insurance challenges.

00:17:47.121 --> 00:17:50.490
You mentioned that CEO, Kevin Payne,

00:17:50.490 --> 00:17:53.290
talked about this transition last year.

00:17:53.290 --> 00:17:55.050
And since making that transition,

00:17:55.050 --> 00:17:56.890
diverse suppliers are supporting

00:17:56.890 --> 00:18:01.890
the tree trimming activities
across six of those 11 zones,

00:18:02.120 --> 00:18:04.010
which demonstrates our commitment

00:18:04.010 --> 00:18:06.590
to inclusion of diverse firms

00:18:06.590 --> 00:18:09.649
and our recognition of their capability.

00:18:09.649 --> 00:18:13.790
SCE does have some
upcoming contracting opportunities

00:18:13.790 --> 00:18:14.970
that I would like to mention.

00:18:14.970 --> 00:18:17.557
Is they're a specifically
in the weed abatement

00:18:17.557 --> 00:18:19.940
and the pre-inspection works.

00:18:19.940 --> 00:18:22.350
And I want the
Commissioners here to know,

00:18:22.350 --> 00:18:23.416
as well as our partners,

00:18:23.416 --> 00:18:27.279
that diverse firms are
being actively sourced

00:18:27.279 --> 00:18:30.628
for inclusion with these opportunities.

00:18:30.628 --> 00:18:33.180
Let me wrap up with sharing

00:18:33.180 --> 00:18:35.550
that my supplier
diversity colleagues and I,

00:18:35.550 --> 00:18:40.010
we regularly meet to
discuss these challenges

00:18:40.010 --> 00:18:42.860
and exchange ideas about ways

00:18:42.860 --> 00:18:45.430
that we can advance
opportunities for small

00:18:45.430 --> 00:18:47.040
and diverse businesses.

00:18:47.040 --> 00:18:50.370
We believe that this
best practice is necessary

00:18:50.370 --> 00:18:53.610
to maintain the progress with programs

00:18:53.610 --> 00:18:55.885
like the General Order 156

00:18:55.885 --> 00:19:00.220
and our commitment that
each of our utility tie-ups to stage

00:19:00.220 --> 00:19:03.585
and utilize small and
diverse businesses.

00:19:03.585 --> 00:19:04.453
Thank you.

00:19:06.260 --> 00:19:08.357
<v ->Thank you, Tarrance.</v>

00:19:08.357 --> 00:19:11.544
I have another question,
sort of a followup.

00:19:11.544 --> 00:19:14.040
As you've met with your colleagues

00:19:14.040 --> 00:19:15.856
and you've identified barriers,

00:19:15.856 --> 00:19:19.513
what are you doing to
encourage greater participation

00:19:19.513 --> 00:19:24.090
or throw in the net wider
to more opportunities

00:19:24.090 --> 00:19:28.440
for more people to be
engaged in your programs?

00:19:28.440 --> 00:19:30.080
What barriers have you run against

00:19:30.080 --> 00:19:31.633
and how are you tackling them?

00:19:34.172 --> 00:19:38.947
<v ->I'm gonna circle back
to the market availability</v>

00:19:40.650 --> 00:19:44.493
and really being able to
connect the suppliers capabilities

00:19:44.493 --> 00:19:49.493
and capacity to the vast work
that is needing to be done.

00:19:50.530 --> 00:19:55.100
One of the things that we
regularly do, my colleagues and I,

00:19:55.100 --> 00:19:57.630
we share information about the suppliers

00:19:57.630 --> 00:19:59.470
that we are coming across,

00:19:59.470 --> 00:20:03.181
and that we are able to
utilize in our own programs.

00:20:03.181 --> 00:20:07.369
We leverage events like
this to connect with suppliers.

00:20:07.369 --> 00:20:10.389
You mentioned being in Fresno last year,

00:20:10.389 --> 00:20:14.410
and I was just talking about
an upcoming opportunity

00:20:14.410 --> 00:20:15.520
that we have.

00:20:15.520 --> 00:20:17.710
And last year on
this, one of the panels,

00:20:17.710 --> 00:20:21.230
there was a supplier that we identified

00:20:21.230 --> 00:20:24.540
that may be able to
support some of the work

00:20:24.540 --> 00:20:25.427
that we have coming up.

00:20:25.427 --> 00:20:29.573
And so we'll be actively
engaging with that supplier.

00:20:29.573 --> 00:20:33.873
Another key to that, is
working with our partners,

00:20:33.873 --> 00:20:36.800
our various community
based organizations.

00:20:36.800 --> 00:20:40.400
Some of my colleagues who
are on this panel with me today

00:20:40.400 --> 00:20:42.770
and making sure that
we are staying plugged in

00:20:42.770 --> 00:20:44.525
and connected with them

00:20:44.525 --> 00:20:46.760
and leveraging those rich partnerships

00:20:46.760 --> 00:20:49.040
to identify those suppliers

00:20:49.040 --> 00:20:51.090
that we can bring in
to our supply chain.

00:20:52.583 --> 00:20:54.940
<v ->Okay, thank you.</v>

00:20:54.940 --> 00:20:59.940
I'm going to move now to
the second and third panelists,

00:21:01.240 --> 00:21:04.400
Edmund Lombard III, the
California Black Chamber

00:21:04.400 --> 00:21:08.810
and Tracy Stanhof California
American Indian Chamber.

00:21:08.810 --> 00:21:11.719
And I'm going to be asking
each of you the same question

00:21:11.719 --> 00:21:13.450
and we'll start with Edwin.

00:21:13.450 --> 00:21:16.060
As leaders of the diverse organizations.

00:21:16.060 --> 00:21:18.080
How are you contributing
to the development

00:21:18.080 --> 00:21:20.763
and expansion of minority
owned businesses?

00:21:22.460 --> 00:21:23.293
First, Edwin.

00:21:30.540 --> 00:21:31.713
Is Edwin on the line.

00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:38.080
I'm not hearing him.

00:21:38.080 --> 00:21:40.337
So Tracy, I'm gonna turn to you--

00:21:41.540 --> 00:21:43.310
<v ->Well, thank you.</v>
<v ->And I'll,</v>

00:21:43.310 --> 00:21:45.620
you need to repeat the question?

00:21:45.620 --> 00:21:47.730
<v ->Oh, I got it, thank
you, President Batjer.</v>

00:21:47.730 --> 00:21:48.940
You're looking good again this year.

00:21:48.940 --> 00:21:51.010
You always wear the nicest ensemble.

00:21:51.010 --> 00:21:54.283
Thanks for-- <v ->Thank you.</v>

00:21:54.283 --> 00:21:55.974
It's a hair and makeup day.

00:21:55.974 --> 00:21:57.050
(all laugh)

00:21:57.050 --> 00:22:00.140
<v ->Exactly, first, I wanna
thank Gwen Moore.</v>

00:22:00.140 --> 00:22:01.700
She's really changed the world.

00:22:01.700 --> 00:22:03.300
And I had spoken to her just a few days

00:22:03.300 --> 00:22:06.240
before she unfortunately
passed about this event,

00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:09.753
the En Banc coming up,
and so it's especially sad.

00:22:09.753 --> 00:22:13.160
What are we doing to
contribute to the expansion

00:22:13.160 --> 00:22:15.212
and development of
minority owned businesses?

00:22:15.212 --> 00:22:17.750
Well, our American Indian
Chamber here in California

00:22:17.750 --> 00:22:21.100
has invested heavily
both in (mumbles) equity

00:22:21.100 --> 00:22:23.342
and in our funding to host an

00:22:23.342 --> 00:22:27.606
Procurement Technical
Assistance Center that helps Indians

00:22:27.606 --> 00:22:31.692
and tribes and Alaska native
organizations throughout,

00:22:31.692 --> 00:22:33.910
really now the Western United States

00:22:33.910 --> 00:22:37.203
and nationally we've
gotten so adept at doing that,

00:22:37.203 --> 00:22:39.610
with business capacity training,

00:22:39.610 --> 00:22:41.565
linking to procurement opportunities,

00:22:41.565 --> 00:22:45.012
linking to our partners,
hosting numerous webinars,

00:22:45.012 --> 00:22:48.523
especially during this
pandemic to help our folks.

00:22:48.523 --> 00:22:50.190
Everybody keeps saying triaged,

00:22:50.190 --> 00:22:51.590
well, we're still in triaged.

00:22:51.590 --> 00:22:52.880
In fact, I think it's gotten worse

00:22:52.880 --> 00:22:54.730
before it's gonna get better

00:22:54.730 --> 00:22:56.647
because as this pandemic extends,

00:22:56.647 --> 00:23:00.133
we're gonna be having
to really help people

00:23:00.133 --> 00:23:03.160
using all the buzz words pivot.

00:23:03.160 --> 00:23:05.937
Of course, numbers of
us have started to sell PPE

00:23:05.937 --> 00:23:10.937
and other materials that
assist in helping businesses

00:23:11.590 --> 00:23:14.241
with the pandemic and
dealing with the pandemic.

00:23:14.241 --> 00:23:17.184
So we've been really advocating to,

00:23:17.184 --> 00:23:22.184
I have to smile at my buddy
Terrance because sometimes,

00:23:22.549 --> 00:23:26.390
we've been having challenges
getting these folks on,

00:23:26.390 --> 00:23:27.223
but I want to say,

00:23:27.223 --> 00:23:30.530
and I want to express very,
very emphatically that the,

00:23:30.530 --> 00:23:33.500
all of the Utilities telcos
and water companies

00:23:33.500 --> 00:23:37.250
and everybody involved in
the implementation of GO 156

00:23:37.250 --> 00:23:39.750
has really stepped
up to the plate for us

00:23:39.750 --> 00:23:40.882
and coming on our webinars

00:23:40.882 --> 00:23:45.420
and helping the different applications

00:23:45.420 --> 00:23:48.110
to help our people move forward

00:23:48.110 --> 00:23:50.520
during these troublesome times,

00:23:50.520 --> 00:23:52.030
sometimes it's been very slow.

00:23:52.030 --> 00:23:54.700
Vegetation management has
been one of those challenges.

00:23:54.700 --> 00:23:56.930
In our community, we've
got folks that can do it.

00:23:56.930 --> 00:24:00.670
And, it's still a slow, a slow process.

00:24:00.670 --> 00:24:03.208
And I know, to give everybody

00:24:03.208 --> 00:24:05.940
just a moment to focus on that,

00:24:05.940 --> 00:24:07.490
it's because of insurance requirements

00:24:07.490 --> 00:24:08.900
and other things, but still,

00:24:08.900 --> 00:24:13.900
we're looking for quicker
ways to implement contracting.

00:24:14.070 --> 00:24:15.510
What we need is opportunities.

00:24:15.510 --> 00:24:18.820
And so as emphatic as I was that,

00:24:18.820 --> 00:24:22.676
and still are that these folks
sitting in supplier diversity

00:24:22.676 --> 00:24:26.100
at these Utilities, telcos
and water companies

00:24:26.100 --> 00:24:28.012
and cable firms have been helping us,

00:24:28.012 --> 00:24:31.420
we need to really keep advocating

00:24:31.420 --> 00:24:34.385
for more contracting
opportunities quicker

00:24:34.385 --> 00:24:37.221
rather than later at times.

00:24:37.221 --> 00:24:38.315
(computer beeps)

00:24:38.315 --> 00:24:41.750
Rather than large contracts,

00:24:41.750 --> 00:24:43.850
and direct to the Utilities.

00:24:43.850 --> 00:24:45.267
President Batjer.

00:24:46.215 --> 00:24:47.720
<v Woman>Luiz, I need to--</v>

00:24:47.720 --> 00:24:49.240
<v ->President Batjer.</v>

00:24:49.240 --> 00:24:50.910
Can I ask a question?

00:24:50.910 --> 00:24:53.170
<v ->Yes you may,
(mumbles) stage to the,</v>

00:24:53.170 --> 00:24:55.820
my fellow Commissioners
to break in please,

00:24:55.820 --> 00:24:58.330
and unfortunately I can't
see you all so speak up

00:24:58.330 --> 00:25:00.870
as Mr. Randolph just did,

00:25:00.870 --> 00:25:05.823
and you can go back to the
first panel too as you wish.

00:25:06.770 --> 00:25:08.722
Yes, go ahead Randolph.

00:25:08.722 --> 00:25:12.660
<v ->Okay, so both Tarrance
and Tracy mentioned</v>

00:25:12.660 --> 00:25:14.370
the insurance issues,

00:25:14.370 --> 00:25:17.730
and I just kind of wanted
to unpack that a little bit

00:25:17.730 --> 00:25:22.730
and kind of talk about
what opportunities there are

00:25:23.530 --> 00:25:25.493
to kind of assist with that,

00:25:27.310 --> 00:25:30.560
is, I mean, I know insurance

00:25:30.560 --> 00:25:33.575
is a significant problem Statewide,

00:25:33.575 --> 00:25:36.570
but I'm wondering,
has there been interface

00:25:36.570 --> 00:25:38.680
with the Insurance Commissioner's Office

00:25:38.680 --> 00:25:43.020
or have there been any
sort of potential steps

00:25:44.560 --> 00:25:49.560
that might be useful to
take, to assist in this problem

00:25:49.751 --> 00:25:53.604
and try to make,

00:25:53.604 --> 00:25:57.660
increase the opportunities
for smaller companies

00:25:57.660 --> 00:26:00.260
to get the insurance that
they need to do this work?

00:26:01.890 --> 00:26:04.653
<v ->Well, Commissioner
Randolph, this is Tracy, I think,</v>

00:26:06.076 --> 00:26:08.450
and then, I think that's
a good idea to interacts

00:26:08.450 --> 00:26:10.710
with the Insurance
Commissioner's Office.

00:26:10.710 --> 00:26:13.690
We have tried to help our businesses

00:26:13.690 --> 00:26:16.200
get numerous brokers
together to insure them

00:26:16.200 --> 00:26:18.410
because sometimes one
insurance company alone

00:26:18.410 --> 00:26:21.284
won't insure somebody
in doing this type of work.

00:26:21.284 --> 00:26:23.300
But the other thing that I've heard,

00:26:23.300 --> 00:26:26.399
and it might be a great idea
to start some kind of fund

00:26:26.399 --> 00:26:31.189
to help our businesses be
able to obtain the insurance,

00:26:31.189 --> 00:26:35.392
some type of ad hoc
funding issue vehicle,

00:26:35.392 --> 00:26:38.920
and use that because it's
a very expensive process

00:26:38.920 --> 00:26:40.860
to go through to get into this industry.

00:26:40.860 --> 00:26:42.690
But we do have people that can do it.

00:26:42.690 --> 00:26:45.010
I don't know, Tarrance, you
might have some more on that,

00:26:45.010 --> 00:26:46.953
ad hoc funding.

00:26:48.250 --> 00:26:50.560
<v ->Thank you,
Commissioner Randolph.</v>

00:26:50.560 --> 00:26:52.150
And thank you, Tracy.

00:26:52.150 --> 00:26:55.279
So as we said in the past
Southern California Edison,

00:26:55.279 --> 00:26:59.930
we will demonstrate flexibility
when and where possible.

00:26:59.930 --> 00:27:01.904
And so we really do lean in

00:27:01.904 --> 00:27:05.190
to helping our suppliers
across the board.

00:27:05.190 --> 00:27:07.577
And one of the things
we ask our suppliers to do

00:27:07.577 --> 00:27:11.950
is to make sure that they
are notifying us immediately

00:27:11.950 --> 00:27:15.606
when they're having issues,
including the insurance issues.

00:27:15.606 --> 00:27:19.290
And we typically address
them on a case by case

00:27:19.290 --> 00:27:21.900
or individual basis because the needs

00:27:21.900 --> 00:27:24.330
can vary among the supplier.

00:27:24.330 --> 00:27:27.462
So there's really no
one size fits all solution.

00:27:27.462 --> 00:27:30.210
And I really do appreciate this question

00:27:30.210 --> 00:27:32.120
or follow up question.

00:27:32.120 --> 00:27:35.550
In our discussions with
suppliers, mine directly,

00:27:35.550 --> 00:27:37.460
in conversations that
I know my colleagues

00:27:37.460 --> 00:27:38.760
are having as well.

00:27:38.760 --> 00:27:41.773
And recently it was in a
conversation with a supplier

00:27:41.773 --> 00:27:45.473
that mentioned that
their insurance costs,

00:27:46.480 --> 00:27:48.280
specifically related to having

00:27:48.280 --> 00:27:51.160
to purchase wildfire insurance coverage

00:27:51.160 --> 00:27:53.873
increased 400%, 400%.

00:27:56.811 --> 00:28:01.754
And I also wanna underscore
that the problem is so big

00:28:01.754 --> 00:28:06.749
that it is not just
limited to small firms

00:28:06.749 --> 00:28:10.920
or large firms, diverse
firms, non-diverse firms.

00:28:10.920 --> 00:28:15.270
It is really affecting
suppliers across the board.

00:28:15.270 --> 00:28:19.000
And so we have, Commissioner Randolph,

00:28:19.000 --> 00:28:21.190
we'd been in ongoing discussions

00:28:21.190 --> 00:28:23.630
with a variety of stakeholders

00:28:23.630 --> 00:28:26.440
to address the wildfire
insurance challenges

00:28:26.440 --> 00:28:28.474
facing suppliers in the utility.

00:28:28.474 --> 00:28:32.173
And it's having significant
impacts on our program.

00:28:33.380 --> 00:28:38.058
Challenge is, when we are sourcing,

00:28:38.058 --> 00:28:41.969
trying to source insurance for suppliers

00:28:41.969 --> 00:28:45.600
or with diverse suppliers
that is having some impacts,

00:28:45.600 --> 00:28:49.050
but I do wanna circle back
that's in those discussions

00:28:49.050 --> 00:28:52.684
with the different stakeholders,

00:28:52.684 --> 00:28:56.930
some believe that legislation
and regulatory action

00:28:56.930 --> 00:29:01.540
may ultimately be needed to
address some of the challenges

00:29:01.540 --> 00:29:02.770
because as you can imagine,

00:29:02.770 --> 00:29:04.970
they're just multiple factors

00:29:04.970 --> 00:29:09.395
and variables that have to be
considered the various options

00:29:09.395 --> 00:29:12.893
that are being discussed
among the different stakeholders.

00:29:15.640 --> 00:29:17.388
<v ->Okay, thank you.</v>

00:29:17.388 --> 00:29:19.200
(mumbles)

00:29:19.200 --> 00:29:22.000
<v ->Tracy, can I ask you a
quick follow up question.</v>

00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:22.833
<v ->Sure.</v>

00:29:22.833 --> 00:29:24.470
<v ->When you said we
need quicker ways</v>

00:29:24.470 --> 00:29:25.970
to implement contracting,

00:29:25.970 --> 00:29:28.410
were you referring primarily
to the insurance problem

00:29:28.410 --> 00:29:32.000
or are there other measures
that you think could be taken

00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:35.210
to have quicker contract implementation?

00:29:35.210 --> 00:29:38.580
<v ->Sure, there is, it's not
just the insurance problem.</v>

00:29:38.580 --> 00:29:40.039
It's everywhere.

00:29:40.039 --> 00:29:44.220
And we're experiencing
delays in contracting

00:29:44.220 --> 00:29:48.450
is being led to delays in contracts.

00:29:48.450 --> 00:29:50.763
And once you get a
master service agreement,

00:29:50.763 --> 00:29:53.880
you're able to implement
that master service agreement

00:29:53.880 --> 00:29:56.381
by getting an actual
purchase order up of it.

00:29:56.381 --> 00:29:58.512
Oh, we're experiencing,

00:29:58.512 --> 00:30:01.430
it's very difficult when people aren't

00:30:01.430 --> 00:30:03.099
in one place to do business.

00:30:03.099 --> 00:30:05.810
I know it's probably
the wave of the future

00:30:05.810 --> 00:30:08.100
that we're more spread out,

00:30:08.100 --> 00:30:10.860
but there's a lot of issues

00:30:10.860 --> 00:30:12.620
and somebody can't just
walk around the corner

00:30:12.620 --> 00:30:16.070
and talk to someone else at a
accompany about helping you

00:30:16.070 --> 00:30:20.470
in advocating for you to get
your contract led or paid or,

00:30:20.470 --> 00:30:24.740
or so there's, Commissioner
had been a lot of slowdowns

00:30:24.740 --> 00:30:27.130
in the whole process
because of COVID, I think,

00:30:27.130 --> 00:30:31.330
and it, we kind of had the
same thing going on last year,

00:30:31.330 --> 00:30:35.090
a bit with the changing
economy and the wildfires.

00:30:35.090 --> 00:30:37.580
And there's just been so
many impacts in the State,

00:30:37.580 --> 00:30:41.400
but contracting has to go on,
businesses need businesses,

00:30:41.400 --> 00:30:43.750
our rates keep going
up as far as insurance

00:30:43.750 --> 00:30:48.750
and ransom, the utility itself, which,

00:30:49.370 --> 00:30:50.960
is all part of the plan

00:30:50.960 --> 00:30:54.050
and problem here in the
State of California at times.

00:30:54.050 --> 00:30:56.340
So it's, we just need
to really focus on it

00:30:56.340 --> 00:30:57.310
and drill it down

00:30:57.310 --> 00:30:59.227
and get back to you the nuts and bolts

00:30:59.227 --> 00:31:01.720
of letting contracts faster and,

00:31:01.720 --> 00:31:03.630
and getting people in place.

00:31:03.630 --> 00:31:05.780
One of the other problems
with that, Commissioner

00:31:05.780 --> 00:31:08.870
and I hate to drag on is
there's a lot of super contractors.

00:31:08.870 --> 00:31:11.110
Once the, and I don't
mean to take anything away

00:31:11.110 --> 00:31:12.700
from the super
contractors that have grown

00:31:12.700 --> 00:31:14.391
their diverse businesses so large.

00:31:14.391 --> 00:31:16.308
And sometimes it's easy for,

00:31:16.308 --> 00:31:19.387
in my perception
for the Utilities to go,

00:31:19.387 --> 00:31:21.307
"Hey, we've got the super contractor,

00:31:21.307 --> 00:31:23.077
"they already have their IS net world.

00:31:23.077 --> 00:31:24.187
"They already have their insurance.

00:31:24.187 --> 00:31:27.940
"They already have all
of these pieces in place"

00:31:27.940 --> 00:31:29.980
and they get the contracts a lot easier

00:31:29.980 --> 00:31:33.140
than developing more diverse
businesses down the pipeline.

00:31:33.140 --> 00:31:35.790
And I'm sure that Utilities
are working hard to do that,

00:31:35.790 --> 00:31:39.503
but it just seems to
sometimes it's not there.

00:31:41.500 --> 00:31:42.860
<v ->Thank you.</v>

00:31:42.860 --> 00:31:43.950
<v ->Great, thank you.</v>

00:31:43.950 --> 00:31:47.210
I see now Edwin, that you are on,

00:31:47.210 --> 00:31:49.650
or do we have you
both on video and audio?

00:31:49.650 --> 00:31:52.427
<v ->Well, I hope you
have me on audio now.</v>

00:31:52.427 --> 00:31:53.700
Can you hear me?

00:31:53.700 --> 00:31:56.362
<v ->Yes, I hear you
loud and clear, perfect.</v>

00:31:56.362 --> 00:31:58.290
<v ->Glad to be here.</v>

00:31:58.290 --> 00:32:02.307
<v ->Love for you to follow
up on Tracy's comments</v>

00:32:02.307 --> 00:32:04.650
as leaders of diverse organizations.

00:32:04.650 --> 00:32:06.340
How are you contributing
to the development

00:32:06.340 --> 00:32:09.180
and expansion of your
minority owned businesses?

00:32:10.022 --> 00:32:11.460
<v ->Well, first of all, thank you,</v>

00:32:11.460 --> 00:32:13.836
President Batjer for allowing

00:32:13.836 --> 00:32:17.580
the California Black Chamber
of Commerce to be engaged

00:32:17.580 --> 00:32:20.453
on the 18th Supplier Diversity En Bach.

00:32:21.362 --> 00:32:25.070
Our Board of Directors are adamant

00:32:25.070 --> 00:32:27.940
about being actively involved in

00:32:27.940 --> 00:32:30.130
what you're trying to get done here.

00:32:30.130 --> 00:32:34.560
And I like to say that it
all starts with relationship.

00:32:34.560 --> 00:32:39.400
Everything that we do in this
area starts with relationship.

00:32:39.400 --> 00:32:43.726
And if you're gonna take
that relationship any further,

00:32:43.726 --> 00:32:46.967
that relationship has to
become a partnership.

00:32:46.967 --> 00:32:51.967
And once you become partners
with another organization,

00:32:52.768 --> 00:32:55.200
there's a pipeline that's created

00:32:55.200 --> 00:32:57.890
where awareness is
made available to you.

00:32:57.890 --> 00:33:01.300
And once you're made aware
of what the opportunities are

00:33:01.300 --> 00:33:02.640
that are available,

00:33:02.640 --> 00:33:05.320
then you can take advantage
of those opportunities.

00:33:05.320 --> 00:33:08.140
And then inclusion begins to happen.

00:33:08.140 --> 00:33:09.730
One of the most important things

00:33:09.730 --> 00:33:12.460
that we, at the California Black Chamber

00:33:12.460 --> 00:33:16.195
is trying to do is
reestablish relationships,

00:33:16.195 --> 00:33:18.085
create new relationships

00:33:18.085 --> 00:33:23.085
and relationships build the
capacity that we, as a chamber,

00:33:23.180 --> 00:33:26.870
a Statewide chamber needs
in order to provide support

00:33:26.870 --> 00:33:28.920
for our member companies.

00:33:28.920 --> 00:33:30.435
A case in point,

00:33:30.435 --> 00:33:33.440
we want to be able to provide
the technical assistance

00:33:33.440 --> 00:33:37.610
needed for them to structure
their organizations properly,

00:33:37.610 --> 00:33:42.530
to take on contracts by
answering RFPs properly

00:33:42.530 --> 00:33:47.330
and providing the correct
information to the Utilities

00:33:47.330 --> 00:33:49.150
and other corporate structures

00:33:49.150 --> 00:33:51.719
so that we can take on these contracts.

00:33:51.719 --> 00:33:53.100
And not only that,

00:33:53.100 --> 00:33:56.390
we wanna help build the
capacity within our organization

00:33:56.390 --> 00:33:58.609
so that they can
deliver on the contract.

00:33:58.609 --> 00:34:02.860
It's very important that
we are large enough,

00:34:02.860 --> 00:34:04.457
not only to receive the contract,

00:34:04.457 --> 00:34:06.300
but to fulfill the contract,

00:34:06.300 --> 00:34:10.350
that may mean two organizations
partnering with each other

00:34:10.350 --> 00:34:13.420
in the merger, that may
mean an acquisition of

00:34:13.420 --> 00:34:16.540
one organization purchasing
another organization

00:34:16.540 --> 00:34:18.010
and becoming one organization

00:34:18.010 --> 00:34:20.190
in order to take on that capacity.

00:34:20.190 --> 00:34:22.490
So capacity building is a big thing,

00:34:22.490 --> 00:34:26.159
but as you know, and
most people are aware now,

00:34:26.159 --> 00:34:29.110
one of the biggest
issues that in the Black

00:34:29.110 --> 00:34:31.240
and African American
community we face with,

00:34:31.240 --> 00:34:33.580
is the lack of access to capital.

00:34:33.580 --> 00:34:36.300
And because of that
lack of access to capital,

00:34:36.300 --> 00:34:38.470
even if you take on a contract,

00:34:38.470 --> 00:34:42.720
you may not have the
financial ability to stay

00:34:42.720 --> 00:34:46.330
in the game long enough to
begin to receive the funding

00:34:46.330 --> 00:34:49.350
that you're supposed to
receive to fulfill that contract,

00:34:49.350 --> 00:34:51.690
because it might be a quite a ways off

00:34:51.690 --> 00:34:55.040
before you start receiving
the funds that are due to you.

00:34:55.040 --> 00:34:57.940
So one of our main issues is that,

00:34:57.940 --> 00:35:01.040
we're going to provide
the technical assistance

00:35:01.040 --> 00:35:04.260
that our companies
need in order for them

00:35:04.260 --> 00:35:07.040
to answer these RFPs and take contracts.

00:35:07.040 --> 00:35:09.410
Help them develop the
capacity that they need

00:35:09.410 --> 00:35:11.710
in order to fulfill those contracts.

00:35:11.710 --> 00:35:13.250
Partner with the Utilities

00:35:13.250 --> 00:35:15.410
and other major corporations,

00:35:15.410 --> 00:35:18.339
partner with organizations like Tracy's,

00:35:18.339 --> 00:35:20.995
so that we can work
together with each other

00:35:20.995 --> 00:35:23.496
in order to accomplish a synergy

00:35:23.496 --> 00:35:25.996
throughout this great State of ours.

00:35:25.996 --> 00:35:28.557
One of the other things
that I wanted to bring up,

00:35:28.557 --> 00:35:29.922
and Tarrance's right on when it comes

00:35:29.922 --> 00:35:31.893
to the cost of insurance,

00:35:32.734 --> 00:35:34.940
in order for us to stay in business.

00:35:34.940 --> 00:35:38.860
Because of the wildfire
it's changed the dynamic

00:35:38.860 --> 00:35:42.047
of how we can continue to exist,

00:35:42.047 --> 00:35:45.560
even with this crazy stuff
that we're dealing with,

00:35:45.560 --> 00:35:49.660
with the downturn of, the
financial downturn from COVID-19,

00:35:49.660 --> 00:35:51.780
you're just adding another layer

00:35:51.780 --> 00:35:54.790
on top of the layer,
on top of the layer.

00:35:54.790 --> 00:35:57.770
The U.S. Black Chamber of
Commerce did a study that showed

00:35:57.770 --> 00:36:00.650
that 41% of all Black businesses,

00:36:00.650 --> 00:36:05.021
because of the advent of
COVID-19 will no longer exist

00:36:05.021 --> 00:36:07.690
as we come through this pandemic.

00:36:07.690 --> 00:36:12.240
41%, that's almost half
of all Black businesses.

00:36:12.240 --> 00:36:13.510
That's a tragedy.

00:36:13.510 --> 00:36:16.302
And so we're working to
keep that from happening

00:36:16.302 --> 00:36:19.420
and the support that we
receive from organizations

00:36:19.420 --> 00:36:21.090
like Southern California Edison,

00:36:21.090 --> 00:36:24.125
who is a great partner
of ours is very important.

00:36:24.125 --> 00:36:27.467
And we look forward
to moving in that space.

00:36:27.467 --> 00:36:31.140
Now, the other area that I
think really real work needs

00:36:31.140 --> 00:36:33.170
to happen is within the professional

00:36:33.170 --> 00:36:36.073
and financial services,
especially financial banking.

00:36:36.925 --> 00:36:41.925
Right now, I believe the
number is between 11 and 14%

00:36:42.842 --> 00:36:45.160
of all institutions that are youth

00:36:45.160 --> 00:36:48.380
or Black or people of color.

00:36:48.380 --> 00:36:50.100
That's ridiculous.

00:36:50.100 --> 00:36:52.010
That makes no sense whatsoever.

00:36:52.010 --> 00:36:53.120
That needs to be fixed.

00:36:53.120 --> 00:36:54.650
We need to come up with programs

00:36:54.650 --> 00:36:57.200
in order to change that dynamic,

00:36:57.200 --> 00:36:58.810
and in changing that dynamic.

00:36:58.810 --> 00:37:02.360
Then you fix that problem
with lack of access to capital,

00:37:02.360 --> 00:37:04.410
which is one of our major issues.

00:37:04.410 --> 00:37:07.000
So hopefully that answers your question

00:37:07.000 --> 00:37:08.603
and I'll relinquish with that.

00:37:09.920 --> 00:37:11.430
<v ->It was very helpful.</v>

00:37:11.430 --> 00:37:12.857
And I was going to follow up with,

00:37:12.857 --> 00:37:15.060
before you raised the lack of capital

00:37:15.060 --> 00:37:17.240
and what the impact of COVID-19 is.

00:37:17.240 --> 00:37:18.950
That's a terrible percentage,

00:37:18.950 --> 00:37:22.968
41% of the Black owned
businesses may not exist

00:37:22.968 --> 00:37:25.130
when we come out of this epidemic.

00:37:25.130 --> 00:37:30.130
So I'm surely hoping that we
can have strong partnerships

00:37:30.594 --> 00:37:33.760
and assistance from our Utilities.

00:37:33.760 --> 00:37:37.590
Are there any follow up
questions for either Tracy

00:37:37.590 --> 00:37:40.173
or Edwin at this time from
my fellow Commissioners?

00:37:42.715 --> 00:37:44.190
<v ->President Batjer.</v>

00:37:44.190 --> 00:37:45.341
<v ->Yes.</v>

00:37:45.341 --> 00:37:46.174
<v ->Just on that last point,</v>

00:37:46.174 --> 00:37:47.292
thank you Edwin for raising it.

00:37:47.292 --> 00:37:50.470
Excuse me, I know it
was an issue last year

00:37:50.470 --> 00:37:52.500
as well on that sector.

00:37:52.500 --> 00:37:53.510
And I don't know if Tarrance,

00:37:53.510 --> 00:37:56.090
if you can talk to anything
that Edison has done

00:37:56.090 --> 00:38:00.940
to really intentionally look
at how to seek opportunities

00:38:00.940 --> 00:38:04.683
for those financial contracts,

00:38:05.960 --> 00:38:09.110
and maybe that includes some
of the insurance, I don't know,

00:38:09.110 --> 00:38:13.045
but certainly, I know much
of what's happening today

00:38:13.045 --> 00:38:17.340
is taking advantage of
the low interest on the debt.

00:38:17.340 --> 00:38:20.900
Is that, are those
transactions areas that Edison

00:38:20.900 --> 00:38:22.410
or some of your partners are looking

00:38:22.410 --> 00:38:25.853
for diversifying in your contracting?

00:38:31.510 --> 00:38:36.510
<v ->Off mute, we look
diversify across all areas</v>

00:38:37.620 --> 00:38:39.670
of our contracting

00:38:39.670 --> 00:38:42.920
and partnerships with small
and diverse businesses.

00:38:42.920 --> 00:38:46.530
And I do wanna point out that
we are general procurement

00:38:46.530 --> 00:38:47.910
in terms of purchasing goods

00:38:47.910 --> 00:38:52.410
and services is one lane or
lanes that we look through.

00:38:52.410 --> 00:38:55.743
And then there is the
financial transactions

00:38:55.743 --> 00:39:00.573
that we report out separately
in our annual reports.

00:39:02.275 --> 00:39:04.780
As it relates to those areas,

00:39:04.780 --> 00:39:08.671
we have a number of diverse businesses

00:39:08.671 --> 00:39:12.330
that are supporting our
financial transactions.

00:39:12.330 --> 00:39:13.900
I think we right now,

00:39:13.900 --> 00:39:17.400
are leveraging about
20 different diverse firms

00:39:17.400 --> 00:39:19.940
as it relates to financial transactions.

00:39:19.940 --> 00:39:23.990
And I'm pleased to report
that a number of those

00:39:23.990 --> 00:39:27.203
are African American
owned businesses and so,

00:39:27.203 --> 00:39:31.178
in various areas,
public equity managers,

00:39:31.178 --> 00:39:33.240
private equity managers,

00:39:33.240 --> 00:39:36.290
co-managers of our
capital market financing.

00:39:36.290 --> 00:39:39.301
So we're excited about
our results in that area.

00:39:39.301 --> 00:39:41.330
One thing I do wanna point out is,

00:39:41.330 --> 00:39:44.900
and we talked about
this a couple of weeks ago

00:39:44.900 --> 00:39:48.290
when we announced
the set up diversity, equity

00:39:48.290 --> 00:39:51.350
and inclusion actions that
the company is taking internally

00:39:51.350 --> 00:39:52.941
and externally.

00:39:52.941 --> 00:39:55.050
One of the things that we will be doing

00:39:55.050 --> 00:39:57.822
as supplier diversity
is we're commissioning

00:39:57.822 --> 00:40:02.199
a marketplace study really
to began to understand

00:40:02.199 --> 00:40:07.171
where are small and diverse
businesses showing up

00:40:07.171 --> 00:40:08.948
in the marketplace?

00:40:08.948 --> 00:40:13.740
And then overlaying that
with our purchasing areas.

00:40:13.740 --> 00:40:16.240
So we can see where those opportunities

00:40:16.240 --> 00:40:19.140
are to really connect diverse suppliers

00:40:19.140 --> 00:40:22.260
to those opportunities.

00:40:22.260 --> 00:40:25.720
So really looking forward to
getting that work underway

00:40:25.720 --> 00:40:28.830
and seeing what those findings are.

00:40:28.830 --> 00:40:30.050
So then we can work with our

00:40:30.050 --> 00:40:32.390
various community-based
organization partners

00:40:32.390 --> 00:40:35.880
to do the good work that
we need to continue to do

00:40:35.880 --> 00:40:37.500
to facilitate the engagement

00:40:37.500 --> 00:40:40.483
and the utilization of small
and diverse businesses.

00:40:41.670 --> 00:40:43.130
<v ->Thanks, Tarrance,</v>

00:40:43.130 --> 00:40:45.720
I'm mindful of our time and
we have two more panelists,

00:40:45.720 --> 00:40:47.870
I wanna bring on.

00:40:47.870 --> 00:40:51.420
So we also have time toward
the end for some more questions.

00:40:51.420 --> 00:40:54.930
So turning now to the fourth
panelist, Jennifer Capitolo

00:40:55.979 --> 00:41:00.100
of the California Water
Association, Jennifer,

00:41:00.100 --> 00:41:03.330
two of the seven water
companies reporting diversity spend

00:41:03.330 --> 00:41:08.330
are not meeting the
21% point 21.5% goal,

00:41:09.110 --> 00:41:14.070
California Water is, Cal Water is 18.37

00:41:14.070 --> 00:41:16.880
and San Jose Water's 12.89.

00:41:16.880 --> 00:41:19.120
Just kind of wondering some
of the factors that contribute

00:41:19.120 --> 00:41:21.560
to the company's not
reaching their goals.

00:41:21.560 --> 00:41:24.300
<v ->Sure, thank you, President
Batjer and Commissioners.</v>

00:41:24.300 --> 00:41:25.420
Good morning.

00:41:25.420 --> 00:41:27.010
Thank you for having me.

00:41:27.010 --> 00:41:30.010
I just wanna take a quick
moment to introduce myself,

00:41:30.010 --> 00:41:31.948
'cause this is my first En Banc

00:41:31.948 --> 00:41:34.220
I am the new Executive Director

00:41:34.220 --> 00:41:36.280
of the California Water Association.

00:41:36.280 --> 00:41:39.000
Many of you who remember
my predecessor, Jack Hawks,

00:41:39.000 --> 00:41:42.770
who retired earlier this
year, I started February 1st.

00:41:42.770 --> 00:41:46.690
So my entire tenure with
this organization has been

00:41:46.690 --> 00:41:48.430
during this COVID pandemic.

00:41:48.430 --> 00:41:51.480
And I was hoping that I'd
get to meet all of you in-person

00:41:51.480 --> 00:41:56.220
and get out and spend time
experiencing supplier diversity

00:41:56.220 --> 00:41:59.821
and making those
face-to-face connections.

00:41:59.821 --> 00:42:00.698
But here we are,

00:42:00.698 --> 00:42:03.140
and hopefully can
spend some time with you

00:42:03.140 --> 00:42:05.700
all in the years to come.

00:42:05.700 --> 00:42:07.950
But I have spoken with both Cal Water

00:42:07.950 --> 00:42:10.970
and San Jose about their
supplier diversity programs.

00:42:10.970 --> 00:42:15.970
And I'd like to answer the
question regarding these factors

00:42:16.956 --> 00:42:18.390
more broadly.

00:42:18.390 --> 00:42:20.070
And these two,

00:42:20.070 --> 00:42:22.795
rather than these two
companies in particular,

00:42:22.795 --> 00:42:25.440
when I first started with CWA,

00:42:25.440 --> 00:42:28.850
I had the opportunity to
spend some time with the Chair

00:42:28.850 --> 00:42:33.730
of our California Water
Association USCCB committee,

00:42:33.730 --> 00:42:36.530
and I've attended committee
meetings that they've held

00:42:36.530 --> 00:42:38.090
on a monthly basis.

00:42:38.090 --> 00:42:39.970
And then your folks,

00:42:39.970 --> 00:42:43.730
Stephanie Teresa were also
so kind in offering their time

00:42:43.730 --> 00:42:47.750
to me earlier this year
to talk about GO 156.

00:42:47.750 --> 00:42:52.750
And I think what one thing
that I really have taken away

00:42:52.850 --> 00:42:56.416
from those conversations
with folks is that,

00:42:56.416 --> 00:42:59.573
the numbers don't tell
the entire story, right?

00:42:59.573 --> 00:43:03.720
So there's three issues
that I really want to highlight

00:43:03.720 --> 00:43:08.060
of why companies may
not be meeting their goal.

00:43:08.060 --> 00:43:13.060
And so the first is there
are some diverse suppliers

00:43:13.250 --> 00:43:17.692
that have lost their status
due to internal restructuring.

00:43:17.692 --> 00:43:20.870
In the past, we've seen
diverse suppliers acquired

00:43:20.870 --> 00:43:24.150
by larger non-diverse companies,

00:43:24.150 --> 00:43:25.900
and we've seen diverse suppliers,

00:43:25.900 --> 00:43:27.970
secure venture capital funding,

00:43:27.970 --> 00:43:31.650
which means they're leaving
major ownership in the process.

00:43:31.650 --> 00:43:35.120
But the important thing about
both of those actions is that

00:43:35.120 --> 00:43:37.830
they are significantly
growing their business.

00:43:37.830 --> 00:43:41.697
So we are in the situation
seeing diverse businesses grow.

00:43:41.697 --> 00:43:44.040
And I think all of us on
this panel would count

00:43:44.040 --> 00:43:47.610
that as a success
and that's not reflective

00:43:47.610 --> 00:43:50.718
in any of the numbers
that we're reporting.

00:43:50.718 --> 00:43:55.718
There's also a very interesting
gap between suppliers

00:43:56.703 --> 00:43:58.620
that are available for the types

00:43:58.620 --> 00:44:00.360
of water infrastructure projects

00:44:00.360 --> 00:44:03.020
that we're building
in Northern California

00:44:03.020 --> 00:44:05.380
and in Southern California.

00:44:05.380 --> 00:44:07.640
It's important to know both the two

00:44:07.640 --> 00:44:09.280
that President Batjer mentioned,

00:44:09.280 --> 00:44:13.160
Cal Water and San Jose are
both headquartered in San Jose.

00:44:13.160 --> 00:44:14.572
This is important.

00:44:14.572 --> 00:44:17.650
Those companies,

00:44:17.650 --> 00:44:22.030
their location is a
reason for these numbers,

00:44:22.030 --> 00:44:24.460
high cost of living, housing prices.

00:44:24.460 --> 00:44:29.460
They've seen diverse vendors
moving out of the San Jose area

00:44:29.540 --> 00:44:32.740
because of these higher cost of living.

00:44:32.740 --> 00:44:34.468
If you compare that
with Southern California,

00:44:34.468 --> 00:44:36.810
where our companies
are doing much better,

00:44:36.810 --> 00:44:39.230
there are a lot more
diverse vendor options

00:44:39.230 --> 00:44:41.032
for larger contracts, which is,

00:44:41.032 --> 00:44:44.970
the things that need
undergrounding pipeline, escalations,

00:44:44.970 --> 00:44:46.406
that kind of stuff.

00:44:46.406 --> 00:44:50.570
So that's important that
we're seeing this issue.

00:44:50.570 --> 00:44:53.438
And this kind of brings me
back to a conversation I had

00:44:53.438 --> 00:44:57.090
with Stephanie and her
team about the PUC's,

00:44:57.090 --> 00:44:59.210
Environmental and Social Justice plan,

00:44:59.210 --> 00:45:02.300
where we want to invest in communities

00:45:02.300 --> 00:45:04.330
that are experiencing hardships,

00:45:04.330 --> 00:45:06.183
where we're seeing economic justice.

00:45:07.459 --> 00:45:08.850
And it's just interesting
that we're not seeing

00:45:08.850 --> 00:45:12.230
the same business
development opportunities

00:45:12.230 --> 00:45:13.277
in Northern California,

00:45:13.277 --> 00:45:16.390
and Southern California for vendors.

00:45:16.390 --> 00:45:17.680
And then I think third,

00:45:17.680 --> 00:45:19.330
you've already heard some of this today

00:45:19.330 --> 00:45:21.725
is that the process is complicated.

00:45:21.725 --> 00:45:25.030
We do have contractors that are diverse,

00:45:25.030 --> 00:45:28.770
that cannot manage the
process to become certified.

00:45:28.770 --> 00:45:30.370
The process is complex.

00:45:30.370 --> 00:45:33.519
There's privacy concerns
about the paperwork.

00:45:33.519 --> 00:45:35.110
Having folks say,

00:45:35.110 --> 00:45:37.140
we need a full copy of your tax filing

00:45:37.140 --> 00:45:38.578
and copies of your passports.

00:45:38.578 --> 00:45:41.823
Some folks just don't wanna do that.

00:45:41.823 --> 00:45:44.650
But I think, where we are.

00:45:44.650 --> 00:45:45.890
We have a plan in place.

00:45:45.890 --> 00:45:50.262
We are working all we can
do to mitigate these issues.

00:45:50.262 --> 00:45:53.369
We are working very hard to identify

00:45:53.369 --> 00:45:57.200
and cultivate specialized contractors

00:45:57.200 --> 00:45:58.180
in Northern California.

00:45:58.180 --> 00:46:01.020
We've talked to some of the
folks in Southern California

00:46:01.020 --> 00:46:03.692
about coming up to Northern California,

00:46:03.692 --> 00:46:07.680
because it's really hard to
hire someone for a project

00:46:07.680 --> 00:46:08.680
in Northern California

00:46:08.680 --> 00:46:10.980
and not have an office where you can go

00:46:10.980 --> 00:46:13.693
and talk to people about their projects.

00:46:14.590 --> 00:46:17.920
But that is an option that
we've talked to them about,

00:46:17.920 --> 00:46:20.710
opening secondary office
in Northern California.

00:46:20.710 --> 00:46:24.253
And we'll be able to continue
working with those businesses.

00:46:25.830 --> 00:46:28.030
We've also been doing some,

00:46:28.030 --> 00:46:30.960
I call it cross marketing
within our companies

00:46:30.960 --> 00:46:34.100
where we're having our
supplier diversity folks talk

00:46:34.100 --> 00:46:38.740
to other business units
to really create champions

00:46:38.740 --> 00:46:41.663
for supplier diversity
throughout the company,

00:46:42.800 --> 00:46:45.218
we are doing everything
we can to support

00:46:45.218 --> 00:46:49.930
and simplify the process
before it becoming certified.

00:46:49.930 --> 00:46:52.750
And we are continuing to modify

00:46:52.750 --> 00:46:54.850
and strengthen our contract

00:46:54.850 --> 00:46:58.360
and RFP language under
the Prime Supplier Program

00:46:58.360 --> 00:47:02.874
to require greater sub
contracting for diverse suppliers.

00:47:02.874 --> 00:47:05.070
I just wanna end by saying,

00:47:05.070 --> 00:47:08.933
there in past three sessions
like this, as you all know,

00:47:08.933 --> 00:47:11.040
we have Federal and State government

00:47:11.040 --> 00:47:12.600
view infrastructure development

00:47:12.600 --> 00:47:15.183
as that pathway to economic recovery.

00:47:16.598 --> 00:47:20.820
And we really see a lot of new
opportunities on the horizon.

00:47:20.820 --> 00:47:23.170
There's a great new
report if you all haven't taken

00:47:23.170 --> 00:47:26.057
a look at it at the U.S.
Water Alliance Report on

00:47:26.057 --> 00:47:27.509
"The Economic Benefits of Investing

00:47:27.509 --> 00:47:29.630
"in Water Infrastructure."

00:47:29.630 --> 00:47:34.380
And it just, it talks about
all the opportunities,

00:47:34.380 --> 00:47:39.288
if we work on developing our
water infrastructure system.

00:47:39.288 --> 00:47:44.140
And I think we really saw
during COVID the need for safe,

00:47:44.140 --> 00:47:46.170
clean, reliable drinking water

00:47:46.170 --> 00:47:49.380
to fight against this
public health pandemic

00:47:49.380 --> 00:47:52.020
and improve quality of life as well.

00:47:52.020 --> 00:47:54.410
But some of the
numbers that are in there,

00:47:54.410 --> 00:47:57.530
it's inspiring just to
end with this number of,

00:47:57.530 --> 00:48:00.420
they believe if we do the
infrastructure investment

00:48:00.420 --> 00:48:02.580
in the United States
that we need to do that

00:48:02.580 --> 00:48:06.392
will result in 800,000 new jobs

00:48:06.392 --> 00:48:11.392
and disposable income
increases of $2,000 per month

00:48:12.090 --> 00:48:13.660
per household.

00:48:13.660 --> 00:48:17.660
So these companies
might be struggling now,

00:48:17.660 --> 00:48:20.550
but I do really feel
like there is opportunity

00:48:20.550 --> 00:48:23.270
on the horizon for the
companies in partnership

00:48:23.270 --> 00:48:24.713
with our diverse suppliers.

00:48:25.560 --> 00:48:26.980
So thank you.

00:48:26.980 --> 00:48:27.910
<v ->Thank you, Jennifer.</v>

00:48:27.910 --> 00:48:30.050
And I should have said welcome,

00:48:30.050 --> 00:48:32.360
since you are indeed
new to your position.

00:48:32.360 --> 00:48:34.520
And I also want to acknowledge

00:48:34.520 --> 00:48:36.110
that The California Water Association

00:48:36.110 --> 00:48:39.353
was helpful during the
heat storm when we needed,

00:48:39.353 --> 00:48:42.880
for many of our companies
throughout California

00:48:42.880 --> 00:48:46.640
to shed energy consumption.

00:48:46.640 --> 00:48:51.203
And it was very helpful that
you all answered the call.

00:48:53.020 --> 00:48:55.230
I wanna make sure that
we have plenty of time

00:48:55.230 --> 00:48:56.540
for our fifth panelist.

00:48:56.540 --> 00:49:00.380
Is there maybe one quick
question of Jennifer before we go

00:49:00.380 --> 00:49:02.930
to the fifth panelist and
then our final questions?

00:49:04.080 --> 00:49:05.200
<v ->Yes, President Batjer.</v>

00:49:05.200 --> 00:49:08.968
If I could just maybe a
request that I could enlist,

00:49:08.968 --> 00:49:13.968
perhaps even Tarrance
and Edwin on a specific ask

00:49:14.030 --> 00:49:17.500
for San Jose, an opportunity
for them to increase

00:49:17.500 --> 00:49:18.840
their diverse procurement

00:49:18.840 --> 00:49:20.920
within the financial sector,

00:49:20.920 --> 00:49:22.419
they have currently pending

00:49:22.419 --> 00:49:27.419
over $300 million debt
applications for new debt.

00:49:27.490 --> 00:49:29.901
So there's an opportunity here really,

00:49:29.901 --> 00:49:33.340
and it looks like Tarrance
could give you a lead

00:49:33.340 --> 00:49:38.340
of at least 20 diverse
contractors for you to explore.

00:49:39.550 --> 00:49:41.979
And I'm sure Edwin
and Tracy could follow up

00:49:41.979 --> 00:49:44.210
with additional ones.

00:49:44.210 --> 00:49:48.040
So just a specific request
to follow up on that,

00:49:48.040 --> 00:49:49.740
Jennifer with San Jose,

00:49:49.740 --> 00:49:54.300
as the opportunity to bring
up that 12% to something more

00:49:54.300 --> 00:49:56.800
at par with their colleagues.

00:49:56.800 --> 00:49:58.430
Thank you very much.

00:49:58.430 --> 00:50:00.110
<v ->Okay, thank you.</v>

00:50:00.110 --> 00:50:00.943
<v ->President Batjer,</v>

00:50:00.943 --> 00:50:02.769
if I could just.
<v ->Commissioner Shiroma.</v>

00:50:02.769 --> 00:50:05.249
<v ->I know you asked for just
one more, well, but a comment,</v>

00:50:05.249 --> 00:50:08.020
and Jennifer, nice to see you,

00:50:08.020 --> 00:50:09.747
for that San Jose area,

00:50:09.747 --> 00:50:13.000
it seems there's an opportunity here

00:50:13.000 --> 00:50:18.000
for really challenging the numbers

00:50:18.712 --> 00:50:20.730
and accomplishing them.

00:50:20.730 --> 00:50:23.970
And there's San Jose State University,

00:50:23.970 --> 00:50:25.330
there's Stanford university,

00:50:25.330 --> 00:50:26.550
there's Santa Clara University,

00:50:26.550 --> 00:50:29.120
there are all these institutions there

00:50:29.120 --> 00:50:31.050
that really should be enlisted to,

00:50:31.050 --> 00:50:35.310
okay, what are the
constraints or the opportunities

00:50:35.310 --> 00:50:38.110
for developing (clears
throat) intervention

00:50:38.110 --> 00:50:40.140
and for, I mean, Santa Clara County

00:50:40.140 --> 00:50:43.610
is right next to, it's just right there.

00:50:43.610 --> 00:50:46.520
It's a, it is not a high income area.

00:50:46.520 --> 00:50:48.004
It's very diverse area.

00:50:48.004 --> 00:50:50.323
San Jose itself is pretty diverse.

00:50:51.731 --> 00:50:56.223
So I know these contracting
needs are heavy industrial.

00:50:57.330 --> 00:50:59.840
It could be information technology,

00:50:59.840 --> 00:51:01.930
all, a whole panoply of things,

00:51:01.930 --> 00:51:06.123
but really to enlist all the,
what we call the quote,

00:51:07.287 --> 00:51:10.313
"The bright minds" that
are in this, in that area.

00:51:11.342 --> 00:51:15.680
To tackle it and help
identify what action items

00:51:15.680 --> 00:51:20.290
can be taken by the
Water Utilities to meet,

00:51:20.290 --> 00:51:21.710
because I mean,

00:51:21.710 --> 00:51:24.993
to meet those percentages meet them

00:51:24.993 --> 00:51:25.826
( Shiroma chuckles)

00:51:25.826 --> 00:51:26.659
within the criteria.

00:51:26.659 --> 00:51:28.590
The four corners of GO 156

00:51:29.430 --> 00:51:32.130
This is, it's just a
comment, a perception

00:51:32.130 --> 00:51:34.250
and a viewpoint from me.

00:51:34.250 --> 00:51:35.083
Thanks a lot.

00:51:36.420 --> 00:51:39.840
<v ->Can I piggyback on
Commissioner Shiroma's comment</v>

00:51:39.840 --> 00:51:44.840
in terms of it, if indeed,
the issue for the companies

00:51:46.250 --> 00:51:51.250
is finding suppliers
in lower cost areas,

00:51:52.350 --> 00:51:57.050
the Central Valley is just a
hop, skip, and a jump away.

00:51:57.050 --> 00:51:59.370
So maybe focusing on that area

00:51:59.370 --> 00:52:02.060
rather than Southern
California might make sense

00:52:02.060 --> 00:52:04.283
in terms of finding
potential contractors.

00:52:05.670 --> 00:52:09.400
<v ->Indeed throw the
web, the net a lot further.</v>

00:52:09.400 --> 00:52:10.280
I agree.

00:52:10.280 --> 00:52:11.440
And I was thinking the same.

00:52:11.440 --> 00:52:14.360
And again, in sake of time,

00:52:14.360 --> 00:52:16.960
it always seems like we
have many more questions

00:52:16.960 --> 00:52:17.859
than time allows,

00:52:17.859 --> 00:52:20.020
but I'm gonna turn to the fifth panelist

00:52:20.020 --> 00:52:21.730
and that's Laurie Dowling,

00:52:21.730 --> 00:52:24.240
The National Utilities
Diversity Council.

00:52:24.240 --> 00:52:25.590
Hi Laurie.

00:52:25.590 --> 00:52:27.640
<v ->Hey, good morning,
President Batjer.</v>

00:52:27.640 --> 00:52:28.720
<v ->Yeah, please tell us</v>

00:52:28.720 --> 00:52:30.730
how the National
Utilities Diversity Council

00:52:30.730 --> 00:52:32.070
supports diversity

00:52:32.070 --> 00:52:34.986
and inclusion throughout
the United States.

00:52:34.986 --> 00:52:36.310
<v ->Well, thank you for asking me</v>

00:52:36.310 --> 00:52:39.110
and thank you for letting
me be with you today.

00:52:39.110 --> 00:52:40.430
I would like to say that on behalf

00:52:40.430 --> 00:52:43.130
of the Chairs of our Board of Directors,

00:52:43.130 --> 00:52:46.240
the Honorable Kimberly
O'Guinn of Arkansas

00:52:46.240 --> 00:52:48.130
and Rob MacLean of Southwest Water,

00:52:48.130 --> 00:52:51.600
we're really honored to be
a part of this conversation

00:52:51.600 --> 00:52:54.870
and part of the California family.

00:52:54.870 --> 00:52:57.250
I also wanted to mention that

00:52:58.150 --> 00:53:01.157
in honor of Assembly member Moore,

00:53:01.157 --> 00:53:04.406
we're very pleased that our
friends at the Black EOE Journal

00:53:04.406 --> 00:53:07.370
will be including a tribute
that NDUC has written

00:53:07.370 --> 00:53:10.391
as an article in their Fall magazine.

00:53:10.391 --> 00:53:12.540
So which will also be available online.

00:53:12.540 --> 00:53:14.740
So I hope that you'll look for that.

00:53:14.740 --> 00:53:19.740
It's a really lovely photo of
Assembly member Moore.

00:53:21.280 --> 00:53:23.940
The National Utilities Diversity
Council conducts research

00:53:23.940 --> 00:53:27.279
and shares best practices
to encourage diversity,

00:53:27.279 --> 00:53:28.112
(clears throat)

00:53:28.112 --> 00:53:28.945
excuse me,

00:53:28.945 --> 00:53:30.570
in the Utilities and
communications industries,

00:53:30.570 --> 00:53:33.290
for us that supplier
diversity, workforce diversity,

00:53:33.290 --> 00:53:36.460
language access, customer
service, governance diversity,

00:53:36.460 --> 00:53:38.073
and philanthropic diversity.

00:53:39.076 --> 00:53:42.290
And we do this through
webinars and virtual panels.

00:53:42.290 --> 00:53:45.880
So we were sort of virtualing
long before everyone had to,

00:53:45.880 --> 00:53:47.920
which is handy for us

00:53:47.920 --> 00:53:49.680
through a free diversity toolkit,

00:53:49.680 --> 00:53:51.040
which is a collaboration with

00:53:51.040 --> 00:53:53.716
the National Association of
Regulatory Utility Commissioners

00:53:53.716 --> 00:53:56.000
and the Department of Energy.

00:53:56.000 --> 00:54:00.810
And through a lot of ad
hoc work with companies,

00:54:00.810 --> 00:54:04.240
identifying best practices
around aspects of diversity

00:54:04.240 --> 00:54:06.370
and with regulatory agencies,

00:54:06.370 --> 00:54:10.440
looking at national
best practices conducted

00:54:10.440 --> 00:54:13.123
by their fellow agencies
around the country

00:54:13.123 --> 00:54:17.463
to help sort of advance opportunities.

00:54:18.400 --> 00:54:20.980
We try to be the people
around the country

00:54:21.895 --> 00:54:23.637
that look at what is being done now

00:54:23.637 --> 00:54:25.440
and what are the
things that are happening

00:54:25.440 --> 00:54:27.370
and need to be honed now.

00:54:27.370 --> 00:54:29.110
But also we try to go

00:54:29.110 --> 00:54:31.459
and look and see what's
over the top of the mountain

00:54:31.459 --> 00:54:32.970
so that we can,

00:54:32.970 --> 00:54:37.087
sort of encourage regulators
and corporate leaders

00:54:37.087 --> 00:54:38.180
and diverse suppliers

00:54:38.180 --> 00:54:39.640
and others to be thinking about

00:54:39.640 --> 00:54:42.067
what we need to know for the future.

00:54:42.067 --> 00:54:45.300
As an example of that,
we just finished last week,

00:54:45.300 --> 00:54:48.937
a free webinar on "Bias
and Artificial Intelligence

00:54:48.937 --> 00:54:52.870
"in Hiring and Procurement."

00:54:52.870 --> 00:54:55.810
Led by Nicol Turner-Lee
of the Brookings Institute.

00:54:55.810 --> 00:54:56.840
That kind of thing.

00:54:56.840 --> 00:54:59.220
We try to look over the mountain to see

00:54:59.220 --> 00:55:01.253
what's gonna be coming up as well.

00:55:05.340 --> 00:55:06.691
<v ->Oh yeah, I was on mute.</v>

00:55:06.691 --> 00:55:10.303
I'm gonna open up to my
fellow Commissioners now,

00:55:10.303 --> 00:55:12.523
just with follow up
questions for Laurie,

00:55:15.490 --> 00:55:17.980
<v ->I actually just have a
bit of a selfish question.</v>

00:55:17.980 --> 00:55:20.950
Is there, is it possible to get that,

00:55:20.950 --> 00:55:23.580
is there, is the conversation

00:55:23.580 --> 00:55:25.850
about the artificial intelligence bias

00:55:25.850 --> 00:55:30.560
and hiring available online
for us to take a look at?

00:55:30.560 --> 00:55:32.370
<v ->Sure, we'll be
happy to send it to you.</v>

00:55:32.370 --> 00:55:35.470
We can send you the
recording as well as the deck

00:55:35.470 --> 00:55:36.503
that Nicol used.

00:55:37.570 --> 00:55:38.560
It's very interesting.

00:55:38.560 --> 00:55:40.920
She has been leading this for Brookings.

00:55:40.920 --> 00:55:42.250
She's in charge of their new

00:55:42.250 --> 00:55:47.250
Tech and Racial Equity Center there,

00:55:48.990 --> 00:55:50.817
she's formerly with the MMTC

00:55:52.004 --> 00:55:55.080
and her work is really exciting.

00:55:55.080 --> 00:55:57.270
She hadn't really done
very much yet on hiring

00:55:57.270 --> 00:55:58.103
and procurement.

00:55:58.103 --> 00:56:00.260
So with us, that's part of what

00:56:00.260 --> 00:56:03.100
we encouraged her
to sort of take a look at.

00:56:03.100 --> 00:56:04.560
Be glad to make that available.

00:56:04.560 --> 00:56:07.570
We'll send it to Stephanie
and she can distribute.

00:56:07.570 --> 00:56:09.720
<v ->Yeah, it's a totally
fascinating topic.</v>

00:56:09.720 --> 00:56:13.760
And so many, hiring
processes now rely on,

00:56:13.760 --> 00:56:18.670
these AI pre-screen
so that's fascinating.

00:56:18.670 --> 00:56:20.330
Thank you.

00:56:20.330 --> 00:56:21.518
<v ->Thank you.</v>

00:56:21.518 --> 00:56:22.351
<v ->Yeah, excellent.</v>

00:56:22.351 --> 00:56:23.459
That's great.

00:56:23.459 --> 00:56:24.770
(mumbles)

00:56:24.770 --> 00:56:25.978
<v ->Okay, sorry.</v>

00:56:25.978 --> 00:56:27.460
<v ->No, go ahead.</v>

00:56:27.460 --> 00:56:30.450
<v ->Laurie, I was gonna ask
you if you've thought about,</v>

00:56:30.450 --> 00:56:34.830
or have ideas for how
to transition Utilities,

00:56:34.830 --> 00:56:37.410
and now we have new
entrants coming into our program

00:56:37.410 --> 00:56:40.660
from doing this as just an
obligatory mandate to making it

00:56:40.660 --> 00:56:44.160
more part of their standard
operating procedure,

00:56:44.160 --> 00:56:49.160
more the DNA to be diverse
in their supplier contracting.

00:56:50.527 --> 00:56:52.664
<v ->Thank you for asking
that Commissioner.</v>

00:56:52.664 --> 00:56:54.736
You know, it's interesting when,

00:56:54.736 --> 00:57:00.040
I've been working, I'm
on the Advisory Council

00:57:00.040 --> 00:57:04.050
for the DC Public Service
Commissions review

00:57:04.050 --> 00:57:05.910
of their diversity MoU,

00:57:05.910 --> 00:57:09.420
they have an MoU rather
than a legislative action.

00:57:09.420 --> 00:57:12.410
And to be honest with you frequently,

00:57:12.410 --> 00:57:15.670
I'm citing California to my colleagues

00:57:15.670 --> 00:57:17.510
on that Advisory Council,

00:57:17.510 --> 00:57:22.510
because I think that the
links of GO 156 relationship

00:57:26.460 --> 00:57:30.230
to the State of California
has created a belief

00:57:32.491 --> 00:57:36.620
and an ownership of
diversity in the DNA of a lot

00:57:36.620 --> 00:57:38.580
of the regulated
Utilities in California.

00:57:38.580 --> 00:57:42.880
And I've actually been citing
that a lot for my colleagues

00:57:42.880 --> 00:57:43.713
on this Commission

00:57:43.713 --> 00:57:46.961
and also for the Maryland PSC as well.

00:57:46.961 --> 00:57:51.961
So I think that what
the public Utilities,

00:57:52.580 --> 00:57:54.470
the California Public
Utilities Commission does

00:57:54.470 --> 00:57:58.960
so brilliantly is you,
you create an opportunity

00:57:58.960 --> 00:58:03.760
and a requirement for, if
you'll forgive the expression,

00:58:03.760 --> 00:58:04.810
this may sound a little harsh,

00:58:04.810 --> 00:58:06.557
but an annual reckoning,

00:58:06.557 --> 00:58:09.370
and I think of that as
sort of on Thanksgiving,

00:58:09.370 --> 00:58:11.017
we count our blessings,

00:58:11.017 --> 00:58:14.020
in the Fall we count how we're doing

00:58:14.020 --> 00:58:16.840
along these measurement parameters,

00:58:16.840 --> 00:58:19.480
and then we report them to you.

00:58:19.480 --> 00:58:24.133
And I think that is a huge part of the,

00:58:26.120 --> 00:58:29.810
what is encouraging the
advancement of diversity

00:58:29.810 --> 00:58:31.300
in California

00:58:31.300 --> 00:58:34.420
and is being mirrored by some
of your fellow Commissions

00:58:34.420 --> 00:58:35.670
around the country.

00:58:35.670 --> 00:58:39.030
But also I think it also
really sort of drives

00:58:39.030 --> 00:58:41.136
that into the DNA.

00:58:41.136 --> 00:58:43.113
So I say,

00:58:44.330 --> 00:58:46.330
I think you're already
making it part of the DNA,

00:58:46.330 --> 00:58:50.270
but creating an opportunity
for people to publicly share

00:58:50.270 --> 00:58:53.090
how they're doing is really powerful

00:58:53.090 --> 00:58:54.280
on a whole lot of fronts,

00:58:54.280 --> 00:58:58.880
including creating an important space

00:58:58.880 --> 00:59:00.640
for the diversity and inclusion

00:59:00.640 --> 00:59:03.090
and supplier diversity
leaders within the company

00:59:04.308 --> 00:59:09.050
to show their importance to
the overall corporate mission.

00:59:09.050 --> 00:59:10.963
And that can't be understated.

00:59:12.750 --> 00:59:13.583
<v ->Thank you.</v>

00:59:13.583 --> 00:59:14.687
<v ->Thanks.</v>

00:59:14.687 --> 00:59:16.900
And one more question,

00:59:16.900 --> 00:59:19.580
and then we're gonna open
up for all of the panelists.

00:59:19.580 --> 00:59:21.490
We're gonna be running
just a little bit behind,

00:59:21.490 --> 00:59:24.280
but any other questions
for Laurie at this time?

00:59:24.280 --> 00:59:25.493
Specifically for Laurie?

00:59:27.400 --> 00:59:29.340
<v ->I can ask a short
one here, Laurie.</v>

00:59:29.340 --> 00:59:30.890
I know in the past you've talked

00:59:30.890 --> 00:59:33.250
about diversities of the Board

00:59:33.250 --> 00:59:37.500
and how they really helped
treasure those cultural

00:59:37.500 --> 00:59:39.700
prioritization as well.

00:59:39.700 --> 00:59:43.270
And I wondered if you had
any recommendations on that,

00:59:43.270 --> 00:59:45.650
a new here, for this year.

00:59:45.650 --> 00:59:48.433
<v ->I am so glad you asked
that, thank you so much.</v>

00:59:48.433 --> 00:59:52.170
I mentioned our free diversity toolkit

00:59:52.170 --> 00:59:57.170
and it currently comprises
four buckets around diversity.

00:59:57.460 --> 01:00:00.660
We're right now working
on bucket number five,

01:00:00.660 --> 01:00:03.840
which will be launched by December.

01:00:03.840 --> 01:00:07.090
And that actually looks at
diversity in Commissions

01:00:07.090 --> 01:00:08.090
and Commissioners.

01:00:08.090 --> 01:00:09.650
We're really excited about that.

01:00:09.650 --> 01:00:12.040
People will be able
to search the database

01:00:12.040 --> 01:00:15.230
for different kinds of
Commission actions

01:00:15.230 --> 01:00:18.400
around workforce,
supplier, diversity and other,

01:00:18.400 --> 01:00:19.980
and then also be able to look

01:00:19.980 --> 01:00:21.780
at the diversity of Commissioners,

01:00:21.780 --> 01:00:23.590
the next bucket that we're working on.

01:00:23.590 --> 01:00:25.500
And we're gonna be
doing that in collaboration

01:00:25.500 --> 01:00:28.080
with a group of national organizations,

01:00:28.080 --> 01:00:31.210
including the American
Association of Blacks in Energy

01:00:31.210 --> 01:00:34.810
and Leadership Education
for Asian Pacifics among others

01:00:34.810 --> 01:00:38.636
is taking a good long look at diversity

01:00:38.636 --> 01:00:40.950
at the corporate board level.

01:00:40.950 --> 01:00:42.340
We've done some work on that,

01:00:42.340 --> 01:00:44.810
and we have a couple
of tools on the toolkit

01:00:44.810 --> 01:00:48.210
for what corporate board
members need to know,

01:00:48.210 --> 01:00:51.300
but we're gonna do a
very deep dive into that

01:00:51.300 --> 01:00:52.650
in the early new year.

01:00:52.650 --> 01:00:53.913
So thank you for asking.

01:01:00.880 --> 01:01:03.286
<v ->President Batjer.</v>
<v ->I think you're on mute.</v>

01:01:03.286 --> 01:01:04.119
<v ->Mute.</v>

01:01:04.119 --> 01:01:05.291
That is terrific to hear.

01:01:05.291 --> 01:01:10.291
Can we see the results of your
bucket five on your website?

01:01:11.680 --> 01:01:15.140
<v ->Bucket five on the website
gonna be made available</v>

01:01:15.140 --> 01:01:16.810
in probably December.

01:01:16.810 --> 01:01:18.190
I'm working with NARIC right now

01:01:18.190 --> 01:01:20.108
to double check all of our math

01:01:20.108 --> 01:01:23.373
and then the designers have
to make it sort of searchable.

01:01:25.550 --> 01:01:27.090
You can get access to the raw data

01:01:27.090 --> 01:01:28.150
through NARIC before then.

01:01:28.150 --> 01:01:31.240
I suspect we'll be talking
about it in November.

01:01:31.240 --> 01:01:33.630
<v ->Yes, thank
you, that's terrific.</v>

01:01:33.630 --> 01:01:35.760
Okay, we're running short of time,

01:01:35.760 --> 01:01:38.407
but I really do want to open up

01:01:38.407 --> 01:01:43.200
to my fellow Commissioners
for any questions

01:01:43.200 --> 01:01:46.310
of the overall panel that you have,

01:01:46.310 --> 01:01:47.823
that you would like to ask.

01:01:49.710 --> 01:01:51.550
Yes, Commissioner Shiroma.

01:01:51.550 --> 01:01:55.143
<v ->Thank you, so we also have
someone who's commented</v>

01:01:55.143 --> 01:02:00.120
in the chat about mentoring

01:02:00.120 --> 01:02:01.927
and training up incomers

01:02:01.927 --> 01:02:06.140
and that's, I think
an important feature.

01:02:06.140 --> 01:02:07.670
But my question is.

01:02:07.670 --> 01:02:10.050
And I think Edwin you
brought up some of this,

01:02:10.050 --> 01:02:15.050
Tracy also that, as far
as building the bench

01:02:15.199 --> 01:02:18.860
and the, and not only
helping small businesses

01:02:18.860 --> 01:02:23.610
and the GO 156 businesses to sustain,

01:02:23.610 --> 01:02:25.610
but also for new businesses to enter,

01:02:25.610 --> 01:02:28.960
it takes mentoring
and that takes training.

01:02:28.960 --> 01:02:33.960
And so my question is there
sufficient financial resources

01:02:35.250 --> 01:02:38.540
for that kind of mentoring and training?

01:02:38.540 --> 01:02:40.770
I mean, when we talk about

01:02:40.770 --> 01:02:43.660
the contracting dollars themselves,

01:02:43.660 --> 01:02:46.650
but do we also need investment

01:02:46.650 --> 01:02:51.650
in training folks, mentoring folks,

01:02:51.990 --> 01:02:55.633
helping folks navigate
how to respond to an RFP

01:02:55.633 --> 01:02:56.733
and so forth?

01:02:59.205 --> 01:03:03.807
<v ->I would love to see
more money in that area.</v>

01:03:03.807 --> 01:03:07.286
Here at the California Black
Chamber of Commerce,

01:03:07.286 --> 01:03:11.910
we started with a
couple of local institutions

01:03:11.910 --> 01:03:12.960
throughout the State,

01:03:13.839 --> 01:03:15.780
and we've got a pilot program

01:03:15.780 --> 01:03:18.210
that's gonna be kicking
off pretty soon here,

01:03:18.210 --> 01:03:21.220
where it's a young
entrepreneurs academy,

01:03:21.220 --> 01:03:24.600
kind of a situation where
we're reaching down

01:03:24.600 --> 01:03:28.030
as far as the junior high school

01:03:28.030 --> 01:03:32.542
and teaching young African-Americans

01:03:32.542 --> 01:03:35.560
what it means to be a professional,

01:03:35.560 --> 01:03:37.840
what it means to be an entrepreneur,

01:03:37.840 --> 01:03:41.270
helping them have a desire to develop

01:03:41.270 --> 01:03:43.430
and learn the skills
they need in high school

01:03:43.430 --> 01:03:46.830
and junior high school to
become an entrepreneur.

01:03:46.830 --> 01:03:50.065
And then we're partnering
with the community colleges

01:03:50.065 --> 01:03:54.160
and creating a program
where they would go straight

01:03:54.160 --> 01:03:55.860
from high school

01:03:55.860 --> 01:03:58.320
where they will receive
community college credits

01:03:58.320 --> 01:04:00.340
for taking some of these courses

01:04:00.340 --> 01:04:02.193
and then move to the community colleges

01:04:02.193 --> 01:04:07.193
and further their education
on things like marketing

01:04:07.340 --> 01:04:11.550
and management and financial
literacy, access to capital,

01:04:11.550 --> 01:04:14.320
which is required for you
to gain access to capital

01:04:14.320 --> 01:04:16.700
and also contracting.

01:04:16.700 --> 01:04:19.770
But in order for us to
build this program out

01:04:19.770 --> 01:04:21.400
and be successful with it,

01:04:21.400 --> 01:04:22.350
you're absolutely right,

01:04:22.350 --> 01:04:25.000
there was a need for funding.

01:04:25.000 --> 01:04:28.450
There was a lack of
funding in that area right now.

01:04:28.450 --> 01:04:30.430
We would love to see anyone

01:04:30.430 --> 01:04:33.377
that's willing to partner
with us on this platform,

01:04:33.377 --> 01:04:35.600
help make that a success.

01:04:35.600 --> 01:04:37.608
I believe it is the future.

01:04:37.608 --> 01:04:40.980
As we go into what I'm
calling the new normal now,

01:04:40.980 --> 01:04:44.930
where we can't just run
business the way we used to,

01:04:44.930 --> 01:04:47.110
everything is becoming more virtual.

01:04:47.110 --> 01:04:51.466
AI is becoming a major
player in how we do business,

01:04:51.466 --> 01:04:53.903
but it's not inexpensive,

01:04:53.903 --> 01:04:58.797
and you have to have
access to the facilities

01:05:00.560 --> 01:05:05.110
and also the broadband
internet capabilities

01:05:05.110 --> 01:05:08.210
and so on and so forth
in order to participate.

01:05:08.210 --> 01:05:12.140
And so funding is a huge piece
of what can actually happen.

01:05:12.140 --> 01:05:14.930
And that's where that
partnership comes into play.

01:05:14.930 --> 01:05:18.840
If you have a developed
partnership with the Utilities

01:05:18.840 --> 01:05:21.600
and major corporations that have funding

01:05:21.600 --> 01:05:24.480
that can provide what's needed

01:05:24.480 --> 01:05:26.250
in order for us to build the capacity

01:05:26.250 --> 01:05:28.610
and be successful in
an area, we can get there

01:05:28.610 --> 01:05:30.570
and we can get there relatively quickly.

01:05:30.570 --> 01:05:33.490
So thank you for raising that question.

01:05:33.490 --> 01:05:34.780
<v ->I agree with Edwin.</v>

01:05:34.780 --> 01:05:36.570
It is needed.

01:05:36.570 --> 01:05:39.510
In fact we just had
another big grant awarded

01:05:39.510 --> 01:05:43.360
to us this year, this
morning, signing off on one,

01:05:43.360 --> 01:05:46.153
and we've had over the past,

01:05:46.153 --> 01:05:49.510
I guess, 10 months, almost,

01:05:49.510 --> 01:05:51.870
well, over a million dollars
worth of grants given

01:05:51.870 --> 01:05:54.117
to our American Indian
Chamber out here in California,

01:05:54.117 --> 01:05:58.140
because it's empowering our
people to train our own people,

01:05:58.140 --> 01:06:00.590
to become entrepreneurs
in our cultural relevant way.

01:06:00.590 --> 01:06:02.480
So the more funding we get,

01:06:02.480 --> 01:06:04.290
the more responsibility we have,

01:06:04.290 --> 01:06:05.778
but the more success we have.

01:06:05.778 --> 01:06:08.024
Like Edwin, we have
our, we have what we call

01:06:08.024 --> 01:06:10.190
our Junior American Indian
Chamber of Commerce,

01:06:10.190 --> 01:06:12.736
which many of the
Utilities have been integral

01:06:12.736 --> 01:06:15.548
in funding for us this year.

01:06:15.548 --> 01:06:20.003
And it's been very successful.

01:06:20.003 --> 01:06:21.591
So Commissioner Shiroma,

01:06:21.591 --> 01:06:25.233
we do need more funding for this effort,

01:06:25.233 --> 01:06:29.360
we're focused on helping
people now start a business.

01:06:29.360 --> 01:06:30.600
It's gonna be our next effort.

01:06:30.600 --> 01:06:32.900
We're finding in our community,

01:06:32.900 --> 01:06:34.820
younger people are
not starting businesses

01:06:34.820 --> 01:06:37.441
as they used to be, for whatever reason,

01:06:37.441 --> 01:06:40.931
and we're gonna help them address that.

01:06:40.931 --> 01:06:44.505
There's also issues with the
digital divide in our community

01:06:44.505 --> 01:06:49.300
and Southern California
Gas is helping us with that.

01:06:49.300 --> 01:06:50.133
They're working with

01:06:50.133 --> 01:06:52.330
the California State
Superintendent of Education,

01:06:52.330 --> 01:06:56.960
at least in their
service territory here,

01:06:56.960 --> 01:06:58.928
they've put out some funding.

01:06:58.928 --> 01:07:00.657
T-Mobile's come in this year.

01:07:00.657 --> 01:07:02.830
I know I was pretty
harsh on them last year,

01:07:02.830 --> 01:07:03.663
but they're partnering with us

01:07:03.663 --> 01:07:05.880
and they, anytime we get support

01:07:05.880 --> 01:07:08.350
and partnership is that when
discuss from these Utilities,

01:07:08.350 --> 01:07:10.257
telcos and water companies,

01:07:10.257 --> 01:07:12.150
we've been able to
parlay that into training.

01:07:12.150 --> 01:07:16.507
And there's so much more
training that needs to happen.

01:07:16.507 --> 01:07:17.340
One of the things,

01:07:17.340 --> 01:07:20.610
and I was kinda disturbed
with Jennifer, in your comments,

01:07:20.610 --> 01:07:23.016
sorry, my new friends,

01:07:23.016 --> 01:07:24.780
we help people get certified.

01:07:24.780 --> 01:07:28.590
It is not an issue to get
certified as a minority business.

01:07:28.590 --> 01:07:30.940
We have the capacity, capability.

01:07:30.940 --> 01:07:32.270
And unfortunately,

01:07:32.270 --> 01:07:34.340
if somebody doesn't wanna
share their tax records,

01:07:34.340 --> 01:07:36.320
then they probably can't
do business with the Utilities,

01:07:36.320 --> 01:07:37.450
telcos and water companies,

01:07:37.450 --> 01:07:40.091
or any major corporation
in this country right now.

01:07:40.091 --> 01:07:42.220
So we have used the investment

01:07:42.220 --> 01:07:47.121
that these Utilities are putting
to us, Edison, SDG&amp;E, PG&amp;E,

01:07:47.121 --> 01:07:50.100
every single one of the
groups sitting here, AT&amp;T

01:07:50.100 --> 01:07:52.571
to help that not be a problem.

01:07:52.571 --> 01:07:56.860
So, anytime the investment
comes in Commissioners,

01:07:56.860 --> 01:07:58.071
we put it to good work

01:07:58.071 --> 01:08:01.500
and it's helped us with
millions of dollars in contract,

01:08:01.500 --> 01:08:02.810
even during this pandemic.

01:08:02.810 --> 01:08:05.820
Because the bottom
line is contracting jobs

01:08:05.820 --> 01:08:09.870
and economic self sufficiency
for our diverse communities.

01:08:09.870 --> 01:08:12.430
And that's what this
investment back in California

01:08:12.430 --> 01:08:14.920
with our rate payer dollars is doing.

01:08:14.920 --> 01:08:18.330
And again, thank you
for letting us speak today.

01:08:18.330 --> 01:08:20.899
And the other thing we
wanted to say is buy California,

01:08:20.899 --> 01:08:22.307
California rate payers
dollars needs stay

01:08:22.307 --> 01:08:24.660
with California companies.

01:08:24.660 --> 01:08:26.040
I know Edwin you're laughing about it.

01:08:26.040 --> 01:08:27.310
'Cause the more advocacy we do,

01:08:27.310 --> 01:08:28.680
we wanna keep this money here,

01:08:28.680 --> 01:08:31.193
helping our own people
grow our communities

01:08:31.193 --> 01:08:32.940
here in California.

01:08:32.940 --> 01:08:34.820
<v ->Okay, thanks so much Tracy.</v>

01:08:34.820 --> 01:08:35.730
We're way over time.

01:08:35.730 --> 01:08:36.930
So I am so sorry for that.

01:08:36.930 --> 01:08:40.247
'Cause this is a rich
discussion that we're having,

01:08:40.247 --> 01:08:43.610
but I wanna thank Tarrance
and Edwin and Tracy

01:08:43.610 --> 01:08:45.090
and Jennifer and Lori,

01:08:45.090 --> 01:08:48.230
for your panel discussion this morning.

01:08:48.230 --> 01:08:52.070
And with that, we will
take a 10-minute break.

01:08:52.070 --> 01:08:56.400
I am showing that it,
well, let's just call it 10:15

01:08:56.400 --> 01:08:58.830
and we'll be back at 10:25.

01:08:58.830 --> 01:09:01.327
And the next panel will be moderated

01:09:01.327 --> 01:09:04.240
by my fellow Commissioner Liane Randolph

01:09:04.240 --> 01:09:05.073
and it will be the,

01:09:05.073 --> 01:09:08.787
"Prime &amp; Sub contractors:
Supplier Diversity Best Practices

01:09:08.787 --> 01:09:09.876
"and Contracting Barriers."

01:09:09.876 --> 01:09:11.523
Thank you all.

01:09:13.400 --> 01:09:15.380
<v Randolf>Rechtschaffen?</v>

01:09:15.380 --> 01:09:16.250
<v Batjer>Yes.</v>

01:09:16.250 --> 01:09:17.750
<v ->Oh, he's stepped
away for a second.</v>

01:09:17.750 --> 01:09:19.380
He was here a moment ago.

01:09:19.380 --> 01:09:20.384
<v ->Okay, and--</v>

01:09:20.384 --> 01:09:21.217
<v Rechtschaffen>I'm here.</v>

01:09:21.217 --> 01:09:23.310
<v ->Oh good, there you are Cliff.</v>

01:09:23.310 --> 01:09:25.103
Is Commissioner Guzman Aceves?

01:09:26.240 --> 01:09:27.430
<v ->Yes.</v>

01:09:27.430 --> 01:09:28.540
<v ->Okay, great.</v>

01:09:28.540 --> 01:09:30.403
All right, Liane, over to you.

01:09:32.120 --> 01:09:34.463
<v ->Okay, thank you very much.</v>

01:09:35.973 --> 01:09:40.973
So our, we have three
panelists for this next panel,

01:09:42.120 --> 01:09:43.727
which is about,

01:09:43.727 --> 01:09:47.387
"Prime &amp; Sub Contractors:
Supplier Diversity Best Practices

01:09:47.387 --> 01:09:50.367
"and Contracting Barriers."

01:09:51.560 --> 01:09:54.397
Our three panelists are Mark Montgomery,

01:09:54.397 --> 01:09:56.730
the President and
Chief Executive Officer

01:09:56.730 --> 01:09:58.890
of Bridgewater Consulting Group.

01:09:58.890 --> 01:10:01.434
Kirby Hays, President
and Chief Executive Officer

01:10:01.434 --> 01:10:04.470
of Hal Hay's Construction Inc

01:10:04.470 --> 01:10:07.139
and Jan Davis, President of Superbtech.

01:10:07.139 --> 01:10:11.340
Each of our panelists will give a,

01:10:11.340 --> 01:10:12.870
some brief opening remarks.

01:10:12.870 --> 01:10:16.582
And then we will have
some question and answer.

01:10:16.582 --> 01:10:19.740
So looking forward to
hearing about your companies

01:10:19.740 --> 01:10:23.270
and your experiences with
the Supplier Diversity Programs,

01:10:23.270 --> 01:10:25.393
we will start with Mr. Montgomery.

01:10:26.770 --> 01:10:28.073
<v ->Certainly thank you so much.</v>

01:10:28.073 --> 01:10:29.287
First off, I wanna thank

01:10:29.287 --> 01:10:32.870
the California Public
Utilities Commission

01:10:32.870 --> 01:10:34.913
for putting on such an event,

01:10:34.913 --> 01:10:36.044
creating the exposure

01:10:36.044 --> 01:10:40.666
for so many supplier diversity
companies that are out there,

01:10:40.666 --> 01:10:43.802
creating awareness for
all the various Utilities

01:10:43.802 --> 01:10:46.748
that we serve or look to serve

01:10:46.748 --> 01:10:49.514
and creating those door
opening opportunities,

01:10:49.514 --> 01:10:53.440
really want to just congratulate

01:10:53.440 --> 01:10:56.960
and share just a positive support

01:10:56.960 --> 01:11:00.320
for all of the supplier
diverse companies out there

01:11:00.320 --> 01:11:05.320
that are striving to do
business in the utility space,

01:11:06.148 --> 01:11:08.553
commendable for all
the work you're doing

01:11:08.553 --> 01:11:12.800
and the courage that they have to start

01:11:12.800 --> 01:11:15.750
and build a company for
all the work that they do

01:11:15.750 --> 01:11:16.880
and supporting their communities

01:11:16.880 --> 01:11:19.780
and for all the job
opportunities that they're creating

01:11:19.780 --> 01:11:23.320
for so many people to be able to support

01:11:23.320 --> 01:11:25.435
their communities even more.

01:11:25.435 --> 01:11:30.435
And finally, I want to thank
the Honorable Gwen Moore

01:11:30.800 --> 01:11:33.650
for all of her support and services

01:11:33.650 --> 01:11:37.110
and leading the charge
for creating GO 156.

01:11:37.110 --> 01:11:40.580
We're all here today
because of all of her work.

01:11:40.580 --> 01:11:43.779
And although we have a ways to go,

01:11:43.779 --> 01:11:47.410
we are better off today
than we were yesterday.

01:11:47.410 --> 01:11:50.170
And again, just thank
you all for this opportunity

01:11:50.170 --> 01:11:52.103
to be a part of this event today.

01:11:56.290 --> 01:12:00.440
<v ->Thank you.</v>

01:12:00.440 --> 01:12:01.373
Mr. Hays?

01:12:02.980 --> 01:12:04.160
<v ->Hi, good morning.</v>

01:12:04.160 --> 01:12:06.720
I'm Kirby Hays with
Hal Hay's Construction.

01:12:06.720 --> 01:12:10.530
I'd like to thank the California
Public Utilities Commission

01:12:10.530 --> 01:12:14.430
for allowing me to represent
Hal Hay's Construction

01:12:14.430 --> 01:12:17.433
here at the 18th Annual En Banc.

01:12:19.570 --> 01:12:21.780
Certainly honored to be here

01:12:21.780 --> 01:12:25.270
and represent, not only
Hal Hay's Construction,

01:12:25.270 --> 01:12:27.350
not only Indian Country,

01:12:27.350 --> 01:12:29.940
but diversity businesses as a whole.

01:12:29.940 --> 01:12:34.165
So I'd like to thank the CPUC
for constantly raising the bar

01:12:34.165 --> 01:12:37.900
and fighting for it, thank you.

01:12:37.900 --> 01:12:40.193
And again, I'm excited to be here today.

01:12:42.360 --> 01:12:43.453
<v ->And Ms. Davis.</v>

01:12:47.190 --> 01:12:49.060
Oh, we don't have your audio.

01:12:49.060 --> 01:12:50.443
Are you on mute?

01:13:03.450 --> 01:13:08.450
Did you call in to the Verizon
number that you see you.

01:13:15.099 --> 01:13:17.766
(clears throat)

01:13:22.370 --> 01:13:26.750
Perhaps could somebody
put their Verizon number or--

01:13:26.750 --> 01:13:29.460
<v ->It's in the chat.</v>

01:13:29.460 --> 01:13:30.430
<v ->Yeah.</v>

01:13:30.430 --> 01:13:32.579
<v ->If you look in the chat,</v>

01:13:32.579 --> 01:13:37.110
you can see Robert
Stanford sent a chat note

01:13:37.110 --> 01:13:38.980
to the panelists.

01:13:38.980 --> 01:13:42.083
And it's has an 800 number for audio.

01:13:44.290 --> 01:13:49.290
So while you are
calling in to that number,

01:13:50.900 --> 01:13:53.540
maybe I'll just ask Mr. Montgomery

01:13:54.955 --> 01:13:57.340
to sort of just a quick first question,

01:13:57.340 --> 01:13:59.240
and then we'll come back to Ms. Davis,

01:14:01.010 --> 01:14:02.960
but could you tell us a little bit

01:14:02.960 --> 01:14:05.900
about the services your company provides

01:14:07.326 --> 01:14:10.100
and how you have interfaced

01:14:10.100 --> 01:14:12.750
with the Utilities in the
Supplier Diversity Program?

01:14:14.412 --> 01:14:15.700
<v ->Certainly,</v>

01:14:15.700 --> 01:14:19.700
so Bridgewater is a utility-based
management consulting firm

01:14:19.700 --> 01:14:22.850
and what we do have
work closely with utilities,

01:14:22.850 --> 01:14:26.890
for their utility
monetization, strategy work,

01:14:26.890 --> 01:14:29.100
business process re-engineering,

01:14:29.100 --> 01:14:31.051
learning development training,

01:14:31.051 --> 01:14:33.920
organizational chain in management.

01:14:33.920 --> 01:14:37.010
We do a great deal of
work around analytics

01:14:37.010 --> 01:14:41.700
and an AMI support services, as well.

01:14:41.700 --> 01:14:45.423
And so we work with
various different utilities

01:14:45.423 --> 01:14:50.423
that are across California
and other States, as well.

01:14:51.160 --> 01:14:55.368
And, we have a great relationship

01:14:55.368 --> 01:14:58.330
with the supplier
diversity organizations

01:14:58.330 --> 01:15:00.010
at these various different utilities

01:15:00.010 --> 01:15:03.240
and they create a great
deal of exposure for us,

01:15:03.240 --> 01:15:06.570
based on our capabilities
that we provide.

01:15:06.570 --> 01:15:09.996
And then we work very
closely with the end-users,

01:15:09.996 --> 01:15:12.300
as well as we look at expanding

01:15:12.300 --> 01:15:14.212
and growing in our relationships

01:15:14.212 --> 01:15:16.587
over there with those Utilities.

01:15:19.320 --> 01:15:24.320
<v ->And what are some of the
two or three key opportunities</v>

01:15:25.890 --> 01:15:28.430
that you've been able
to take advantage of

01:15:28.430 --> 01:15:31.100
with the Supplier Diversity Program?

01:15:31.100 --> 01:15:35.120
<v ->Absolutely, it first starts
with everyone understanding</v>

01:15:35.120 --> 01:15:39.480
the importance of investing
time in building relationships.

01:15:39.480 --> 01:15:41.540
No one is gonna look to do business

01:15:41.540 --> 01:15:44.980
with any company out
there that don't take the time

01:15:44.980 --> 01:15:48.310
to invest in building relationships,

01:15:48.310 --> 01:15:50.520
for people to get to
know you, get to like you,

01:15:50.520 --> 01:15:52.730
get to a point of
being able to trust you.

01:15:52.730 --> 01:15:55.290
And only then whether
it be an opportunity

01:15:55.290 --> 01:15:58.601
to be considered to
talking about, doing work,

01:15:58.601 --> 01:16:00.840
at the very different Utilities.

01:16:00.840 --> 01:16:03.726
And a second for us
is really making sure

01:16:03.726 --> 01:16:06.450
that the services that we offer,

01:16:06.450 --> 01:16:08.808
align to the business needs.

01:16:08.808 --> 01:16:10.710
We don't wanna go out

01:16:10.710 --> 01:16:12.607
and promoting a certain service offering

01:16:12.607 --> 01:16:17.132
that's not a value or
benefit to us, end-users.

01:16:17.132 --> 01:16:22.132
And then third, it really
comes down to your staff.

01:16:22.202 --> 01:16:24.590
It starts with my leadership

01:16:24.590 --> 01:16:28.000
and hiring very smart,
high character people

01:16:28.000 --> 01:16:31.421
that are, that align to
the vision of the company

01:16:31.421 --> 01:16:32.950
and where we're headed

01:16:32.950 --> 01:16:35.056
and making sure that
you are hiring people

01:16:35.056 --> 01:16:36.810
that are different than you are.

01:16:36.810 --> 01:16:39.304
People that's gonna
challenge your thinking

01:16:39.304 --> 01:16:41.700
with a goal of helping
to make your company

01:16:41.700 --> 01:16:44.570
that much stronger, it's very important

01:16:44.570 --> 01:16:46.890
and very important for leaders to know

01:16:46.890 --> 01:16:48.460
that they don't have all the answers

01:16:48.460 --> 01:16:52.300
and they need the people
around them that compliment them.

01:16:52.300 --> 01:16:55.230
and that can challenge
you on your thinking.

01:16:55.230 --> 01:16:56.190
And I think really,

01:16:56.190 --> 01:16:58.687
and last, becomes your employees

01:16:58.687 --> 01:17:00.429
that are out there on the front line

01:17:00.429 --> 01:17:02.420
that's delivering the work.

01:17:02.420 --> 01:17:05.280
You wanna make sure the
same things, smart people,

01:17:05.280 --> 01:17:08.050
high character people,
people that are results-oriented,

01:17:08.050 --> 01:17:10.290
but understand the of knowing,

01:17:10.290 --> 01:17:12.035
of building trusted relationships

01:17:12.035 --> 01:17:14.451
out there with their clients.

01:17:14.451 --> 01:17:17.900
And I'll be remiss if I didn't mention

01:17:17.900 --> 01:17:19.636
an all important fourth,

01:17:19.636 --> 01:17:23.520
and then Tarrance
actually shed light on this

01:17:23.520 --> 01:17:25.290
earlier this morning.

01:17:25.290 --> 01:17:28.360
For us, we have to work
with great confidence

01:17:28.360 --> 01:17:29.880
on what it is that we do,

01:17:29.880 --> 01:17:31.530
but at the same time for me,

01:17:31.530 --> 01:17:33.270
I operate with a certain fear

01:17:33.270 --> 01:17:36.699
that all of this that I do can
be taken away from me today

01:17:36.699 --> 01:17:41.330
because you're a young
supplier that's growing

01:17:41.330 --> 01:17:43.370
and anything can happen out there.

01:17:43.370 --> 01:17:46.110
So you need to stay
on your toes at all times

01:17:46.110 --> 01:17:48.160
and making sure you
stay close to your business

01:17:48.160 --> 01:17:50.460
and making sure that you're
having constant conversation

01:17:50.460 --> 01:17:51.560
with your staff

01:17:51.560 --> 01:17:54.140
and close conversation
with clients to understand

01:17:54.140 --> 01:17:56.070
where you need to continue to improve

01:17:56.070 --> 01:17:57.600
on your ability to do business

01:17:57.600 --> 01:17:58.880
and support them successfully.

01:17:58.880 --> 01:18:00.430
All those things are essential.

01:18:01.320 --> 01:18:02.780
Thank you.

01:18:02.780 --> 01:18:05.206
<v ->Okay, thank you.</v>

01:18:05.206 --> 01:18:08.740
Mr. Hays, I'm gonna ask
you the same question,

01:18:08.740 --> 01:18:10.330
tell us a little bit about your business

01:18:10.330 --> 01:18:13.280
and tell us about some
of the opportunities

01:18:13.280 --> 01:18:14.870
and successes you've had

01:18:14.870 --> 01:18:16.670
with the Supplier Diversity Program.

01:18:17.670 --> 01:18:19.470
<v ->Sure Liane, thank you.</v>

01:18:19.470 --> 01:18:22.350
So a little bit about
Hal Hay's Construction,

01:18:22.350 --> 01:18:23.560
Hal Hay's Construction is

01:18:23.560 --> 01:18:26.660
a large family-owned
DBE general contractor.

01:18:26.660 --> 01:18:28.040
We're based in Riverside.

01:18:28.040 --> 01:18:31.350
We also have a presence
in Northern California as well

01:18:31.350 --> 01:18:32.930
with an office up there.

01:18:32.930 --> 01:18:35.950
We specialize in all types of
construction from heavy civil

01:18:35.950 --> 01:18:38.640
and infrastructure to
facilities, maintenance

01:18:38.640 --> 01:18:40.170
and new construction.

01:18:40.170 --> 01:18:43.190
We were 2018 NMSDC,

01:18:43.190 --> 01:18:46.010
National Supplier of
the Year Award winner.

01:18:46.010 --> 01:18:49.990
We've been working with
publicly utility-owned companies

01:18:49.990 --> 01:18:54.010
for over the last 10 or 11 years.

01:18:54.010 --> 01:18:58.650
We're currently working for
10 different utilities governed

01:18:58.650 --> 01:18:59.683
by the CPUC.

01:19:00.661 --> 01:19:05.096
As I reflect about some of
the successes that we've had,

01:19:05.096 --> 01:19:07.484
really, there's three of them

01:19:07.484 --> 01:19:11.936
that I was able to capture
as real key successes,

01:19:11.936 --> 01:19:16.936
real key opportunities
where we seized the moment.

01:19:17.890 --> 01:19:22.608
One of them that we're
proud of is the adaptability.

01:19:22.608 --> 01:19:25.080
We were founded 29 years ago

01:19:25.080 --> 01:19:27.650
and we are a completely
different company,

01:19:27.650 --> 01:19:30.870
than the Hal Hay's Forestry
&amp; Construction Company

01:19:30.870 --> 01:19:34.546
that was founded in 1991 as
a small time owner operator

01:19:34.546 --> 01:19:35.797
that fought wildfire in the Summer

01:19:35.797 --> 01:19:37.728
and plowed snow in the Winter.

01:19:37.728 --> 01:19:42.728
And nowadays we do, a
breadth of construction,

01:19:42.828 --> 01:19:45.330
from building dams and bridges

01:19:45.330 --> 01:19:47.570
and military airfields on
one end of the spectrum

01:19:47.570 --> 01:19:52.570
to building, brand new ground
up lead platinum facilities,

01:19:52.817 --> 01:19:54.970
state-of-the-art aerospace facilities.

01:19:54.970 --> 01:19:57.707
And so adaptability is really one,

01:19:57.707 --> 01:20:02.750
as I look forward,
something that I'm keen on,

01:20:02.750 --> 01:20:04.460
even from the first panel is,

01:20:04.460 --> 01:20:05.770
and getting excited about is,

01:20:05.770 --> 01:20:07.970
is maybe going back to
vegetation management,

01:20:07.970 --> 01:20:09.640
based on what Tarrance was saying,

01:20:09.640 --> 01:20:12.551
but always, kind of to Mark's point,

01:20:12.551 --> 01:20:14.790
always trying to stay sharp,

01:20:14.790 --> 01:20:16.690
always looking for the next opportunity,

01:20:16.690 --> 01:20:17.680
looking for the pockets

01:20:17.680 --> 01:20:19.680
where there's not a lot of competition,

01:20:19.680 --> 01:20:22.530
having your ears open to
what your client's needs are

01:20:22.530 --> 01:20:24.333
and trying to service those needs.

01:20:25.301 --> 01:20:26.890
Number two for me,

01:20:26.890 --> 01:20:31.036
would be really embracing
a partnering approach,

01:20:31.036 --> 01:20:35.539
built on trust and transparency.

01:20:35.539 --> 01:20:39.657
Maya Angelou is credited with saying,

01:20:39.657 --> 01:20:43.297
"I've learned that people
will forget what you said.

01:20:43.297 --> 01:20:44.967
"People will forget what you did.

01:20:44.967 --> 01:20:47.750
"But people will never forget
how you made them feel."

01:20:47.750 --> 01:20:49.380
And I'm not always perfect at it,

01:20:49.380 --> 01:20:50.810
but that's something that I really,

01:20:50.810 --> 01:20:52.490
that's an approach that I really try

01:20:52.490 --> 01:20:53.936
to take with our clients.

01:20:53.936 --> 01:20:56.170
We try to establish relationships

01:20:56.170 --> 01:21:00.060
that will stand the test of
time over 20 years or so.

01:21:00.060 --> 01:21:04.320
As a contractor, we have a
reputation of change orders,

01:21:04.320 --> 01:21:06.277
of trying to get rich of this and that.

01:21:06.277 --> 01:21:07.900
And so it's trying to do literally

01:21:07.900 --> 01:21:09.800
the complete opposite of that.

01:21:09.800 --> 01:21:13.981
So, what can we do to
get our foot in the door,

01:21:13.981 --> 01:21:18.130
perform the heck out of
the contract, build that trust

01:21:18.130 --> 01:21:21.080
and have a really good, strong,

01:21:21.080 --> 01:21:24.130
mutually beneficial relationship
for both us and the client.

01:21:24.130 --> 01:21:26.984
Again, that it's gonna
last a long, long time.

01:21:26.984 --> 01:21:31.732
The last thing again, as
a heavy civil contractor,

01:21:31.732 --> 01:21:33.660
this is my perspective,

01:21:33.660 --> 01:21:35.827
is really investing
back in the business,

01:21:35.827 --> 01:21:38.240
not getting the first two

01:21:38.240 --> 01:21:39.570
or three checks from your client

01:21:39.570 --> 01:21:41.202
and going and buying a speed boat

01:21:41.202 --> 01:21:43.720
or a vacation home wherever,

01:21:43.720 --> 01:21:45.240
but going and buying a Bulldozer.

01:21:45.240 --> 01:21:48.870
Going and investing
in your fleet vehicles

01:21:48.870 --> 01:21:52.040
or the next new
technology, whatever it is.

01:21:52.040 --> 01:21:55.230
And so for me, really
the three, I guess,

01:21:55.230 --> 01:21:56.910
successes of Hal Hay's construction,

01:21:56.910 --> 01:21:59.904
as I look back over the last
29 years would be adaptability,

01:21:59.904 --> 01:22:02.150
partnering approach with our clients

01:22:02.150 --> 01:22:03.853
and investing back into business.

01:22:05.809 --> 01:22:08.120
<v ->Okay, thank you.</v>

01:22:08.120 --> 01:22:10.650
Do we have Jan Davis yet?

01:22:10.650 --> 01:22:11.580
<v ->Yes, I'm on board.</v>

01:22:11.580 --> 01:22:13.040
Can you hear me?

01:22:13.040 --> 01:22:15.972
<v ->Yes, we can hear you, yay.</v>

01:22:15.972 --> 01:22:19.590
<v ->I humbly apologize
for the technical glitch,</v>

01:22:19.590 --> 01:22:21.250
but I'm so grateful and thrilled

01:22:21.250 --> 01:22:24.760
and honored to be a part
of this 18th Annual En Banc.

01:22:24.760 --> 01:22:27.040
It's just amazing to be here.

01:22:27.040 --> 01:22:29.980
So again, forgive me
for the technical glitch,

01:22:29.980 --> 01:22:33.093
but now I'm fully at attention.

01:22:34.230 --> 01:22:36.950
<v ->Great, we have a
uniquely complicated way</v>

01:22:36.950 --> 01:22:41.260
of doing our virtual meetings.

01:22:41.260 --> 01:22:45.880
So I apologize for making
it a little more difficult.

01:22:45.880 --> 01:22:48.380
So can you tell us a little
bit about your company

01:22:48.380 --> 01:22:52.370
and sort of what you have seen
as kind of your key successes

01:22:52.370 --> 01:22:55.330
and opportunities
with supplier diversity?

01:22:55.330 --> 01:22:59.020
<v ->Certainly, so Superbtech is
a 20 plus year old company.</v>

01:22:59.020 --> 01:23:02.280
We make a difference in the
lives of families, the economy

01:23:02.280 --> 01:23:04.340
and communities by
putting people to work

01:23:04.340 --> 01:23:07.720
and our space is engineering,
information, technology,

01:23:07.720 --> 01:23:08.640
and professionals.

01:23:08.640 --> 01:23:10.720
So we saw in staff augmentation

01:23:10.720 --> 01:23:14.520
as well as direct hire
permanent placement.

01:23:14.520 --> 01:23:16.480
In terms of the successes,

01:23:16.480 --> 01:23:19.124
there are so many
successes that I can look at,

01:23:19.124 --> 01:23:21.930
but what immediately
comes to mind is that,

01:23:21.930 --> 01:23:24.140
having phenomenal relationships

01:23:24.140 --> 01:23:25.950
and being transparent.

01:23:25.950 --> 01:23:27.400
And when I say relationships,

01:23:27.400 --> 01:23:29.350
I mean relationships with everybody,

01:23:29.350 --> 01:23:31.603
relationships with higher
ups in organizations,

01:23:31.603 --> 01:23:34.110
they can be wonderful advocates for you

01:23:34.110 --> 01:23:35.950
if you need them, if
you need their help.

01:23:35.950 --> 01:23:38.039
And also having relationships with,

01:23:38.039 --> 01:23:40.170
for instance, a receptionist,

01:23:40.170 --> 01:23:41.490
you'd be surprised that,

01:23:41.490 --> 01:23:42.950
what they know in an organization

01:23:42.950 --> 01:23:44.450
and how they can help you.

01:23:44.450 --> 01:23:47.557
So having those amazing
transparent relationships

01:23:49.840 --> 01:23:51.770
that are ongoing over the years,

01:23:51.770 --> 01:23:55.660
delivering what our clients
need is essential to success.

01:23:55.660 --> 01:23:59.030
And another thing that
I think is so important is,

01:23:59.030 --> 01:24:02.090
to keep your clients
informed about the market,

01:24:02.090 --> 01:24:03.470
the space that you were in,

01:24:03.470 --> 01:24:04.799
the space that they are in,

01:24:04.799 --> 01:24:07.540
letting them know what's
happening out in the market

01:24:07.540 --> 01:24:11.060
and also uprising them
(mumbles) your company.

01:24:11.060 --> 01:24:14.862
We were just awarded
Supplier of the Year

01:24:14.862 --> 01:24:16.510
through the Council.

01:24:16.510 --> 01:24:19.180
We were Class Two Supplier of the Year.

01:24:19.180 --> 01:24:21.480
We're still pumped up and excited

01:24:21.480 --> 01:24:24.130
and honored to have been awarded that,

01:24:24.130 --> 01:24:27.290
but just keeping your
clients constantly in the loop

01:24:27.290 --> 01:24:29.480
in terms of what you're
doing, what's going on,

01:24:29.480 --> 01:24:30.700
what's happening in the market,

01:24:30.700 --> 01:24:31.987
what you're doing with other clients.

01:24:31.987 --> 01:24:33.880
I think it makes you interesting.

01:24:33.880 --> 01:24:35.838
I think it makes them
more interested in you

01:24:35.838 --> 01:24:37.663
and that's what I like to do.

01:24:39.840 --> 01:24:44.840
<v ->So each of you mentioned
the importance of relationships</v>

01:24:45.234 --> 01:24:47.690
and building those relationships.

01:24:47.690 --> 01:24:51.281
So can you talk a little
bit more specifically,

01:24:51.281 --> 01:24:55.010
each of you about the,

01:24:55.010 --> 01:24:58.525
your relationships
with the utilities directly

01:24:58.525 --> 01:25:01.800
and the staff at those utilities

01:25:01.800 --> 01:25:03.933
who manage the
Supplier Diversity Program

01:25:03.933 --> 01:25:06.940
and how they have,

01:25:06.940 --> 01:25:10.310
what are sort of a
couple of best practices

01:25:10.310 --> 01:25:11.750
you would suggest for them

01:25:11.750 --> 01:25:15.950
in terms of interacting
with their diverse suppliers

01:25:15.950 --> 01:25:18.710
and strengthening that relationship?

01:25:18.710 --> 01:25:20.483
So I'll start with you Mark.

01:25:21.500 --> 01:25:24.104
<v ->Oh, certainly thank you again.</v>

01:25:24.104 --> 01:25:29.104
Yeah, for us, we have a
tremendous relationship

01:25:30.960 --> 01:25:34.040
with the various different
supplier diversity groups

01:25:34.040 --> 01:25:37.390
that are out there, be it
Southern California Edison,

01:25:37.390 --> 01:25:40.700
the Gas Company, San
Diego Gas &amp; Electric, Cal Water,

01:25:40.700 --> 01:25:42.920
Golden State Water, PG&amp;E.

01:25:42.920 --> 01:25:47.101
And, we get out and we
attend all the various events

01:25:47.101 --> 01:25:51.350
that they put on, we listen
to them, we learn from them.

01:25:51.350 --> 01:25:52.750
They understand the cultures

01:25:52.750 --> 01:25:54.846
of the various different utilities.

01:25:54.846 --> 01:25:59.600
They put us in position to
have the right conversations,

01:25:59.600 --> 01:26:02.810
to be considered for
our services out there

01:26:02.810 --> 01:26:04.610
to various different clients.

01:26:04.610 --> 01:26:09.130
It is important that it's
a mutual relationship

01:26:09.130 --> 01:26:10.560
of working together.

01:26:10.560 --> 01:26:12.210
They can't do everything for you.

01:26:12.210 --> 01:26:14.700
And so you have to make
sure that you're doing your part

01:26:14.700 --> 01:26:16.558
and getting yourself out there.

01:26:16.558 --> 01:26:18.710
If they put you in position to be

01:26:18.710 --> 01:26:21.688
at a meet perspective clients,
you need to take advantage.

01:26:21.688 --> 01:26:23.760
You need to make sure that you work

01:26:23.760 --> 01:26:27.024
on building out those
relationships with those end users

01:26:27.024 --> 01:26:32.024
and just wanna be in
position to be able to compete.

01:26:32.195 --> 01:26:35.369
Southern California Edison
nominated Bridgewater

01:26:35.369 --> 01:26:40.369
for the SCMSDC Award
for Supplier of the Year.

01:26:40.980 --> 01:26:43.500
And although we weren't the recipient,

01:26:43.500 --> 01:26:47.380
what a tremendous opportunity
to be amongst your peers

01:26:47.380 --> 01:26:50.980
and for people to know
about you and your services

01:26:50.980 --> 01:26:52.206
and the value that you bring,

01:26:52.206 --> 01:26:54.419
and more than anything else,

01:26:54.419 --> 01:26:59.419
for our clients to feel that
what we do is important,

01:26:59.900 --> 01:27:00.950
it's valued

01:27:00.950 --> 01:27:03.147
and contributing towards
the overall success

01:27:03.147 --> 01:27:04.077
of the utilities

01:27:04.077 --> 01:27:06.130
and what they're trying to accomplish.

01:27:06.130 --> 01:27:08.774
It means so much,
that's been tremendous.

01:27:08.774 --> 01:27:12.420
If I were to want to
be, to offer anything,

01:27:12.420 --> 01:27:13.800
which I think would be tremendous

01:27:13.800 --> 01:27:16.559
for a supplier diversity groups is,

01:27:16.559 --> 01:27:18.930
I think it should be mandated

01:27:18.930 --> 01:27:23.930
that they have a seat at the
table for all prospective RFPs,

01:27:24.448 --> 01:27:29.200
because their vote,
their voice should matter.

01:27:29.200 --> 01:27:32.404
All they're trying to
do is do the right thing

01:27:32.404 --> 01:27:33.973
and supporting diversity

01:27:33.973 --> 01:27:38.150
and making sure that everyone
had an opportunity to compete,

01:27:38.150 --> 01:27:39.480
and that's all we all want.

01:27:39.480 --> 01:27:41.200
It's just an opportunity to compete.

01:27:41.200 --> 01:27:42.290
Nothing should ever be given,

01:27:42.290 --> 01:27:43.430
everything should be earned.

01:27:43.430 --> 01:27:45.130
And we just want that opportunity.

01:27:46.183 --> 01:27:48.113
<v ->Thank you, Kirby?</v>

01:27:49.524 --> 01:27:52.427
<v ->Yeah, I really
like this question,</v>

01:27:52.427 --> 01:27:56.416
for the supplier
diversity relationships,

01:27:56.416 --> 01:27:58.530
sometimes it's a short road.

01:27:58.530 --> 01:27:59.850
Sometimes you get really lucky

01:27:59.850 --> 01:28:02.610
where you meet someone at a conference

01:28:02.610 --> 01:28:07.093
and you have a contract
within a few weeks,

01:28:08.700 --> 01:28:11.489
but those opportunities are
really few and far between.

01:28:11.489 --> 01:28:15.340
Really it's a long road
with supplier diversity.

01:28:15.340 --> 01:28:20.340
They, I look at my friends
at SoCalGas, for example,

01:28:20.929 --> 01:28:25.670
I think we, it took about
four years for them

01:28:25.670 --> 01:28:26.570
to break the door down

01:28:26.570 --> 01:28:29.310
and get us our first
opportunity within SoCalGas.

01:28:29.310 --> 01:28:32.957
And that has been something where,

01:28:32.957 --> 01:28:36.030
it's the old saying,
"Persistence pays off."

01:28:36.030 --> 01:28:39.310
And I would, again, I
keep hanging my hat

01:28:39.310 --> 01:28:41.050
on the relationship approach.

01:28:41.050 --> 01:28:43.160
I think different companies,

01:28:43.160 --> 01:28:44.910
you're gonna be let down if you,

01:28:44.910 --> 01:28:47.250
every time you call a
supplier diversity person

01:28:47.250 --> 01:28:49.040
or every time you call somebody,

01:28:49.040 --> 01:28:50.690
you're expecting that contract

01:28:50.690 --> 01:28:52.940
or you're expecting
something to line up.

01:28:52.940 --> 01:28:55.750
And oftentimes, it's the
times when you least expect it,

01:28:55.750 --> 01:28:56.597
that you get the call,

01:28:56.597 --> 01:28:58.960
"Hey, I was thinking about
your firm for this or that."

01:28:58.960 --> 01:29:01.930
And the answer is at
that point, it's always, yes,

01:29:01.930 --> 01:29:06.930
but if I could tell a quick
story about how helpful these,

01:29:08.910 --> 01:29:11.458
the various supplier
diversity advocates are,

01:29:11.458 --> 01:29:14.100
we recently landed a contract with AT&amp;T

01:29:14.100 --> 01:29:16.190
where there's specifically an initiative

01:29:16.190 --> 01:29:21.190
to do second tier spend for us
with Black owned businesses.

01:29:21.660 --> 01:29:25.748
And, our database in
that area was a little light.

01:29:25.748 --> 01:29:28.936
And so I quickly reached out
to Southern California Edison,

01:29:28.936 --> 01:29:31.688
SoCalGas and Cal
American Water saying "Help."

01:29:31.688 --> 01:29:34.286
And literally within 30 minutes,

01:29:34.286 --> 01:29:37.570
they had sent over
their entire database.

01:29:37.570 --> 01:29:40.843
And for me that really encompasses

01:29:40.843 --> 01:29:43.812
the supplier diversity community

01:29:43.812 --> 01:29:47.730
that we work with at the
different CPUC companies

01:29:47.730 --> 01:29:49.286
that we work for.

01:29:49.286 --> 01:29:53.255
Lastly, I think if there was
one thing that I could improve,

01:29:53.255 --> 01:29:55.840
we do a lot of work with
the Federal government.

01:29:55.840 --> 01:29:59.660
And we see various
contracting set aside.

01:29:59.660 --> 01:30:01.060
We see small business set asides.

01:30:01.060 --> 01:30:03.820
We see women-owned
small business set asides.

01:30:03.820 --> 01:30:06.810
We see HUBZones set
asides, things like that.

01:30:06.810 --> 01:30:09.164
And I've always wondered to myself,

01:30:09.164 --> 01:30:12.227
is there a reason why we can't do

01:30:12.227 --> 01:30:15.470
Black-owned business
set asides for the utilities

01:30:15.470 --> 01:30:17.300
or native American owned businesses

01:30:17.300 --> 01:30:19.190
or small business set aside even?

01:30:19.190 --> 01:30:20.528
And I'm not talking about

01:30:20.528 --> 01:30:23.130
the specialized
contracting opportunities.

01:30:23.130 --> 01:30:25.430
Like we talked about earlier
with vegetation management

01:30:25.430 --> 01:30:26.263
and things like that,

01:30:26.263 --> 01:30:30.011
but your regular run of the
mill contracting opportunities,

01:30:30.011 --> 01:30:33.817
that's something that I
would like to see more of is,

01:30:33.817 --> 01:30:36.437
"Hey, we have an opportunity
coming up down the road.

01:30:36.437 --> 01:30:40.277
"What can we do to get four
or five Black-owned businesses

01:30:40.277 --> 01:30:41.110
"to look at this

01:30:41.110 --> 01:30:43.550
"or native American
businesses or whoever it is."

01:30:43.550 --> 01:30:48.550
And so the supplier diversity advocates

01:30:48.620 --> 01:30:51.620
really do open the doors
for Hal Hay's Construction.

01:30:51.620 --> 01:30:55.000
Like Mark said, the
opportunities are there,

01:30:55.000 --> 01:30:56.650
but then it's up to us to go

01:30:56.650 --> 01:30:58.893
and perform once we
get our foot in the door.

01:31:00.724 --> 01:31:02.883
<v ->Great, Jan.</v>

01:31:04.370 --> 01:31:09.370
<v ->Yes, so the supplier diverse
people are just wonderful.</v>

01:31:09.610 --> 01:31:12.050
We currently do
business with, of course,

01:31:12.050 --> 01:31:13.073
Southern California Gas Company,

01:31:13.073 --> 01:31:15.100
we have done business
with them for years.

01:31:15.100 --> 01:31:18.700
We also do business
with Cal Water as well as,

01:31:18.700 --> 01:31:20.080
Liberty Utilities.

01:31:20.080 --> 01:31:23.470
I must say, you must show up to events.

01:31:23.470 --> 01:31:24.830
You must be seen.

01:31:24.830 --> 01:31:27.816
You must continue to
build those relationships.

01:31:27.816 --> 01:31:31.740
All of the supplier diverse
advocates are so, so different.

01:31:31.740 --> 01:31:32.910
When you look at a company like

01:31:32.910 --> 01:31:35.090
Southern California Gas Company,

01:31:35.090 --> 01:31:38.170
they have a tremendous team
of supplier diversity people.

01:31:38.170 --> 01:31:40.070
I mean, their team is just huge.

01:31:40.070 --> 01:31:42.110
Some other utilities
don't have the fortune

01:31:42.110 --> 01:31:43.930
of having such a large team.

01:31:43.930 --> 01:31:45.900
With Southern California Gas Company.

01:31:45.900 --> 01:31:49.979
I can say that, they're
constantly holding events,

01:31:49.979 --> 01:31:54.979
providing training,
being advocates to MBEs

01:31:55.440 --> 01:31:57.600
and WDBEs as well.

01:31:57.600 --> 01:31:59.626
But, in addition to advocating.

01:31:59.626 --> 01:32:02.040
and being our cheerleader,

01:32:02.040 --> 01:32:03.880
we have to get out of
here and do the work.

01:32:03.880 --> 01:32:05.860
We have to network, we have to be seen.

01:32:05.860 --> 01:32:07.626
We have to build relationships.

01:32:07.626 --> 01:32:09.590
With regards to my business,

01:32:09.590 --> 01:32:11.283
we're constantly building relationships

01:32:11.283 --> 01:32:12.937
with hiring managers.

01:32:12.937 --> 01:32:16.110
So it's a combination of so
many things that (mumbles)

01:32:16.110 --> 01:32:17.235
it's supplier diversity.

01:32:17.235 --> 01:32:19.661
It's getting out to events,

01:32:19.661 --> 01:32:24.776
it's building relationships
and keeping the pulse,

01:32:24.776 --> 01:32:28.333
keeping on tabs with the
pulse of those relationships.

01:32:31.200 --> 01:32:34.400
<v ->Thank you, I'm gonna
ask one more question</v>

01:32:34.400 --> 01:32:36.720
before I open it up to the
rest of the Commissioners

01:32:36.720 --> 01:32:39.160
to ask our panelists questions.

01:32:39.160 --> 01:32:43.280
I wanted to talk
specifically about the prime

01:32:43.280 --> 01:32:45.520
and sub relationships.

01:32:45.520 --> 01:32:49.150
I think, I thought Kirby
had a great example

01:32:49.150 --> 01:32:51.670
of a situation where,

01:32:51.670 --> 01:32:54.603
one contractor can cast that net

01:32:54.603 --> 01:32:57.760
and make sure to expand

01:32:57.760 --> 01:33:00.053
the diversity opportunities for subs.

01:33:01.240 --> 01:33:04.863
So do each of you have
thoughts about how we

01:33:06.460 --> 01:33:11.460
and the Utilities can encourage the,

01:33:13.060 --> 01:33:16.040
and support the effectiveness
of those relationships,

01:33:16.040 --> 01:33:17.180
for prime contractors,

01:33:17.180 --> 01:33:18.910
helping them find the right subs

01:33:18.910 --> 01:33:21.445
and for subs linking
them up to the right primes.

01:33:21.445 --> 01:33:25.770
So I'll just stick with our
same order that we keep doing

01:33:26.661 --> 01:33:28.283
and start with Mark.

01:33:29.150 --> 01:33:31.020
<v ->Certainly, thank you so much.</v>

01:33:31.020 --> 01:33:34.685
I just think it's just a
continued accessibility

01:33:34.685 --> 01:33:39.480
to all the larger primes
so they can be able to see

01:33:39.480 --> 01:33:44.407
or who we are, the value
we bring, our capabilities.

01:33:44.407 --> 01:33:47.405
And we look at
relationships with primes,

01:33:47.405 --> 01:33:48.860
in two different ways,

01:33:48.860 --> 01:33:51.650
is one, is we want to
be seen as a partner.

01:33:51.650 --> 01:33:54.960
We don't want to be seen as a body shop

01:33:54.960 --> 01:33:56.030
or anything like that.

01:33:56.030 --> 01:33:58.320
We want to be seen as a partner.

01:33:58.320 --> 01:34:01.570
We want to be able to bring
value to that relationship

01:34:01.570 --> 01:34:03.397
and be able to share
with them who we are

01:34:03.397 --> 01:34:04.692
and our capabilities.

01:34:04.692 --> 01:34:08.960
And it's so important for us
to make sure the same way

01:34:08.960 --> 01:34:10.560
with an end-user client

01:34:10.560 --> 01:34:12.520
or with supplier diversity.

01:34:12.520 --> 01:34:15.283
We have to invest the
time to build relationships

01:34:15.283 --> 01:34:16.630
with those primes.

01:34:16.630 --> 01:34:19.020
So they get to a point
of seeing us as a partner,

01:34:19.020 --> 01:34:21.250
seeing how we compliment one another

01:34:21.250 --> 01:34:25.480
and what we can do to
create success together.

01:34:25.480 --> 01:34:28.643
We always want them to
have us first in top of mind

01:34:28.643 --> 01:34:30.530
when opportunities come up,

01:34:30.530 --> 01:34:32.060
they can think about Bridgewater

01:34:32.060 --> 01:34:33.230
and the value we bring.

01:34:33.230 --> 01:34:35.848
And that's only gonna come
by just investing the time

01:34:35.848 --> 01:34:37.890
with those different suppliers.

01:34:37.890 --> 01:34:39.870
So you all can open
the doors for us to go

01:34:39.870 --> 01:34:41.560
and have the conversation
with those folks,

01:34:41.560 --> 01:34:44.370
but in the end, it's our
responsibility to make sure

01:34:44.370 --> 01:34:46.620
that we really take that relationship

01:34:46.620 --> 01:34:48.380
and mature it on and stay connected.

01:34:48.380 --> 01:34:51.550
Those larger primes are, I mean,

01:34:51.550 --> 01:34:53.540
they have tons of
pressure on them as well.

01:34:53.540 --> 01:34:56.180
No different than the
pressures that we have.

01:34:56.180 --> 01:35:00.193
And we have to take on
the extra steps to make sure

01:35:00.193 --> 01:35:01.800
that we stay close to them

01:35:01.800 --> 01:35:04.350
and make sure that they're
thinking about us at all times

01:35:04.350 --> 01:35:05.940
when it comes to going out

01:35:05.940 --> 01:35:08.270
and partnering together
on different engagements.

01:35:08.270 --> 01:35:11.229
And so, and we have
tremendous relationships

01:35:11.229 --> 01:35:13.260
with the various different primes

01:35:13.260 --> 01:35:14.947
and we value those relationships

01:35:14.947 --> 01:35:18.791
and we continue to have
different conversations

01:35:18.791 --> 01:35:22.240
on opportunities that
we can work on together

01:35:22.240 --> 01:35:25.153
and being able to
achieve success together.

01:35:27.040 --> 01:35:28.023
<v ->Great, Kirby.</v>

01:35:29.820 --> 01:35:34.580
<v ->For me, I would say it would
be tremendously useful to us</v>

01:35:34.580 --> 01:35:38.548
if we could have better
access to the other groups.

01:35:38.548 --> 01:35:42.329
Again as an American-Indian contractor,

01:35:42.329 --> 01:35:44.900
I could rattle off 30 or 40

01:35:44.900 --> 01:35:47.320
different American-Indian
owned companies,

01:35:47.320 --> 01:35:50.920
but I am sort of on,

01:35:50.920 --> 01:35:53.290
I feel like I'm on the
outside a little bit,

01:35:53.290 --> 01:35:55.090
when it comes to the other groups,

01:35:55.090 --> 01:36:00.090
whether it be LGBT or
Hispanic or woman-owned

01:36:00.100 --> 01:36:01.840
or whatever, it doesn't matter.

01:36:01.840 --> 01:36:05.000
But, I think the intent is there,

01:36:05.000 --> 01:36:07.940
from a lot of the prime contractors,

01:36:07.940 --> 01:36:10.630
but frankly we just don't know

01:36:10.630 --> 01:36:14.753
and it, we could ask our peers,

01:36:15.640 --> 01:36:18.454
we can ask the various diverse,

01:36:18.454 --> 01:36:20.763
sorry, supplier diversity managers.

01:36:20.763 --> 01:36:24.572
But for us, for me, it would
be a lot more helpful if,

01:36:24.572 --> 01:36:27.070
I guess if there was more collaboration

01:36:27.070 --> 01:36:28.580
between the different groups,

01:36:28.580 --> 01:36:32.178
we're just not aware of
a lot of other companies

01:36:32.178 --> 01:36:36.947
outside our respective group.

01:36:36.947 --> 01:36:40.660
The second point
would be accountability.

01:36:40.660 --> 01:36:42.630
I would say, making those connections,

01:36:42.630 --> 01:36:44.540
finding a good forum

01:36:44.540 --> 01:36:49.540
to kind of meld the
DBE community better.

01:36:50.369 --> 01:36:55.369
And then really enforcing
it on ourselves included,

01:36:56.313 --> 01:36:58.812
what are we doing for our,

01:36:58.812 --> 01:37:02.420
what are non-DBE
contractors doing for their,

01:37:02.420 --> 01:37:03.900
in order to hit their goals?

01:37:03.900 --> 01:37:08.390
And what are DBE contractors
like Hal Hay's Construction

01:37:08.390 --> 01:37:10.569
doing to hit the second tier?

01:37:10.569 --> 01:37:14.430
I don't know there's
any real consequence

01:37:14.430 --> 01:37:18.790
or real penalties or
anything that I'm aware of.

01:37:18.790 --> 01:37:22.020
I know I, you hear about
people being put on probation

01:37:22.020 --> 01:37:23.873
and this and that,

01:37:23.873 --> 01:37:27.160
some real, something
with some real teeth,

01:37:27.160 --> 01:37:28.640
if people aren't hitting the marks,

01:37:28.640 --> 01:37:30.117
I guess is what I'm saying.

01:37:31.985 --> 01:37:33.650
<v ->All right, thank you.</v>

01:37:33.650 --> 01:37:35.620
Jan, what are your thoughts?

01:37:35.620 --> 01:37:37.400
<v ->Okay, so we've done business</v>

01:37:37.400 --> 01:37:39.310
with Southern California Gas Company

01:37:39.310 --> 01:37:42.207
for about, over 20 years now.

01:37:42.207 --> 01:37:45.330
And at one point we
were a prime in that,

01:37:45.330 --> 01:37:47.103
we were dealing with them directly.

01:37:47.103 --> 01:37:49.690
At another point,
midway our relationship,

01:37:49.690 --> 01:37:51.290
we became a subcontractor,

01:37:51.290 --> 01:37:52.880
and now I'm really pleased to say

01:37:52.880 --> 01:37:55.890
that we're back in a
prime status position.

01:37:55.890 --> 01:37:58.530
So again, like Mark and Kirby said,

01:37:58.530 --> 01:38:01.329
we just have to continue
to network, to be seen,

01:38:01.329 --> 01:38:04.470
to interface with the
supplier diversity people.

01:38:04.470 --> 01:38:05.920
I think that when you are present,

01:38:05.920 --> 01:38:07.600
when you have a relationship with them,

01:38:07.600 --> 01:38:09.290
when you're constantly talking to them,

01:38:09.290 --> 01:38:10.620
networking with them,

01:38:10.620 --> 01:38:12.651
when you're keeping them
aware of your successes,

01:38:12.651 --> 01:38:14.650
they will keep you in mind.

01:38:14.650 --> 01:38:17.100
I think also, we can network

01:38:17.100 --> 01:38:19.057
and be present with other DBEs

01:38:19.057 --> 01:38:23.270
and MBEs when we attend
diverse supplier events

01:38:23.270 --> 01:38:25.800
that might come up
through, either the Council

01:38:25.800 --> 01:38:27.710
or through an organization

01:38:27.710 --> 01:38:30.183
like the Women's Business
Enterprise National Council,

01:38:30.183 --> 01:38:33.320
all those are forums and formats to,

01:38:33.320 --> 01:38:35.190
for exposure for all of us,

01:38:35.190 --> 01:38:36.963
to the different organizations.

01:38:39.880 --> 01:38:43.743
<v ->Okay, so the more
networking the better.</v>

01:38:44.690 --> 01:38:46.070
It's good to know we,

01:38:46.070 --> 01:38:47.880
I know our supplier diversity staff

01:38:47.880 --> 01:38:50.490
really tries to work on putting together

01:38:50.490 --> 01:38:51.500
those kinds of events

01:38:51.500 --> 01:38:53.630
and trying to connect people.

01:38:53.630 --> 01:38:57.670
So continuing to put
some efforts in that area,

01:38:57.670 --> 01:39:00.867
it sounds like all of you
would appreciate very much.

01:39:00.867 --> 01:39:03.530
So I'll open this up to
my fellow Commissioners

01:39:03.530 --> 01:39:06.130
and ask if you have any
questions for our panelists?

01:39:07.170 --> 01:39:09.640
<v ->I do, if I may,</v>

01:39:09.640 --> 01:39:11.220
you've just reemphasized

01:39:11.220 --> 01:39:13.837
and each has emphasized
throughout the discussion,

01:39:13.837 --> 01:39:16.090
how important relationships are

01:39:16.090 --> 01:39:18.390
and how important
as you just said Liane,

01:39:18.390 --> 01:39:19.750
that networking is,

01:39:19.750 --> 01:39:24.305
but we're in a new era with
the pandemic and COVID-19,

01:39:24.305 --> 01:39:27.640
and those relationships
walking around the corner,

01:39:27.640 --> 01:39:31.780
talking to somebody, going in
person to a networking event,

01:39:31.780 --> 01:39:34.250
just is almost impossible right now.

01:39:34.250 --> 01:39:37.010
So I would like to hear
the ideas or the thinking

01:39:37.010 --> 01:39:42.010
or what is happening right
now in the supplier community

01:39:42.510 --> 01:39:44.730
to keep those connections going,

01:39:44.730 --> 01:39:48.203
keep those relationships
going in this time of COVID-19.

01:39:51.367 --> 01:39:54.497
<v ->Certainly, will it be
okay if I take that one?</v>

01:39:55.750 --> 01:39:57.190
<v ->Yes, certainly Mark.</v>

01:39:57.190 --> 01:40:00.388
<v ->Oh, absolutely, I'll tell you,</v>

01:40:00.388 --> 01:40:04.080
adjusting to the new digital channel

01:40:04.080 --> 01:40:06.180
was definitely different.

01:40:06.180 --> 01:40:09.050
And it's something that we obviously,

01:40:09.050 --> 01:40:11.580
have all had to adjust to

01:40:11.580 --> 01:40:15.840
and it has to figure out
on how we continue to go

01:40:15.840 --> 01:40:17.230
about doing our business

01:40:17.230 --> 01:40:21.430
and bring a value without
having an opportunity to go out

01:40:21.430 --> 01:40:24.330
and meet face-to-face
and continue to network

01:40:24.330 --> 01:40:27.543
and spend the time in
building those relationships.

01:40:27.543 --> 01:40:31.310
And Bridgewater is a
relationship-based company.

01:40:31.310 --> 01:40:36.190
We don't have any
salespeople in our organization,

01:40:36.190 --> 01:40:38.720
in the almost 200 employees.

01:40:38.720 --> 01:40:41.220
And so we pride ourselves on getting out

01:40:41.220 --> 01:40:44.809
and investing an enormous
amount of time with people.

01:40:44.809 --> 01:40:47.951
And so that was taken away from us.

01:40:47.951 --> 01:40:50.880
And so now that it was
left to us to be as creative

01:40:50.880 --> 01:40:52.980
as we could be to make sure

01:40:52.980 --> 01:40:55.204
that we maintain those relationships

01:40:55.204 --> 01:40:58.000
and then had an opportunity
to grow new relationships.

01:40:58.000 --> 01:41:01.530
And the fortunate thing here is that,

01:41:01.530 --> 01:41:05.120
we laid all the groundwork
prior to the pandemic.

01:41:05.120 --> 01:41:06.689
That's so important,

01:41:06.689 --> 01:41:09.391
to make sure you establish
those trusted relationships

01:41:09.391 --> 01:41:12.730
out there with people that
would pick up a call from you.

01:41:12.730 --> 01:41:13.760
I mean, just think about it.

01:41:13.760 --> 01:41:15.340
And this is everyone.

01:41:15.340 --> 01:41:17.610
I mean, everyone,
all throughout the day,

01:41:17.610 --> 01:41:22.240
you're on Zoom calls,
Team calls, whatever it is,

01:41:22.240 --> 01:41:23.390
you're on them all day.

01:41:23.390 --> 01:41:25.340
And you have to try to find your slot

01:41:25.340 --> 01:41:27.540
to be, to fit in to talk to people.

01:41:27.540 --> 01:41:28.930
And it's just reaching out

01:41:28.930 --> 01:41:30.380
and just checking in with folks

01:41:30.380 --> 01:41:33.180
and just seeing how they're
doing through the pandemic.

01:41:33.180 --> 01:41:34.833
And it's not even just
about talking about work.

01:41:34.833 --> 01:41:37.884
Relationships are not, it's
not about talking about work.

01:41:37.884 --> 01:41:40.280
It's about connecting
and checking on people

01:41:40.280 --> 01:41:41.390
and seeing how they're doing

01:41:41.390 --> 01:41:43.768
and how they're maturing
through all of these things

01:41:43.768 --> 01:41:44.810
that are going on,

01:41:44.810 --> 01:41:47.399
how their families are impacted,

01:41:47.399 --> 01:41:49.530
as all of those different things

01:41:49.530 --> 01:41:51.660
to stay connected with people.

01:41:51.660 --> 01:41:53.870
And so we've done all those things.

01:41:53.870 --> 01:41:55.520
We continue to do all those things

01:41:55.520 --> 01:41:58.680
and we stay connected to people

01:41:58.680 --> 01:42:02.000
and we're still able to
see growth in our company.

01:42:02.000 --> 01:42:05.800
I mean, we just landed
a huge SAP contract

01:42:05.800 --> 01:42:08.500
with Sydney Water in Sydney, Australia.

01:42:08.500 --> 01:42:11.420
That's our first contract
out of the country

01:42:11.420 --> 01:42:13.090
and they've never even met me.

01:42:13.090 --> 01:42:16.530
And it were, it was all
done through Team calls

01:42:16.530 --> 01:42:18.400
and establishing that relationship

01:42:18.400 --> 01:42:21.040
and competing and bidding for that RFP

01:42:21.040 --> 01:42:22.363
and being a recipient of it.

01:42:22.363 --> 01:42:23.910
We're very proud of that.

01:42:23.910 --> 01:42:25.830
And I'm excited for our entire team

01:42:25.830 --> 01:42:27.328
for all the work that they put into,

01:42:27.328 --> 01:42:32.328
being able to achieve
that, winning that deal.

01:42:32.790 --> 01:42:35.830
But I think, it is just the adjustment

01:42:35.830 --> 01:42:38.270
and we all need to look at adjusting

01:42:38.270 --> 01:42:40.189
and figuring out creative ways

01:42:40.189 --> 01:42:43.014
on how we continue to
stay connected to people.

01:42:43.014 --> 01:42:45.350
It's about creating your own blueprint

01:42:45.350 --> 01:42:48.160
on how you continue to move
forward with your business

01:42:48.160 --> 01:42:49.510
and how you stay connected.

01:42:50.355 --> 01:42:53.105
(computer pings)

01:42:54.343 --> 01:42:56.650
<v ->Does anybody else
wanna add anything?</v>

01:42:56.650 --> 01:42:58.295
<v ->Yes, I'd love to add something.</v>

01:42:58.295 --> 01:43:01.950
This pandemic has, oh my gosh!

01:43:01.950 --> 01:43:03.640
It has been so stressful.

01:43:03.640 --> 01:43:05.780
It has been so mind boggling.

01:43:05.780 --> 01:43:06.667
And I'll tell you,

01:43:06.667 --> 01:43:10.042
entrepreneurs are scrappy
people as a standard,

01:43:10.042 --> 01:43:12.140
and we're very creative people.

01:43:12.140 --> 01:43:14.500
And this pandemic has caused us

01:43:14.500 --> 01:43:16.650
to become even more scrappier

01:43:16.650 --> 01:43:18.448
and even more creative,

01:43:18.448 --> 01:43:21.750
and in terms of staying
in touch with people,

01:43:21.750 --> 01:43:24.870
it's just, it could be a Zoom call.

01:43:24.870 --> 01:43:26.230
It could be a phone call,

01:43:26.230 --> 01:43:27.390
but you have to reach out,

01:43:27.390 --> 01:43:29.400
you have to maintain that rapport.

01:43:29.400 --> 01:43:31.730
Again, letting your clients
know what you're up to,

01:43:31.730 --> 01:43:35.837
what's going on, and as
a result of the pandemic,

01:43:35.837 --> 01:43:37.559
it's really, really interesting,

01:43:37.559 --> 01:43:41.030
on some things that we might
have passed over in the past,

01:43:41.030 --> 01:43:42.681
we've now looked at,

01:43:42.681 --> 01:43:45.466
we've pursued
opportunities in new areas,

01:43:45.466 --> 01:43:49.310
and we've been awarded
a couple of new contracts

01:43:49.310 --> 01:43:51.619
that we might have not
even looked at before

01:43:51.619 --> 01:43:55.588
because we had our solid base
of business that was booming.

01:43:55.588 --> 01:43:58.588
So again, this
scrappiness, it's creativity

01:43:58.588 --> 01:44:01.571
to cause us to look around,
to uncover every rock,

01:44:01.571 --> 01:44:06.571
to stay just aware of other
things that might be available.

01:44:07.250 --> 01:44:10.023
It has really happened
during this pandemic.

01:44:12.520 --> 01:44:13.543
<v ->Okay, great.</v>

01:44:14.780 --> 01:44:17.113
Any other questions from my colleagues,

01:44:18.820 --> 01:44:20.852
Mr. Rechtschaffen.

01:44:20.852 --> 01:44:23.382
<v ->I had a question,
it could be for Mark</v>

01:44:23.382 --> 01:44:26.690
or could be for all of you actually,

01:44:26.690 --> 01:44:29.800
I don't know how many of
you heard the panel before,

01:44:29.800 --> 01:44:32.630
where Tarrance was
talking about the study

01:44:32.630 --> 01:44:35.230
that Southern California
Edison was starting to undertake

01:44:35.230 --> 01:44:38.012
about new entrance to the markets,

01:44:38.012 --> 01:44:41.731
new companies, new opportunities.

01:44:41.731 --> 01:44:43.410
Mark, I was thinking of you,

01:44:43.410 --> 01:44:45.440
'cause you described the services,

01:44:45.440 --> 01:44:48.710
your firm provides to
the utilities very broadly

01:44:48.710 --> 01:44:53.710
ranging from analytics to
AMI, to a whole host of services.

01:44:54.670 --> 01:44:59.660
I'm wondering if any of
the three of you are working

01:44:59.660 --> 01:45:01.430
with utilities on that kind of study

01:45:01.430 --> 01:45:03.440
or doing similar inquiries yourself

01:45:03.440 --> 01:45:07.551
or how you evaluating the
trends of new market entrance,

01:45:07.551 --> 01:45:10.080
where the new opportunities are.

01:45:10.080 --> 01:45:13.558
And does it make sense
to try to do this kind of,

01:45:13.558 --> 01:45:15.610
the kind of inquiry that Edison's doing,

01:45:15.610 --> 01:45:19.210
does it make sense for
them to bring in folks like you

01:45:19.210 --> 01:45:20.503
to do the analysis?

01:45:24.520 --> 01:45:29.100
<v ->Yeah, no, so I wouldn't
say that I'm a part of study,</v>

01:45:29.100 --> 01:45:33.159
but I'm obviously very close
to Southern California Edison.

01:45:33.159 --> 01:45:35.240
Southern California
Edison's is a company

01:45:35.240 --> 01:45:37.360
that I actually grew up at

01:45:37.360 --> 01:45:39.910
and I spent over 24 years working

01:45:39.910 --> 01:45:41.467
and leading in that company here.

01:45:41.467 --> 01:45:45.404
And so, very proud to have
worked for that company.

01:45:45.404 --> 01:45:48.180
And I'm very proud that they were able

01:45:48.180 --> 01:45:52.004
to create a business owner in myself,

01:45:52.004 --> 01:45:53.660
coming from that company.

01:45:53.660 --> 01:45:55.130
And then I know Tarrance

01:45:55.130 --> 01:45:58.010
and his team work very hard out there

01:45:58.010 --> 01:46:00.050
with the various
different business units

01:46:00.050 --> 01:46:02.650
to look at creating fair
opportunities out there

01:46:02.650 --> 01:46:05.010
for the various different suppliers.

01:46:05.010 --> 01:46:08.160
And so, I think that's the best thing

01:46:08.160 --> 01:46:10.535
that I can be able to
share is knowing that,

01:46:10.535 --> 01:46:13.990
I know that we continue to
receive calls for opportunities.

01:46:13.990 --> 01:46:16.380
We are heavily involved
in the vegetation space,

01:46:16.380 --> 01:46:20.419
as well as over in the
wildfire mitigation area

01:46:20.419 --> 01:46:22.440
and providing support and services.

01:46:22.440 --> 01:46:24.920
I have very key consultants
that are really helping

01:46:24.920 --> 01:46:25.753
to lead the charge

01:46:25.753 --> 01:46:28.860
and working closely in the
transmission distribution space

01:46:28.860 --> 01:46:30.282
and supporting that area.

01:46:30.282 --> 01:46:33.457
But, I think that's what I wanna be able

01:46:33.457 --> 01:46:35.493
to share on that subject.

01:46:41.030 --> 01:46:43.520
<v ->Did the others have any
ideas about how to get a handle</v>

01:46:43.520 --> 01:46:47.032
on new emerging
entrance, new opportunities,

01:46:47.032 --> 01:46:50.833
how we find those, how you
identify them for the utilities?

01:46:59.876 --> 01:47:02.293
<v ->Okay, Commissioner Shiroma.</v>

01:47:03.564 --> 01:47:05.403
<v ->A question, yes, thank you.</v>

01:47:06.362 --> 01:47:09.830
So the preface to my question,

01:47:09.830 --> 01:47:16.533
I think back on what
worked for me (chuckles)

01:47:16.533 --> 01:47:21.093
in garnering opportunities,
competing for opportunities

01:47:21.093 --> 01:47:23.926
and the career path to where I am.

01:47:27.830 --> 01:47:31.040
I know that, back in the day,

01:47:31.040 --> 01:47:33.525
any of us know you work hard,

01:47:33.525 --> 01:47:37.539
you meet deadlines, excellent products,

01:47:37.539 --> 01:47:41.548
and then there's that
person that vouches for you

01:47:41.548 --> 01:47:43.280
in terms of relationships

01:47:44.790 --> 01:47:48.310
and that person that
vouches for you really helps

01:47:48.310 --> 01:47:52.480
to open that first door or open doors.

01:47:52.480 --> 01:47:55.513
And so for the panelists,

01:47:55.513 --> 01:48:00.513
when you think back
on who was it that, first,

01:48:02.220 --> 01:48:05.180
opened that door, you
don't have to name names,

01:48:05.180 --> 01:48:09.270
but that vouched for you

01:48:09.270 --> 01:48:14.270
and Mark I noticed that on your website,

01:48:14.303 --> 01:48:17.930
one of your clients is SRP.

01:48:17.930 --> 01:48:18.830
And, when I was at SMUD,

01:48:18.830 --> 01:48:22.370
we were constantly competing with SRP

01:48:22.370 --> 01:48:26.880
for that number one,
customer satisfaction votes

01:48:26.880 --> 01:48:28.450
from J.D. Power.

01:48:28.450 --> 01:48:31.570
It was kind of going back
and forth, back and forth.

01:48:31.570 --> 01:48:34.147
And it was all like,
"Oh, well, what they do.

01:48:34.147 --> 01:48:37.737
"that was so, "that made
a difference for them

01:48:37.737 --> 01:48:42.617
"that J.D. Power, survey garner
them number one, the West,

01:48:42.617 --> 01:48:45.007
"and number one in
the country oftentimes

01:48:45.007 --> 01:48:47.500
"for customer satisfaction."

01:48:47.500 --> 01:48:52.500
And that hunger, that
competition is important.

01:48:52.650 --> 01:48:54.183
But if you can think back on,

01:48:55.386 --> 01:48:59.990
who or who vouched
for you that first time

01:48:59.990 --> 01:49:02.110
that got your foot in the door?

01:49:02.110 --> 01:49:04.090
<v ->Yeah, no, absolutely.</v>

01:49:04.090 --> 01:49:06.080
And without naming the client,

01:49:06.080 --> 01:49:08.210
and I can share a story on that.

01:49:08.210 --> 01:49:10.050
That's actually in truth,

01:49:10.050 --> 01:49:14.050
the launch of Bridgewater a
little more than six years ago.

01:49:14.050 --> 01:49:17.094
And I remember when I was planning

01:49:17.094 --> 01:49:20.047
and getting ready to launch Bridgewater.

01:49:20.047 --> 01:49:23.100
And I like to think that I
have a tremendous amount

01:49:23.100 --> 01:49:25.373
of relationships out
there in the utility space

01:49:25.373 --> 01:49:27.524
because I grew up in a utility.

01:49:27.524 --> 01:49:30.690
And I've always been a person there

01:49:30.690 --> 01:49:33.146
that pride themselves on relationships,

01:49:33.146 --> 01:49:35.680
but this was the new chapter in my life

01:49:35.680 --> 01:49:37.166
and a new journey, right?

01:49:37.166 --> 01:49:40.109
And, so people remember Mark Montgomery

01:49:40.109 --> 01:49:43.770
as this likable nice
person relationship person,

01:49:43.770 --> 01:49:45.520
but it wasn't a,

01:49:45.520 --> 01:49:49.760
no one was thinking Martin
Montgomery, the CEO of a company.

01:49:49.760 --> 01:49:52.390
And so when I launched into this venture

01:49:52.390 --> 01:49:53.670
of building Bridgewater,

01:49:53.670 --> 01:49:56.690
I didn't count on one
person in my network

01:49:56.690 --> 01:50:01.220
that knew me to open up
a door of opportunity for us,

01:50:01.220 --> 01:50:03.550
because I felt like if
I have relied on that

01:50:03.550 --> 01:50:05.276
and someone turned me down,

01:50:05.276 --> 01:50:08.550
I could have been discouraged

01:50:08.550 --> 01:50:10.620
and there wouldn't be
a Bridgewater today.

01:50:10.620 --> 01:50:11.840
So I went in there with the thought,

01:50:11.840 --> 01:50:14.010
I'm not counting on
anyone in our relationship.

01:50:14.010 --> 01:50:16.527
And I remember meeting
a client at a conference

01:50:16.527 --> 01:50:19.810
and I would just sharing
with them about who we are

01:50:19.810 --> 01:50:20.730
and our capabilities

01:50:20.730 --> 01:50:22.007
and some of the work that we do.

01:50:22.007 --> 01:50:24.270
And some of my history
and working in the utility.

01:50:24.270 --> 01:50:27.420
And then he asked for
further conversation with me

01:50:27.420 --> 01:50:29.180
to really talk about some work

01:50:29.180 --> 01:50:30.640
and supporting his organization.

01:50:30.640 --> 01:50:34.470
And I shared with them some
of our experience around AMI

01:50:34.470 --> 01:50:36.680
and around the Meters

01:50:36.680 --> 01:50:40.732
and the conversation went very well.

01:50:40.732 --> 01:50:44.170
And he gave me a
pilot project to come in

01:50:44.170 --> 01:50:45.290
and help them think through

01:50:45.290 --> 01:50:48.014
the next generation strategy for Meters.

01:50:48.014 --> 01:50:49.640
And we went in

01:50:49.640 --> 01:50:52.430
and we delivered on that
project at a very high level.

01:50:52.430 --> 01:50:55.564
And from there, he started
looking at giving us more work

01:50:55.564 --> 01:50:58.389
and really out there campaigning for us

01:50:58.389 --> 01:50:59.920
throughout his organization,

01:50:59.920 --> 01:51:03.170
to look at giving us a
chance to doing more work.

01:51:03.170 --> 01:51:05.470
And then it just started to spread.

01:51:05.470 --> 01:51:08.300
And then after that,
some folks in my network

01:51:08.300 --> 01:51:10.722
and relationships
started to find out about us

01:51:10.722 --> 01:51:13.701
and 'cause I had never
promoted Bridgewater.

01:51:13.701 --> 01:51:16.587
And then they started
calling us in to come in

01:51:16.587 --> 01:51:18.737
and compete for different opportunities.

01:51:18.737 --> 01:51:20.530
And then we just started to grow.

01:51:20.530 --> 01:51:22.800
I mean, we started growing so fast,

01:51:22.800 --> 01:51:24.350
early on for opportunities,

01:51:24.350 --> 01:51:28.540
I received phone calls from
supplying management saying,

01:51:28.540 --> 01:51:30.860
we're growing too fast
and we need to slow down

01:51:30.860 --> 01:51:32.560
and we need to make
sure that we're delivering

01:51:32.560 --> 01:51:34.110
on more of the deliverable

01:51:34.110 --> 01:51:36.100
before they look at
giving us more contract.

01:51:36.100 --> 01:51:37.887
And I said, "Listen,
it's not me driving it.

01:51:37.887 --> 01:51:39.037
"That's the clients that are calling

01:51:39.037 --> 01:51:40.587
"and requesting our services.

01:51:40.587 --> 01:51:42.490
"So I'll try my best to slow it down."

01:51:42.490 --> 01:51:43.470
But that was it.

01:51:43.470 --> 01:51:45.900
And we had an ambassador out there

01:51:45.900 --> 01:51:47.092
that was really supporting

01:51:47.092 --> 01:51:48.940
and endorsing Bridgewater

01:51:48.940 --> 01:51:52.120
and we made sure that
we didn't let him down.

01:51:52.120 --> 01:51:54.230
And we made sure that no matter what,

01:51:54.230 --> 01:51:55.640
like we do with every client,

01:51:55.640 --> 01:51:58.123
you're the most important client.

01:51:58.123 --> 01:51:59.770
(Mark chuckles)

01:51:59.770 --> 01:52:02.280
<v ->So that importance
of cold calling as well,</v>

01:52:02.280 --> 01:52:07.030
but also having your
elevator speech at the ready,

01:52:07.030 --> 01:52:07.970
no matter where you are,

01:52:07.970 --> 01:52:12.620
you're ready to talk about
what you do is also key.

01:52:12.620 --> 01:52:16.320
So Jan and Kirby, how about you?

01:52:16.320 --> 01:52:18.348
<v ->Yeah, I feel like I,</v>

01:52:18.348 --> 01:52:22.890
we've been very fortunate to
have many of those individuals

01:52:22.890 --> 01:52:24.067
that have gone,

01:52:24.067 --> 01:52:27.150
we've met at a conference
or we've met wherever

01:52:27.150 --> 01:52:28.930
and then they go back
to their organization

01:52:28.930 --> 01:52:31.882
and they kind of lay
their name on the line,

01:52:31.882 --> 01:52:34.633
behind Hal Hay's
Construction, which is to me,

01:52:34.633 --> 01:52:36.350
it's so admirable, I mean,

01:52:36.350 --> 01:52:37.810
a lot of these companies
that we work for,

01:52:37.810 --> 01:52:40.520
a lot of these companies
that are governed by the CPUC

01:52:40.520 --> 01:52:43.860
are very large companies,
very large organizations,

01:52:43.860 --> 01:52:44.990
thousands of people.

01:52:44.990 --> 01:52:49.921
And a lot of times individuals
that could be very risky,

01:52:49.921 --> 01:52:54.080
in a large, in a very large
structured organization

01:52:54.080 --> 01:52:54.913
to come in and say,

01:52:54.913 --> 01:52:56.267
"Hey, we need to give this contractor.

01:52:56.267 --> 01:52:57.817
"We need to give this consultant

01:52:57.817 --> 01:52:58.650
"or we need to give this

01:52:58.650 --> 01:53:02.560
"little unproven startup
company a chance."

01:53:02.560 --> 01:53:04.716
And yet, I mean, I can,

01:53:04.716 --> 01:53:09.716
there's over a dozen examples
where we've been fortunate

01:53:10.060 --> 01:53:11.890
to have that advocate for us

01:53:11.890 --> 01:53:14.213
and for us, that's everything.

01:53:14.213 --> 01:53:16.288
Previously what Mark said,

01:53:16.288 --> 01:53:17.820
I think that's a great point.

01:53:17.820 --> 01:53:19.767
You have that advocate for you.

01:53:19.767 --> 01:53:21.080
You have that person that goes in

01:53:22.503 --> 01:53:23.535
and opens the door for you.

01:53:23.535 --> 01:53:26.020
And then you know you
can't let them down, right?

01:53:26.020 --> 01:53:28.950
And so internally, the accountability,

01:53:28.950 --> 01:53:30.010
the bar just raises,

01:53:30.010 --> 01:53:31.762
you're gonna do extra on that one.

01:53:31.762 --> 01:53:33.370
Number one, 'cause there's potential

01:53:33.370 --> 01:53:35.180
for a long lasting relationship.

01:53:35.180 --> 01:53:36.972
And then number two, this person,

01:53:36.972 --> 01:53:40.960
it took a lot for them to lay
their name on the line for you

01:53:40.960 --> 01:53:42.710
and you're not gonna let them down.

01:53:43.858 --> 01:53:45.710
Another I'm big on quotes.

01:53:45.710 --> 01:53:48.750
And another quote I heard
at a diversity conference

01:53:48.750 --> 01:53:51.030
a couple of years ago that comes to mind

01:53:51.030 --> 01:53:52.917
when we talk about all this stuff is,

01:53:52.917 --> 01:53:56.827
"For all of us to be,
to not be gatekeepers,

01:53:56.827 --> 01:53:59.160
"but rather be door openers, right?"

01:53:59.160 --> 01:54:03.839
And I just, I, again, there's
countless folks that are,

01:54:03.839 --> 01:54:08.839
that have contributed to our
success over the last 10 years,

01:54:10.070 --> 01:54:13.083
working for the different CPUC company.

01:54:15.340 --> 01:54:16.173
<v ->Jan?</v>

01:54:17.460 --> 01:54:20.180
<v ->Prior to founding Superbtech,</v>

01:54:20.180 --> 01:54:22.297
I worked for a major staffing company.

01:54:22.297 --> 01:54:27.297
And what I was able to do was
to parlay former relationships

01:54:28.166 --> 01:54:30.000
when I started Superbtech.

01:54:30.000 --> 01:54:33.340
So I was able to
capitalize and touch base

01:54:33.340 --> 01:54:34.500
and network with people

01:54:34.500 --> 01:54:36.776
that I had brought to
my major corporation.

01:54:36.776 --> 01:54:40.360
And we were able to
piggyback on those relationships

01:54:40.360 --> 01:54:42.663
and get some doors open for us.

01:54:44.540 --> 01:54:47.840
So it was just ongoing, staying in touch

01:54:47.840 --> 01:54:51.030
and maintaining those relationships.

01:54:51.030 --> 01:54:54.450
Another really important point is that,

01:54:54.450 --> 01:54:56.090
like Kirby and Mark said,

01:54:56.090 --> 01:54:58.150
we just have advocates
all over the place

01:54:58.150 --> 01:54:59.190
and you don't know how happy

01:54:59.190 --> 01:55:01.240
and thrilled that makes me.

01:55:01.240 --> 01:55:03.030
We have people that have worked

01:55:03.030 --> 01:55:05.540
for our company as contractors.

01:55:05.540 --> 01:55:09.840
And now they're working in
management roles with our clients

01:55:09.840 --> 01:55:14.050
in utilities and public
agencies and other places.

01:55:14.050 --> 01:55:16.510
And so they are our biggest advocates.

01:55:16.510 --> 01:55:19.610
Can you imagine, they
were Superbtech employees

01:55:19.610 --> 01:55:22.890
and now they're in a leadership
role within an organization?

01:55:22.890 --> 01:55:25.600
You can not imagine
what that means to us

01:55:25.600 --> 01:55:27.733
and the power and
the weight that brings.

01:55:30.010 --> 01:55:33.120
<v ->All right, well, we are
just about out of time,</v>

01:55:33.120 --> 01:55:36.970
so I will turn it back
to President Batjer

01:55:36.970 --> 01:55:39.860
and thank you so much
for all of our panelists

01:55:39.860 --> 01:55:42.590
that was a really interesting discussion

01:55:42.590 --> 01:55:44.350
with some good suggestions.

01:55:44.350 --> 01:55:46.595
And a reminder to pick up the phone

01:55:46.595 --> 01:55:50.720
and reach out to people
you haven't talked to in a while

01:55:50.720 --> 01:55:53.402
and maintain those
relationships in a way

01:55:53.402 --> 01:55:55.350
that's so much more
challenging right now.

01:55:55.350 --> 01:55:57.930
So we gotta put in that extra effort.

01:55:57.930 --> 01:56:00.890
So thank you again,
and President Batjer?

01:56:00.890 --> 01:56:02.440
<v ->Thank you,
Commissioner Randolph.</v>

01:56:02.440 --> 01:56:04.120
Thank you for an excellent panel

01:56:04.120 --> 01:56:06.390
and Mark, Kirby, Jan,
thank you very much.

01:56:06.390 --> 01:56:08.880
That was very interesting

01:56:08.880 --> 01:56:12.683
and educational and formative.

01:56:12.683 --> 01:56:14.780
So thank you.

01:56:14.780 --> 01:56:18.620
And we will be taking
another short break.

01:56:18.620 --> 01:56:22.309
Commissioner Randolph's
got us a little bit back on track.

01:56:22.309 --> 01:56:26.540
I would just like to note that
I will have to be departing

01:56:26.540 --> 01:56:29.510
before, during the next panel.

01:56:29.510 --> 01:56:34.510
So I want to thank everybody
who is on the line now,

01:56:34.602 --> 01:56:38.600
before I have to depart for a meeting

01:56:38.600 --> 01:56:41.390
that I can't miss that
happens at 12 noon today.

01:56:41.390 --> 01:56:45.700
So with that, we will
take a 10-minute break

01:56:45.700 --> 01:56:49.630
and it's, let's just call it 11:15

01:56:49.630 --> 01:56:53.770
and we'll be back at 11:25 sharp.

01:56:53.770 --> 01:56:54.603
Thank you.

01:56:58.850 --> 01:56:59.820
<v Operator>The feed for--</v>

01:56:59.820 --> 01:57:01.730
<v ->To move on to our next panel,</v>

01:57:01.730 --> 01:57:05.947
which is the "Reorganizations,
Acquisitions &amp; New Entrants:

01:57:05.947 --> 01:57:07.711
"Supplier Diversity Strategies."

01:57:07.711 --> 01:57:09.350
and Commissioner Rechtschaffen,

01:57:09.350 --> 01:57:11.090
you're going to moderate this panel.

01:57:11.090 --> 01:57:13.483
So I'll let you begin
your introductions.

01:57:14.411 --> 01:57:16.420
<v ->Thank you very
much, President Batjer.</v>

01:57:16.420 --> 01:57:17.500
Good morning everyone.

01:57:17.500 --> 01:57:20.470
Good morning panelists,
thanks for joining.

01:57:20.470 --> 01:57:22.770
We gonna start about 10 minutes late,

01:57:22.770 --> 01:57:26.850
but we'll continue for the
full 45 minutes allocated

01:57:26.850 --> 01:57:28.691
to this panel.

01:57:28.691 --> 01:57:30.410
As we've discussed already,

01:57:30.410 --> 01:57:32.607
this has been a year of
great change and challenge,

01:57:32.607 --> 01:57:36.317
it's certainly impacted
some of the key organizations

01:57:36.317 --> 01:57:40.910
who participate in the Utility
Supplier Diversity program.

01:57:40.910 --> 01:57:42.460
We've seen a bankruptcy

01:57:42.460 --> 01:57:45.070
and reorganization from PG&amp;E.

01:57:45.070 --> 01:57:47.740
We've seen a merger with T-Mobile

01:57:47.740 --> 01:57:52.150
and we now have new
entities participating

01:57:52.150 --> 01:57:54.620
or preparing to
participate in the program

01:57:54.620 --> 01:57:56.332
as a result of legislation

01:57:56.332 --> 01:57:59.290
in order to include our
Community Choice Aggregators.

01:57:59.290 --> 01:58:01.470
Today, we'll hear from representatives

01:58:01.470 --> 01:58:03.099
from those three organizations.

01:58:03.099 --> 01:58:05.950
First we'll hear from Michael Lewis,

01:58:05.950 --> 01:58:09.550
who is the Chief Executive
Officer and President at PG&amp;E.

01:58:09.550 --> 01:58:11.640
And thank you very much,
Michael for joining us.

01:58:11.640 --> 01:58:14.670
I know you've just emerged
from a very stressful period

01:58:14.670 --> 01:58:17.190
of public safety, power shutoffs,

01:58:17.190 --> 01:58:20.010
which just thankfully
concluded early this morning.

01:58:20.010 --> 01:58:22.600
Marie Sylla-Dixon, who's
Vice President of Policy

01:58:22.600 --> 01:58:25.259
and External Affairs for T-Mobile

01:58:25.259 --> 01:58:28.300
and Beth Vaughan, who
is the Executive Director

01:58:28.300 --> 01:58:30.670
of the California Community
Choice Association,

01:58:30.670 --> 01:58:32.822
which represents the
Community Choice Aggregators

01:58:32.822 --> 01:58:34.260
throughout the State.

01:58:34.260 --> 01:58:37.715
Now at the 24 members, she
told us right before we started.

01:58:37.715 --> 01:58:40.810
So what I'd like to
do is start with PG&amp;E

01:58:40.810 --> 01:58:43.710
and I'll go to T-Mobile and Beth.

01:58:43.710 --> 01:58:46.970
And what I'd like to
do is ask each of you

01:58:46.970 --> 01:58:48.594
a couple of specific questions

01:58:48.594 --> 01:58:52.042
and then open it up
to my fellow panelists

01:58:52.042 --> 01:58:54.180
to make sure they have an opportunity

01:58:54.180 --> 01:58:55.013
to talk to each of you

01:58:55.013 --> 01:58:58.713
before we even go up to
general questions if we have time.

01:58:59.748 --> 01:59:02.180
So first, Michael first,

01:59:02.180 --> 01:59:06.160
I wanna congratulate
PG&amp;E for its achievement

01:59:06.160 --> 01:59:10.170
for last year of 41.5% diverse spending,

01:59:10.170 --> 01:59:13.660
which is quite an excellent figure.

01:59:13.660 --> 01:59:16.990
I wanna talk about the
impacts of the bankruptcy

01:59:16.990 --> 01:59:19.330
and your reorganization, first,

01:59:19.330 --> 01:59:20.750
and then touch on a
couple of other things

01:59:20.750 --> 01:59:23.230
that came up earlier that are,

01:59:23.230 --> 01:59:25.150
all the Utilities that dealing with.

01:59:25.150 --> 01:59:29.616
One of the requirements, as
part of the PG&amp;E bankruptcy

01:59:29.616 --> 01:59:34.616
that the PUC imposed was for
PG&amp;E to set up regional units

01:59:35.443 --> 01:59:37.960
as part of your reorganization

01:59:37.960 --> 01:59:40.290
and have much more of a regional focus.

01:59:40.290 --> 01:59:44.880
How do you think that will
impact your diverse supply,

01:59:44.880 --> 01:59:46.683
your diversity supplier program?

01:59:48.520 --> 01:59:50.140
<v ->Commissioner, thank
you for the question.</v>

01:59:50.140 --> 01:59:51.670
And thank you for allowing me to sit

01:59:51.670 --> 01:59:53.203
with this distinguished panel.

01:59:55.497 --> 01:59:57.930
It is a gift to be able to talk

01:59:57.930 --> 02:00:00.090
about this very important topic

02:00:00.090 --> 02:00:02.053
of how we integrate
our diverse suppliers

02:00:02.053 --> 02:00:05.240
into our operations, both currently

02:00:05.240 --> 02:00:06.293
and into the future.

02:00:07.130 --> 02:00:10.243
I will say that I've
been here for two years,

02:00:10.243 --> 02:00:11.210
a little over two years,

02:00:11.210 --> 02:00:14.739
and just as we enter into bankruptcy.

02:00:14.739 --> 02:00:19.739
And I would say that we have
witnessed our organization,

02:00:21.440 --> 02:00:25.210
I guess, meet the
expectations of the Commission

02:00:25.210 --> 02:00:27.693
in terms of the planned re-organization

02:00:27.693 --> 02:00:29.760
and our diverse
suppliers has been with us

02:00:29.760 --> 02:00:31.620
every step of the way.

02:00:31.620 --> 02:00:33.983
I wanna make sure we are
moving to the regionalization,

02:00:33.983 --> 02:00:37.023
I wanna speak about
what they've done so far.

02:00:37.023 --> 02:00:40.866
Every time we get expanded
into a new area of operations,

02:00:40.866 --> 02:00:44.520
they've been with us in that expansion.

02:00:44.520 --> 02:00:48.640
It had been driven
primarily by these new areas.

02:00:48.640 --> 02:00:50.889
We didn't really have all the expertise

02:00:50.889 --> 02:00:53.300
and they've brought
those expertise to the table.

02:00:53.300 --> 02:00:54.690
And the previous panel,

02:00:54.690 --> 02:00:59.690
I heard words like talented,
scrappy, creative, innovative,

02:01:00.380 --> 02:01:04.420
all those words you will
apply to how we've been able

02:01:04.420 --> 02:01:06.733
to navigate these last two years.

02:01:08.965 --> 02:01:11.840
I'm not surprised by this

02:01:11.840 --> 02:01:13.410
because I've been here only two years,

02:01:13.410 --> 02:01:16.940
but we've had 40 years of work,

02:01:16.940 --> 02:01:21.110
diverse suppliers that they
work within operations at PG&amp;E

02:01:21.110 --> 02:01:23.800
and over the last 10 years,

02:01:23.800 --> 02:01:28.800
our diverse suppliers spend
rate has increased by 200%.

02:01:31.396 --> 02:01:34.100
You mentioned 41% this past year

02:01:34.100 --> 02:01:37.296
in terms of their spend
to the overall spend.

02:01:37.296 --> 02:01:40.370
That's, we've done
that eight years in a row.

02:01:40.370 --> 02:01:42.658
Of at least 40%.

02:01:42.658 --> 02:01:44.700
So we have a real
rich history, if you will,

02:01:44.700 --> 02:01:46.610
a good foundation to launch into,

02:01:46.610 --> 02:01:49.737
as we begin to expand
it to regionalization

02:01:49.737 --> 02:01:51.883
and how we come out
of the reorganization.

02:01:52.770 --> 02:01:54.460
And that's since the reorganization,

02:01:54.460 --> 02:01:56.730
regionalizations of means of being able

02:01:56.730 --> 02:01:58.680
to get closer to our customers,

02:01:58.680 --> 02:02:01.140
to be able to have more of a pulse

02:02:01.140 --> 02:02:03.090
on the needs of those communities,

02:02:03.090 --> 02:02:06.516
then also incorporate
the diverse suppliers

02:02:06.516 --> 02:02:08.555
within those areas

02:02:08.555 --> 02:02:10.830
and have a better ownership model

02:02:10.830 --> 02:02:13.050
as we engage in these
areas of opportunity

02:02:13.050 --> 02:02:15.140
to improve our service.

02:02:15.140 --> 02:02:17.510
And let me take a step
back and talk about really,

02:02:17.510 --> 02:02:19.625
as you think about the
plan of reorganization,

02:02:19.625 --> 02:02:21.540
one of the major tenants is really

02:02:21.540 --> 02:02:24.304
about the highest standards of safety.

02:02:24.304 --> 02:02:27.050
Okay, so in terms of safety,

02:02:27.050 --> 02:02:28.650
and we just discussed it here,

02:02:28.650 --> 02:02:31.298
wildfire safety is front

02:02:31.298 --> 02:02:33.690
and center on everything that we do.

02:02:33.690 --> 02:02:37.880
And so in that regard,
we've incorporated

02:02:37.880 --> 02:02:39.387
and ensured that our diverse suppliers

02:02:39.387 --> 02:02:43.270
are part of that solution to address

02:02:43.270 --> 02:02:46.019
the needs of our
communities that we serve.

02:02:46.019 --> 02:02:48.730
I think about our System
Heartening program,

02:02:48.730 --> 02:02:53.270
which is about really
removing overhead conductors

02:02:53.270 --> 02:02:56.010
or having them covered without,

02:02:56.010 --> 02:02:58.510
so they can understand
the impact of a branch

02:02:58.510 --> 02:02:59.870
or even a move with them all together

02:02:59.870 --> 02:03:01.900
and going to a micro-grid.

02:03:01.900 --> 02:03:05.792
Our diverse suppliers have
been a part of that activity.

02:03:05.792 --> 02:03:09.890
Even beyond that, we
move into inspections of ISS.

02:03:09.890 --> 02:03:12.170
We use different techniques like drones

02:03:12.170 --> 02:03:13.690
and more risk analysis.

02:03:13.690 --> 02:03:16.440
Our diverse suppliers have
been a part of that as well,

02:03:17.281 --> 02:03:20.750
And even in our base business
like vegetation management,

02:03:20.750 --> 02:03:22.675
which we've done for many years,

02:03:22.675 --> 02:03:24.950
our diverse suppliers, if you will,

02:03:24.950 --> 02:03:29.950
represent 44% vegetation
management span, year over year.

02:03:30.490 --> 02:03:33.763
So we have, again, this
base is real fundamental,

02:03:33.763 --> 02:03:36.705
fantastic baseline that we're from.

02:03:36.705 --> 02:03:38.800
And I'd like to just
highlight one example

02:03:38.800 --> 02:03:40.500
of how this has worked for us.

02:03:40.500 --> 02:03:45.470
And I'll highlight two
of our diverse suppliers.

02:03:45.470 --> 02:03:48.496
CES Utilities is an
African-American firm

02:03:48.496 --> 02:03:51.690
that provides drones
inspection data for PG&amp;E's

02:03:51.690 --> 02:03:54.468
electric transmission
towers and substations.

02:03:54.468 --> 02:03:56.302
They are planning to expand

02:03:56.302 --> 02:03:59.110
from five to 10 teams of (mumbles)

02:03:59.110 --> 02:04:01.845
and operate per team
by the end of the year,

02:04:01.845 --> 02:04:03.970
to make sure they can meet the growth

02:04:03.970 --> 02:04:08.083
of our effort to again,
make our systems safer.

02:04:09.050 --> 02:04:10.810
It doesn't stop there though.

02:04:10.810 --> 02:04:14.460
Tribal Resources is
a LGBT firm that used

02:04:14.460 --> 02:04:18.040
that same drone data to
conduct risk assessments

02:04:18.040 --> 02:04:20.210
about PG&amp;E transmission structures,

02:04:20.210 --> 02:04:21.700
which is really a part of the way

02:04:21.700 --> 02:04:23.470
that we're classifying prototype

02:04:23.470 --> 02:04:26.660
and drone data per PG&amp;E infrastructures

02:04:26.660 --> 02:04:29.310
to help access repair needs.

02:04:29.310 --> 02:04:32.360
So, to answer your question,

02:04:32.360 --> 02:04:35.897
we're not, we're formulating
our regionalization plans,

02:04:35.897 --> 02:04:39.750
we have this ongoing
effort to advance our efforts

02:04:39.750 --> 02:04:41.973
around public safety
and at the same time,

02:04:41.973 --> 02:04:44.950
continue to leverage the
ongoing relationships we have

02:04:44.950 --> 02:04:46.757
with our diverse suppliers,

02:04:46.757 --> 02:04:49.160
and our base businesses as well.

02:04:49.160 --> 02:04:52.040
And those two, I think,
work hand in hand

02:04:52.040 --> 02:04:53.690
and will apply as we get closer

02:04:53.690 --> 02:04:56.423
to implementing a regional organization.

02:04:58.970 --> 02:04:59.803
<v ->Thank you.</v>

02:04:59.803 --> 02:05:00.760
I don't know if you were here earlier,

02:05:00.760 --> 02:05:03.670
but there was quite a bit of
discussion about the difficulty

02:05:03.670 --> 02:05:06.580
that some of the suppliers
are facing getting insurance,

02:05:06.580 --> 02:05:09.150
especially in wildfire mitigation

02:05:09.150 --> 02:05:11.475
and other related activities.

02:05:11.475 --> 02:05:14.720
Do you have any ideas
about how to make it easier

02:05:14.720 --> 02:05:16.100
for your suppliers,

02:05:16.100 --> 02:05:18.400
especially diverse
suppliers to get insurance?

02:05:19.950 --> 02:05:21.185
<v ->That was a great question.</v>

02:05:21.185 --> 02:05:24.550
And so I don't have a direct knowledge

02:05:24.550 --> 02:05:28.640
of how to facilitate easier process.

02:05:28.640 --> 02:05:30.750
I do know that we have a team

02:05:30.750 --> 02:05:33.810
that's working on this topic
as we speak to facilitate,

02:05:33.810 --> 02:05:36.450
how do we address the insurance needs,

02:05:36.450 --> 02:05:38.780
especially at the risk
continues to grow,

02:05:38.780 --> 02:05:41.683
to ensure that they
can still be involved.

02:05:41.683 --> 02:05:45.350
And I would just draw
back to the priority statement

02:05:45.350 --> 02:05:47.570
which is we still have
this healthy relationship

02:05:47.570 --> 02:05:50.710
within these environments
that we talking about now

02:05:50.710 --> 02:05:54.546
to enable them to be
with us in the future,

02:05:54.546 --> 02:05:56.390
even with the additional risk

02:05:56.390 --> 02:05:59.170
and the insurance requirements
that you just discussed.

02:05:59.170 --> 02:06:01.320
But that's something
we can look back into.

02:06:03.720 --> 02:06:05.110
<v ->Thank you I wanna turn,</v>

02:06:05.110 --> 02:06:07.180
see if my other
Commissioners have questions

02:06:07.180 --> 02:06:10.913
before we turn to T-Mobile.

02:06:16.550 --> 02:06:17.383
<v ->Yes.</v>

02:06:17.383 --> 02:06:19.004
<v ->Commissioner Shiroma.</v>

02:06:19.004 --> 02:06:20.380
<v ->Hi, Michael.</v>

02:06:20.380 --> 02:06:22.080
Nice to see you.

02:06:22.080 --> 02:06:25.805
And do you have, is it last year,

02:06:25.805 --> 02:06:28.714
we were in the Silicon Valley

02:06:28.714 --> 02:06:32.677
and the, when you drilled
down into the metrics,

02:06:32.677 --> 02:06:37.677
there hadn't been a lot of GO 156

02:06:40.030 --> 02:06:41.980
contracting in the Silicon Valley.

02:06:41.980 --> 02:06:45.530
Do you have any thing
new to report for us

02:06:45.530 --> 02:06:46.940
as far as activities there

02:06:46.940 --> 02:06:49.524
or maybe that can be
something forthcoming,

02:06:49.524 --> 02:06:53.157
especially with the regional efforts

02:06:54.280 --> 02:06:57.110
that are now being required

02:06:57.110 --> 02:06:58.903
and being made by PG&amp;E.

02:07:00.690 --> 02:07:02.030
<v ->Yeah, thank you
for the question.</v>

02:07:02.030 --> 02:07:04.830
So particularly you're
speaking about diverse firms

02:07:04.830 --> 02:07:06.830
within Silicon Valley--

02:07:06.830 --> 02:07:10.290
<v ->I'm sorry the San Joaquin.</v>

02:07:10.290 --> 02:07:12.290
San Joaquin Valley, yeah.

02:07:12.290 --> 02:07:13.820
<v ->Okay, thank you.</v>

02:07:13.820 --> 02:07:15.390
I don't have any specific information

02:07:15.390 --> 02:07:18.850
to provide you regarding
that particular area.

02:07:18.850 --> 02:07:22.246
I would tell you that we do have engaged

02:07:22.246 --> 02:07:26.610
with on going with
suppliers within the city itself

02:07:26.610 --> 02:07:27.710
of San Francisco,

02:07:27.710 --> 02:07:29.800
but now I can't speak
about a particular firm

02:07:29.800 --> 02:07:34.800
that I did (mumbles) or in
that particular regional area.

02:07:37.307 --> 02:07:42.307
<v ->Okay, and I'm thinking about
areas like, Stockton, Fresno,</v>

02:07:44.407 --> 02:07:49.407
and all the little towns in
between, Hanford and so forth.

02:07:49.790 --> 02:07:53.987
There's just a whole,
there's a whole big, big area

02:07:57.410 --> 02:08:00.940
in the San Joaquin Valley.

02:08:00.940 --> 02:08:04.090
So I'd be interested in hearing maybe

02:08:04.090 --> 02:08:07.610
as a followup at a future time,

02:08:07.610 --> 02:08:10.622
how PG&amp;E is doing with the contracting

02:08:10.622 --> 02:08:13.900
with contractors who are headquartered

02:08:13.900 --> 02:08:17.150
in the San Joaquin Valley, right?

02:08:17.150 --> 02:08:19.234
Thank you, Michael.

02:08:19.234 --> 02:08:20.244
<v ->Thank you for the question.</v>

02:08:20.244 --> 02:08:22.327
We'll follow up with you.

02:08:24.400 --> 02:08:27.263
<v ->Other, do other
Commissioners have questions.</v>

02:08:30.820 --> 02:08:33.570
I have one additional
question that deals

02:08:33.570 --> 02:08:37.498
with diversity in
procurement in the fuel

02:08:37.498 --> 02:08:40.575
and power procurement sector.

02:08:40.575 --> 02:08:43.637
Edison was the only utility to increase

02:08:43.637 --> 02:08:46.870
to report an increase
in diverse fuel spend.

02:08:46.870 --> 02:08:49.140
That's a particular challenge,

02:08:49.140 --> 02:08:50.610
I think, for a company like PG&amp;E

02:08:50.610 --> 02:08:54.560
which reported no
procurement spending in 2019

02:08:54.560 --> 02:08:58.440
and actually has its power
procurement's been declining.

02:08:58.440 --> 02:08:59.800
Can you, do you have any thoughts about,

02:08:59.800 --> 02:09:03.293
or address the lack of
diversity in this area?

02:09:04.558 --> 02:09:08.680
<v ->I don't have a specific
information to provide to you,</v>

02:09:08.680 --> 02:09:11.533
but in terms of how to cultivate,

02:09:14.072 --> 02:09:16.950
the (mumbles) capability

02:09:16.950 --> 02:09:21.540
or enable diverse suppliers
to compete in that area

02:09:21.540 --> 02:09:26.540
is (mumbles) from the previous panel.

02:09:26.550 --> 02:09:28.860
It's more about an outreach
that we need to pursue here

02:09:28.860 --> 02:09:33.168
in terms of how do we
contact in a more assertive way

02:09:33.168 --> 02:09:36.047
to potential vendors
that can supply this need

02:09:36.047 --> 02:09:39.031
and then to have them meet with us

02:09:39.031 --> 02:09:41.180
and start having those conversations on

02:09:41.180 --> 02:09:42.860
how to get them engage

02:09:42.860 --> 02:09:46.300
in future recruitment
contract opportunities.

02:09:46.300 --> 02:09:48.810
So that is something that
we can take a look at it

02:09:48.810 --> 02:09:50.130
and based on what you stated,

02:09:50.130 --> 02:09:53.523
we can address that trend in that area.

02:09:57.925 --> 02:09:59.270
<v ->And then I heard you say,</v>

02:09:59.270 --> 02:10:01.827
I'm sorry, Commissioner Guzman Aceves,

02:10:01.827 --> 02:10:03.321
no, no, go ahead.

02:10:03.321 --> 02:10:05.540
<v ->Okay, well, this is
a little bit out of topic.</v>

02:10:05.540 --> 02:10:09.887
I was just going to actually
recognize that PG&amp;E's new Board

02:10:09.887 --> 02:10:12.851
and of course this
reorganization that took place,

02:10:12.851 --> 02:10:15.460
there was great leadership
from the Governor

02:10:15.460 --> 02:10:19.560
and legislature and
ourselves on this new makeup,

02:10:19.560 --> 02:10:22.700
but there are four Black Board members,

02:10:22.700 --> 02:10:27.149
which I wanna just
recognize as being outstanding

02:10:27.149 --> 02:10:32.149
and something that I just
would challenge the rest of your,

02:10:33.802 --> 02:10:35.850
the rest of the IOUs,

02:10:35.850 --> 02:10:39.785
the rest of the telecommunication
sector, as to the LSCs.

02:10:39.785 --> 02:10:42.539
I know, and I would just ask Marie

02:10:42.539 --> 02:10:46.880
and Beth to maybe talk about
what their Boards look like

02:10:46.880 --> 02:10:49.184
and where they could go.

02:10:49.184 --> 02:10:51.840
I would assume Mr. Lewis,

02:10:51.840 --> 02:10:54.000
that you're asked by
your board to report

02:10:54.000 --> 02:10:55.680
on these numbers as well,

02:10:55.680 --> 02:10:58.070
and that even some of
their own relationships,

02:10:58.070 --> 02:10:59.624
as we heard from the last panel

02:10:59.624 --> 02:11:02.159
can serve as areas of opportunity.

02:11:02.159 --> 02:11:06.130
But I just kind of want
to reiterate the discussion

02:11:06.130 --> 02:11:08.380
from last year's En Banc,

02:11:08.380 --> 02:11:13.200
where leadership from the
top retaining these priorities.

02:11:13.200 --> 02:11:18.200
And even if you don't yet
have the great diversity frankly,

02:11:18.320 --> 02:11:19.996
that PG&amp;E currently has,

02:11:19.996 --> 02:11:24.930
you can potentially speak to
that when you have a chance.

02:11:24.930 --> 02:11:25.818
Thank you.

02:11:25.818 --> 02:11:28.350
(phone rings)

02:11:28.350 --> 02:11:30.920
<v ->Well, we'll take that as
the first question to ask</v>

02:11:30.920 --> 02:11:33.100
as we move forward.

02:11:33.100 --> 02:11:37.940
So I think a way to
move forward this time,

02:11:37.940 --> 02:11:39.480
we'll leave time at the end,

02:11:39.480 --> 02:11:41.310
if there are other questions for any,

02:11:41.310 --> 02:11:44.690
from the Commissioners
for any of the panelists,

02:11:44.690 --> 02:11:48.920
but let's turn to Marie now, again,

02:11:48.920 --> 02:11:50.330
Vice President of Policy

02:11:50.330 --> 02:11:53.220
and External Affairs for T-Mobile.

02:11:53.220 --> 02:11:55.130
Do you want to start with that,

02:11:55.130 --> 02:11:57.330
answering Commissioner
Guzman Aceve question

02:11:57.330 --> 02:12:00.510
about diversity on your Board.

02:12:00.510 --> 02:12:03.960
Now, 'cause T-Mobile
has now merged with Sprint

02:12:03.960 --> 02:12:05.210
and we're gonna be talking about that.

02:12:05.210 --> 02:12:06.836
So it's the new T-Mobile,

02:12:06.836 --> 02:12:10.260
but we'll call it T-Mobile for
purposes of this discussion.

02:12:10.260 --> 02:12:13.260
So could you start with
addressing that particular question?

02:12:14.550 --> 02:12:16.730
<v ->I would love to start
with that question.</v>

02:12:16.730 --> 02:12:18.790
First of all, I just wanna thank you all

02:12:18.790 --> 02:12:22.370
for having this En
Banc hearing right now,

02:12:22.370 --> 02:12:25.410
especially in light of what is going on.

02:12:25.410 --> 02:12:28.070
I think it's critical right now

02:12:28.070 --> 02:12:32.520
that we support our
diversity-owned businesses.

02:12:32.520 --> 02:12:35.733
As you know, this is a challenging time.

02:12:35.733 --> 02:12:38.683
I also wanna acknowledge
what's going on in California,

02:12:38.683 --> 02:12:42.170
and I just wish
everyone's safe and well.

02:12:42.170 --> 02:12:43.397
I'm actually in Washington, D.C.,

02:12:43.397 --> 02:12:47.180
but I have family out there
that has been impacted.

02:12:47.180 --> 02:12:50.143
So just wanna make
sure everyone is safe.

02:12:51.065 --> 02:12:53.887
So Commissioner to
the point about the Board,

02:12:53.887 --> 02:12:57.353
Commissioner Guzman Aceves,

02:12:58.462 --> 02:13:00.840
thank you for raising that question.

02:13:00.840 --> 02:13:03.446
So we actually currently on our Board,

02:13:03.446 --> 02:13:06.210
we know we have a lot of work to do.

02:13:06.210 --> 02:13:11.210
We have three diverse
members of our board out of 12.

02:13:11.784 --> 02:13:16.784
We have one African
American, one Latino, one Asian,

02:13:17.560 --> 02:13:20.200
but we wanna get that
both Board numbers,

02:13:20.200 --> 02:13:22.053
even up higher than that.

02:13:22.910 --> 02:13:26.400
So what we have done
with the new T-Mobile,

02:13:26.400 --> 02:13:28.020
and I'm proud to say this,

02:13:28.020 --> 02:13:30.253
we entered into a diversity MoU,

02:13:31.220 --> 02:13:35.131
and we actually entered
into a diversity MoU

02:13:35.131 --> 02:13:38.463
with California, with the
National Diversity Coalition.

02:13:38.463 --> 02:13:42.259
And in that MOU, we made 54 commitments

02:13:42.259 --> 02:13:45.430
and the first one was dealing
with corporate governance.

02:13:45.430 --> 02:13:49.960
So we've made a commitment
by 2023 to at least have, again,

02:13:49.960 --> 02:13:54.810
representatives, an African
American, Latino, and Asian

02:13:54.810 --> 02:13:56.320
and native Americans

02:13:56.320 --> 02:14:00.250
and our goal to increase those numbers,

02:14:00.250 --> 02:14:03.840
to also get more women
on our Board of Directors.

02:14:03.840 --> 02:14:07.161
We know that we want our
board to look like the customers

02:14:07.161 --> 02:14:11.593
that we serve, so thank
you for raising that question.

02:14:14.100 --> 02:14:17.550
<v ->Can I, let me
follow up on one thing</v>

02:14:17.550 --> 02:14:18.870
that also is in the MoU,

02:14:18.870 --> 02:14:23.320
there's a commitment to
increase diversity in the workforce

02:14:23.320 --> 02:14:25.680
and that's something that's also come up

02:14:25.680 --> 02:14:27.085
at our previous En Bancs.

02:14:27.085 --> 02:14:31.480
I'm interested to know what
progress you've made in that,

02:14:31.480 --> 02:14:35.130
or what steps T-Mobile
is taking to implement

02:14:35.130 --> 02:14:38.573
that commitment of just
about diversity in the workforce.

02:14:39.996 --> 02:14:43.143
<v ->So I will tell you we're, our,</v>

02:14:43.990 --> 02:14:47.840
the makeup of the new company now with

02:14:47.840 --> 02:14:50.680
both the Legacy Sprint
and the Legacy T-Mobile,

02:14:50.680 --> 02:14:55.680
we're actually 54% diverse
in terms of workforce,

02:14:56.660 --> 02:14:58.948
but in our diversity MoU,

02:14:58.948 --> 02:15:02.760
we actually have 12
commitments when it comes to,

02:15:02.760 --> 02:15:05.714
work force talent recruitment pipeline.

02:15:05.714 --> 02:15:08.726
And so for us, we found that the issue,

02:15:08.726 --> 02:15:11.406
it's not just having
a diverse workforce,

02:15:11.406 --> 02:15:15.390
but it's making sure
that we're having diversity

02:15:15.390 --> 02:15:16.871
at the upper levels.

02:15:16.871 --> 02:15:21.603
So that's where we're
putting forth a lot of efforts

02:15:21.603 --> 02:15:26.603
to increase diversity
at those upper levels

02:15:27.662 --> 02:15:31.570
and there's a big focus
now, not just on women,

02:15:31.570 --> 02:15:33.860
but also on people of color.

02:15:33.860 --> 02:15:35.937
And so in the MoU,

02:15:37.464 --> 02:15:39.750
well part of the thing that
we're doing within MoUs,

02:15:39.750 --> 02:15:40.690
we've actually gone

02:15:40.690 --> 02:15:43.870
and established a council,
we have two councils.

02:15:43.870 --> 02:15:47.440
We have our Council
for California specifically,

02:15:47.440 --> 02:15:50.198
and we have the Council
also with the National level.

02:15:50.198 --> 02:15:53.730
Representatives on
the California Council,

02:15:53.730 --> 02:15:56.884
are geographically
diverse, ethnically diverse.

02:15:56.884 --> 02:15:59.233
We have veterans, LGBTQ,

02:16:01.014 --> 02:16:03.230
and we wanted to make sure,

02:16:03.230 --> 02:16:08.140
as we're putting
this, our diversity plan

02:16:08.140 --> 02:16:12.780
and we're looking at ways that
we can increase our numbers

02:16:13.830 --> 02:16:15.210
at the upper level,

02:16:15.210 --> 02:16:16.850
that we're getting this expertise

02:16:16.850 --> 02:16:19.080
from leaders in the community

02:16:19.080 --> 02:16:21.880
and having a fresh set of eyes coming in

02:16:21.880 --> 02:16:26.880
to help advise our, with our DNI plan.

02:16:32.980 --> 02:16:37.863
<v ->Let's talk about
diversity spending.</v>

02:16:39.760 --> 02:16:44.760
Last year, T-Mobile reported
about 23% diverse spending,

02:16:46.020 --> 02:16:48.870
considering all categories.

02:16:48.870 --> 02:16:53.058
Sprint was at 31.7%.

02:16:53.058 --> 02:16:56.500
One of the concerns in the merger

02:16:56.500 --> 02:16:58.020
and just more generally is,

02:16:58.020 --> 02:17:02.439
can T-Mobile maintain a
higher level of diverse spending.

02:17:02.439 --> 02:17:06.750
What will happen with the
Sprint Legacy infrastructure

02:17:06.750 --> 02:17:07.583
and spending?

02:17:07.583 --> 02:17:11.940
Could you talk about the
impact the merger is likely to have

02:17:11.940 --> 02:17:14.673
on these diverse spending levels?

02:17:16.230 --> 02:17:21.230
<v ->So I will tell you one of
the things that we've done is,</v>

02:17:22.610 --> 02:17:27.362
we want to make sure that
we are taking the expertise

02:17:27.362 --> 02:17:29.530
from the Legacy Sprint side,

02:17:29.530 --> 02:17:30.860
because they did have numbers

02:17:30.860 --> 02:17:33.401
and they do have the expertise.

02:17:33.401 --> 02:17:38.401
So we've kept the Legacy
Supplier Diversity team

02:17:40.799 --> 02:17:45.180
from Legacy Sprint is now
with the Legacy T-Mobile.

02:17:45.180 --> 02:17:47.340
So, first of all, we have a bigger team

02:17:47.340 --> 02:17:52.340
and we're also leveraging that expertise

02:17:52.382 --> 02:17:54.960
for the new company.

02:17:54.960 --> 02:17:57.260
Then if you put in a layer of that,

02:17:57.260 --> 02:17:59.900
we also on the supplier diversity side,

02:17:59.900 --> 02:18:03.250
is probably one of the
most important components

02:18:03.250 --> 02:18:05.780
of this 54 commitments of the MoU.

02:18:05.780 --> 02:18:10.780
We have about 17 areas of
opportunities for procurement

02:18:11.023 --> 02:18:15.951
and entrepreneurship in
the supplier diversity MoU.

02:18:15.951 --> 02:18:20.370
So we've made commitments
to increase that spend,

02:18:20.370 --> 02:18:22.080
but we just don't wanna increase it.

02:18:22.080 --> 02:18:25.080
I mean, we want to go above and beyond.

02:18:25.080 --> 02:18:27.630
So we have commitments
at a three-year level,

02:18:27.630 --> 02:18:29.705
a five-year level,

02:18:29.705 --> 02:18:34.180
and we wanna make sure
that, again, we're going above

02:18:34.180 --> 02:18:37.040
and beyond what the
two companies together

02:18:37.040 --> 02:18:38.925
now with the new company

02:18:38.925 --> 02:18:43.925
and that we're also able
to take the best practices

02:18:45.308 --> 02:18:47.870
from the Legacy side of Sprint.

02:18:47.870 --> 02:18:52.151
And also the recommendations
coming from leaders

02:18:52.151 --> 02:18:54.130
who are sitting on the Council.

02:18:54.130 --> 02:18:57.990
We have a number of
leaders from California

02:18:57.990 --> 02:18:59.480
that we are working with

02:18:59.480 --> 02:19:02.679
and folks in the
community to help us grow

02:19:02.679 --> 02:19:04.581
the supplier diversity numbers.

02:19:04.581 --> 02:19:07.070
So I think, with the new company,

02:19:07.070 --> 02:19:10.402
I think we're gonna go
well above and beyond.

02:19:10.402 --> 02:19:12.130
And I will tell you Commissioner,

02:19:12.130 --> 02:19:14.792
there is a commitment at the top.

02:19:14.792 --> 02:19:17.540
One of the things that
we've made it clear

02:19:17.540 --> 02:19:18.950
and leadership has made it clear

02:19:18.950 --> 02:19:22.423
and as a company, it's not just at the,

02:19:24.344 --> 02:19:27.470
at one level of supplier diversity

02:19:27.470 --> 02:19:28.500
that we're looking at this,

02:19:28.500 --> 02:19:30.520
we're saying across the company,

02:19:30.520 --> 02:19:33.760
we want all the
partners, all organizations,

02:19:33.760 --> 02:19:37.630
even our employees,
to look at opportunities

02:19:37.630 --> 02:19:40.960
and to make sure that
when you're doing your work,

02:19:40.960 --> 02:19:43.210
that you're doing this with a supplier,

02:19:43.210 --> 02:19:46.745
with a diversity, equity
and inclusion lens.

02:19:46.745 --> 02:19:50.980
And so it's become that
on all of the employees

02:19:50.980 --> 02:19:52.789
and not just DNI office

02:19:52.789 --> 02:19:54.579
or supplier diversity offices,

02:19:54.579 --> 02:19:58.624
but also making sure that
we are finding opportunities

02:19:58.624 --> 02:20:03.624
to work with companies in
the communities that we serve

02:20:04.020 --> 02:20:09.020
so that they are reflective of
the customers that we serve.

02:20:11.380 --> 02:20:13.990
So I will tell you that
there's a big opportunity,

02:20:13.990 --> 02:20:15.920
and I'll just give you
a couple of the things

02:20:15.920 --> 02:20:18.662
that we're working on right now.

02:20:18.662 --> 02:20:20.619
We're also working on,

02:20:20.619 --> 02:20:24.960
increasing our number
with diverse-owned spend

02:20:24.960 --> 02:20:27.140
with banking institutions.

02:20:27.140 --> 02:20:29.085
We actually have already done that,

02:20:29.085 --> 02:20:31.150
where we have set up relationships

02:20:31.150 --> 02:20:35.692
with six diverse banking
institutions, also looking

02:20:35.692 --> 02:20:38.680
and increasing our
numbers on supplier diversity

02:20:38.680 --> 02:20:42.920
when it comes to
marketing areas like that,

02:20:42.920 --> 02:20:44.710
we also have mandated

02:20:44.710 --> 02:20:47.243
or are working on mandating
with all of our spend

02:20:47.243 --> 02:20:50.556
across the board that when we're working

02:20:50.556 --> 02:20:53.010
with two of our biggest contractors,

02:20:53.010 --> 02:20:58.010
Nokia and Ericsson, that
they themselves are working

02:20:58.403 --> 02:21:01.980
with diversity owned suppliers as well.

02:21:01.980 --> 02:21:05.128
So we know the importance
of when we're working,

02:21:05.128 --> 02:21:08.580
with these bigger companies
that we're doing business with,

02:21:08.580 --> 02:21:12.910
to also mandate that they
themselves are adhering

02:21:12.910 --> 02:21:16.290
to the same best practices as others

02:21:16.290 --> 02:21:17.820
and making sure that they have,

02:21:17.820 --> 02:21:20.630
are doing contracting with
diverse suppliers as well,

02:21:20.630 --> 02:21:24.208
so that there is a ecosystem of working

02:21:24.208 --> 02:21:27.670
with these suppliers in the community.

02:21:27.670 --> 02:21:30.200
<v ->And what about
legal institutions?</v>

02:21:30.200 --> 02:21:35.200
I know that T-Mobile has
had a high percentage of spend

02:21:35.530 --> 02:21:37.020
relative to others,

02:21:37.020 --> 02:21:38.680
diverse spending on legal institutions.

02:21:38.680 --> 02:21:39.680
I don't know about Sprint,

02:21:39.680 --> 02:21:41.442
but how about committing to,

02:21:41.442 --> 02:21:44.033
what are you doing to
ensure that that continues?

02:21:44.880 --> 02:21:48.320
<v ->So I am actually really
proud that to say this,</v>

02:21:48.320 --> 02:21:52.050
we're I'm actually embedded
in the Legal Department

02:21:52.050 --> 02:21:55.840
and the Legal Department early on was,

02:21:55.840 --> 02:21:59.235
has always been a huge
advocate of making sure

02:21:59.235 --> 02:22:02.990
that we work with
diversity-owned suppliers.

02:22:02.990 --> 02:22:04.729
We've worked with NAMWOLF,

02:22:04.729 --> 02:22:08.604
we've worked with some
of the Bar associations.

02:22:08.604 --> 02:22:13.604
We also, in addition to
making sure that we are working

02:22:14.180 --> 02:22:19.170
with diversity-owned
law firms for business

02:22:19.170 --> 02:22:23.010
is also looking at the best
practices of our law firms.

02:22:23.010 --> 02:22:27.330
So every year, we actually
send a questionnaire

02:22:27.330 --> 02:22:30.548
to all of the law firms
that we do business with,

02:22:30.548 --> 02:22:34.650
so that we can see how
they're doing there spending,

02:22:34.650 --> 02:22:35.750
working with law firms,

02:22:35.750 --> 02:22:39.456
but also internally, what
their partners look like,

02:22:39.456 --> 02:22:41.310
what their associates look like,

02:22:41.310 --> 02:22:44.760
who are doing the work for our company.

02:22:44.760 --> 02:22:46.678
And so we take all of that information

02:22:46.678 --> 02:22:49.928
and actually on a yearly basis,

02:22:49.928 --> 02:22:54.043
we recognize one of those law firms

02:22:54.043 --> 02:22:57.720
and they actually come
out to our headquarters.

02:22:57.720 --> 02:22:59.030
This time we'll do it virtually.

02:22:59.030 --> 02:23:00.410
We're gonna be doing that award

02:23:00.410 --> 02:23:02.419
in the next couple of months,

02:23:02.419 --> 02:23:06.050
but we really take a very closer look,

02:23:06.050 --> 02:23:08.760
very serious look at,

02:23:08.760 --> 02:23:11.817
the spend that they have
because we do work with them.

02:23:11.817 --> 02:23:13.343
And we do wanna see,

02:23:14.244 --> 02:23:18.410
that there is diversity
at those law firms

02:23:18.410 --> 02:23:19.900
and with those associates

02:23:19.900 --> 02:23:24.200
and partners that are actually
working on these accounts,

02:23:24.200 --> 02:23:28.330
in addition to making
sure they're also working

02:23:28.330 --> 02:23:30.230
with diverse owned law firms

02:23:30.230 --> 02:23:33.200
and we ourselves had been trying

02:23:33.200 --> 02:23:35.343
to increase those numbers as well.

02:23:38.744 --> 02:23:42.010
<v Operator>The public comment
line will be opening soon.</v>

02:23:42.010 --> 02:23:45.040
If you wish to speak during
the public comment period,

02:23:45.040 --> 02:23:47.650
press *1, unmute your phone

02:23:47.650 --> 02:23:49.250
and clearly record your name

02:23:49.250 --> 02:23:52.393
and location when prompted, thank you.

02:23:56.900 --> 02:23:59.530
<v ->The MoU is
actually, it's online,</v>

02:23:59.530 --> 02:24:02.880
it's public or I can send it to you,

02:24:02.880 --> 02:24:04.370
but it is public.

02:24:04.370 --> 02:24:07.999
And actually we just
announced the establishment

02:24:07.999 --> 02:24:11.620
of the National MoU members,

02:24:11.620 --> 02:24:15.230
and that came out as of last week.

02:24:15.230 --> 02:24:18.050
So I'm really proud
about that announcement.

02:24:18.050 --> 02:24:21.856
And then the California, we
just established that as well.

02:24:21.856 --> 02:24:23.380
And I gotta tell you,

02:24:23.380 --> 02:24:28.380
we have just, I can't
tell you how thrilled I am

02:24:28.740 --> 02:24:33.740
with the folks that we
have on that Council.

02:24:35.210 --> 02:24:38.858
Just the knowledge, the
thought leadership, the expertise,

02:24:38.858 --> 02:24:42.540
we are so excited to work with them.

02:24:42.540 --> 02:24:44.510
Our employees are super excited.

02:24:44.510 --> 02:24:46.283
I gotta tell you, we did this MOU,

02:24:47.721 --> 02:24:50.347
we signed the MoU back October

02:24:50.347 --> 02:24:53.824
and the California one
back in January of 2019.

02:24:53.824 --> 02:24:58.824
And so it wasn't something
that the company was reacting to.

02:24:58.838 --> 02:25:00.719
And I have to tell you,

02:25:00.719 --> 02:25:05.719
the employees with the new
company are super excited.

02:25:05.790 --> 02:25:09.353
Everybody has been
rolling up their sleeves

02:25:09.353 --> 02:25:12.104
to get started on the work.

02:25:12.104 --> 02:25:13.743
And it's just something that

02:25:13.743 --> 02:25:17.780
we're very, very passionate about.

02:25:17.780 --> 02:25:20.112
We know that we
have a lot of work to do,

02:25:20.112 --> 02:25:24.310
but we know that we've
got people behind us

02:25:24.310 --> 02:25:26.100
who are gonna hold us accountable.

02:25:26.100 --> 02:25:28.770
And we know that we have an expertise

02:25:28.770 --> 02:25:31.460
and we have this Council
that we can leverage.

02:25:31.460 --> 02:25:33.650
And so we are going to utilize them.

02:25:33.650 --> 02:25:38.650
And we're putting together
that Diversity Strategic plan.

02:25:38.850 --> 02:25:40.913
We have a Community Investment Plan

02:25:40.913 --> 02:25:45.913
that we're going to
be putting up as well.

02:25:46.670 --> 02:25:49.660
And all of these
milestones are coming up

02:25:49.660 --> 02:25:53.723
and we're meeting with
these members to make sure

02:25:53.723 --> 02:25:56.430
that we can really,
really leverage them.

02:25:56.430 --> 02:25:58.740
Also on the supplier diversity side,

02:25:58.740 --> 02:26:02.050
I can tell you this is
their top, top priority.

02:26:02.050 --> 02:26:06.410
Another priority is also the
workforce talent recruitment,

02:26:06.410 --> 02:26:09.310
but supplier diversity is a huge issue

02:26:09.310 --> 02:26:11.140
for the Council members.

02:26:11.140 --> 02:26:15.700
So we're really, we've
been partnering with them.

02:26:15.700 --> 02:26:19.530
They are working with our
Supplier Diversity Department

02:26:19.530 --> 02:26:22.422
to make sure that we're doing things

02:26:22.422 --> 02:26:24.236
on the matchmaking side.

02:26:24.236 --> 02:26:26.485
We're also working with organizations

02:26:26.485 --> 02:26:27.920
that are not on the Council.

02:26:27.920 --> 02:26:31.628
So we work a lot with the
California Hispanic Chamber,

02:26:31.628 --> 02:26:34.109
the California Black Chamber,

02:26:34.109 --> 02:26:38.960
just recently the California
Native American Chamber.

02:26:38.960 --> 02:26:41.020
So we're doing quite a bit.

02:26:41.020 --> 02:26:43.581
And even in light of COVID,

02:26:43.581 --> 02:26:47.050
back in March, I was
a participant at this.

02:26:47.050 --> 02:26:49.845
We actually did, after the pandemic hit,

02:26:49.845 --> 02:26:54.400
we did a town hall, which was
more of a matchmaking session

02:26:54.400 --> 02:26:57.480
where we had the head of
our Supplier Diversity come in

02:26:57.480 --> 02:27:01.130
to talk with businesses about
how to do business with us.

02:27:01.130 --> 02:27:05.637
And this was before
the merger had closed.

02:27:07.630 --> 02:27:09.190
And we went ahead and did this

02:27:09.190 --> 02:27:11.896
and found this to be
very, very effective

02:27:11.896 --> 02:27:15.220
in doing this virtual town hall.

02:27:15.220 --> 02:27:20.220
So we are doing more of these
types of matchmaking sessions,

02:27:20.900 --> 02:27:24.792
but we're really working
with these organizations

02:27:24.792 --> 02:27:29.792
in the communities to help
us with those connection points

02:27:29.820 --> 02:27:31.550
and finding new partners.

02:27:31.550 --> 02:27:34.930
And so the venue that we're having today

02:27:34.930 --> 02:27:38.150
in this En Banc hearing
is extremely important

02:27:38.150 --> 02:27:40.080
because I know in the past,

02:27:40.080 --> 02:27:41.985
because of what has taken place,

02:27:41.985 --> 02:27:45.203
it has helped us with
these relationships

02:27:45.203 --> 02:27:47.642
that we've been able
to foster in the years

02:27:47.642 --> 02:27:49.280
and really leverage.

02:27:49.280 --> 02:27:51.580
So I just want to
thank you all for that,

02:27:51.580 --> 02:27:55.208
because it's just
extremely helpful for us

02:27:55.208 --> 02:27:57.660
when we're trying to
build these relationships

02:27:57.660 --> 02:28:01.993
and find new relationships
to get more business with.

02:28:03.530 --> 02:28:04.432
<v ->Well, hopefully
next year we'll.</v>

02:28:04.432 --> 02:28:05.265
<v ->Thank you.</v>

02:28:05.265 --> 02:28:06.532
<v ->We'll hopefully next year,</v>

02:28:06.532 --> 02:28:09.050
we'll be building those
relationships in-person,

02:28:09.050 --> 02:28:10.545
President Batjer.

02:28:10.545 --> 02:28:11.877
<v ->I really hope so.</v>

02:28:11.877 --> 02:28:15.130
Yes, I really hope so.

02:28:15.130 --> 02:28:16.790
<v ->Thank you so much,
Commissioner Rechtschaffen,</v>

02:28:16.790 --> 02:28:19.330
and thank you Marie.

02:28:19.330 --> 02:28:24.067
Your presentation and your
description gives me great hope

02:28:24.067 --> 02:28:26.520
and like Commissioner Randolphs

02:28:26.520 --> 02:28:28.570
and Commissioner
Rechtschaffen just said that,

02:28:28.570 --> 02:28:30.047
I hope in a year we can come back

02:28:30.047 --> 02:28:35.047
and all of the seedlings you
have planted with your MoU

02:28:35.210 --> 02:28:39.371
and your Community
Investment Plan, et cetera,

02:28:39.371 --> 02:28:42.592
have grown into a strong Oaks.

02:28:42.592 --> 02:28:43.425
(Batjer chuckles)

02:28:43.425 --> 02:28:44.900
So congratulations.

02:28:44.900 --> 02:28:47.230
And I think your
numbers are interesting.

02:28:47.230 --> 02:28:48.450
I just have one quick question

02:28:48.450 --> 02:28:50.050
before I have to depart the panel.

02:28:50.050 --> 02:28:51.943
<v ->Absolutely.</v>
<v ->You said Marie</v>

02:28:51.943 --> 02:28:54.310
that you're embedded
in the legal division.

02:28:54.310 --> 02:28:56.552
Does that give you more?

02:28:56.552 --> 02:28:57.801
<v ->Definitely more .</v>

02:28:57.801 --> 02:29:02.801
<v ->Okay, before where
was your activities?</v>

02:29:04.800 --> 02:29:06.224
Where were they located?

02:29:06.224 --> 02:29:08.349
<v ->I'm in Government Affairs.</v>

02:29:08.349 --> 02:29:09.400
<v ->Okay.</v>

02:29:09.400 --> 02:29:11.253
<v ->We are part of the
Legal Department,</v>

02:29:11.253 --> 02:29:14.680
but I think it's, I'm a lawyer,

02:29:14.680 --> 02:29:17.230
but it's a great department
just because I work

02:29:17.230 --> 02:29:20.830
with the company holistically
across all departments.

02:29:20.830 --> 02:29:24.550
And so, because of that
role and that function,

02:29:24.550 --> 02:29:28.275
I have a view into a lot of
what the company's doing.

02:29:28.275 --> 02:29:33.275
I work very, very closely
with the head of our DNI.

02:29:33.426 --> 02:29:36.180
And so I am on the front lines

02:29:36.180 --> 02:29:38.273
and I was one of the,

02:29:38.273 --> 02:29:41.490
have been one of the key
people in establishing the Council.

02:29:41.490 --> 02:29:43.150
I've worked very, very closely

02:29:43.150 --> 02:29:45.480
with the head of our Supplier Diversity,

02:29:45.480 --> 02:29:49.297
and I work very closely with
the groups in the organization.

02:29:49.297 --> 02:29:52.834
And so it has helped me

02:29:52.834 --> 02:29:56.252
to help the company
strengthen those relationships,

02:29:56.252 --> 02:29:59.878
leverage those relationships
and that expertise,

02:29:59.878 --> 02:30:04.792
because they are
closer to the community.

02:30:04.792 --> 02:30:09.529
We want to rely on these leaders

02:30:09.529 --> 02:30:14.065
who are close to the ground
to help us with our plan.

02:30:14.065 --> 02:30:16.910
And we're even looking for other folks

02:30:16.910 --> 02:30:19.019
who may not be a part of the council

02:30:19.019 --> 02:30:21.542
so that we can leverage,

02:30:21.542 --> 02:30:25.930
take more of the best practices
from the Legacy Sprint side,

02:30:25.930 --> 02:30:28.650
also best practices
from other companies.

02:30:28.650 --> 02:30:31.589
So these types of En
Banc hearing, this is helpful,

02:30:31.589 --> 02:30:34.392
so that we can learn from others

02:30:34.392 --> 02:30:37.170
and really take this to the next level.

02:30:37.170 --> 02:30:39.200
But I am extremely, like I said,

02:30:39.200 --> 02:30:43.905
excited about the
establishment of the council

02:30:43.905 --> 02:30:45.920
and what we're going to be doing.

02:30:45.920 --> 02:30:49.900
And I think that in
the next year or two,

02:30:49.900 --> 02:30:54.220
you're going to be seeing
some significant changes.

02:30:54.220 --> 02:30:56.210
Again, we know it's not gonna be easy,

02:30:56.210 --> 02:30:59.530
but we know we're
committed to doing this,

02:30:59.530 --> 02:31:01.930
and we're very passionate about it

02:31:01.930 --> 02:31:04.943
and extremely excited with what

02:31:04.943 --> 02:31:07.270
this new company is gonna do.

02:31:07.270 --> 02:31:08.290
<v ->Thank you very much.</v>

02:31:08.290 --> 02:31:10.310
And for your fellow panelists,

02:31:10.310 --> 02:31:11.935
thank you for being here today

02:31:11.935 --> 02:31:12.768
and to the Commissioners, thank you.

02:31:12.768 --> 02:31:14.287
I have to depart.

02:31:14.287 --> 02:31:16.354
<v ->Thank you President Batjer.</v>

02:31:16.354 --> 02:31:17.608
<v ->Thank you.</v>

02:31:17.608 --> 02:31:19.800
<v ->Commissioner Shiroma,
maybe a quick question</v>

02:31:19.800 --> 02:31:21.860
then we wanna move to Beth Vaughan.

02:31:21.860 --> 02:31:24.187
But go ahead please
Commissioner Shiroma.

02:31:24.187 --> 02:31:28.333
<v ->Marie, is T-Mobile
also working with the</v>

02:31:28.333 --> 02:31:33.333
California Asian Pacific
Chamber of Commerce as well?

02:31:33.644 --> 02:31:36.696
<v ->Yes, we are, I'm sorry, we are.</v>

02:31:36.696 --> 02:31:41.187
Absolutely, and we've been
working with them for a while

02:31:41.187 --> 02:31:45.102
and I mean, I could go through a list.

02:31:45.102 --> 02:31:48.110
And when I was actually
speaking to our head

02:31:48.110 --> 02:31:49.410
of our Supplier Diversity,

02:31:50.249 --> 02:31:53.700
one of the things that he
has been telling me is again,

02:31:53.700 --> 02:31:56.570
because of these hearings

02:31:56.570 --> 02:31:58.906
and unfortunately
would be better in-person.

02:31:58.906 --> 02:32:01.710
It's helped us build new relationships.

02:32:01.710 --> 02:32:03.370
And these are relationships

02:32:03.370 --> 02:32:07.530
that we've been growing, cultivating,

02:32:07.530 --> 02:32:12.500
and again, having a bigger
team with the Legacy Sprint side,

02:32:12.500 --> 02:32:15.250
they're bringing their
relationships wealth

02:32:15.250 --> 02:32:17.100
and their expertise.

02:32:17.100 --> 02:32:22.100
And that is a huge help.

02:32:22.500 --> 02:32:24.910
And it makes it easier for all the work

02:32:24.910 --> 02:32:26.253
that we have ahead of us.

02:32:28.040 --> 02:32:31.950
<v ->Thank you, I'm sorry, Marie.</v>

02:32:31.950 --> 02:32:34.090
I think we have to cut it off for now

02:32:34.090 --> 02:32:36.910
because we want to keep to our schedule,

02:32:36.910 --> 02:32:38.620
but Commissioner Shiroma,

02:32:38.620 --> 02:32:40.320
I hope that answers your question.

02:32:41.483 --> 02:32:42.760
<v ->Yes, thank you.</v>

02:32:42.760 --> 02:32:43.593
Thank you.

02:32:45.370 --> 02:32:46.930
<v ->So we're gonna turn
out to Beth Vaughan,</v>

02:32:46.930 --> 02:32:48.820
who as I said, is the Executive Director

02:32:48.820 --> 02:32:51.385
of the California Community
Choice Association,

02:32:51.385 --> 02:32:55.080
Beth before we get into
some of the substance,

02:32:55.080 --> 02:32:57.720
can you answer Commissioner
Guzman Aceves' question

02:32:57.720 --> 02:33:02.160
about diversity on
your association Board,

02:33:02.160 --> 02:33:03.863
and then diversity in the workforce

02:33:03.863 --> 02:33:05.613
and your member CCAs.

02:33:08.988 --> 02:33:13.040
<v ->Sure and it's a great question.</v>

02:33:13.040 --> 02:33:15.240
So in terms of the Cal CCA board,

02:33:15.240 --> 02:33:18.677
we have 17 directors as of this July,

02:33:18.677 --> 02:33:22.129
eight of them are women, nine are men.

02:33:22.129 --> 02:33:24.150
In terms of ethnicity,

02:33:24.150 --> 02:33:27.960
I have not yet yet ask them
to voluntarily self identify.

02:33:27.960 --> 02:33:30.750
So I can do that and get
back to you about that.

02:33:30.750 --> 02:33:35.130
Within Cal CCA, our staff
now has grown to nine in total,

02:33:35.130 --> 02:33:37.590
and we have six women, three men.

02:33:37.590 --> 02:33:41.632
And then it's a great
question in terms of the CCAs

02:33:41.632 --> 02:33:45.384
across the board, there
are 24 of them now,

02:33:45.384 --> 02:33:49.460
and the Boards are made
up of the elected officials,

02:33:49.460 --> 02:33:50.930
of the local communities.

02:33:50.930 --> 02:33:54.742
And from what I can
tell are quite diverse.

02:33:54.742 --> 02:33:57.250
But again that's something
that I think will be part

02:33:57.250 --> 02:33:58.250
of the reporting out

02:33:59.260 --> 02:34:04.260
in terms of what we are
gonna be doing under SB-255.

02:34:04.329 --> 02:34:05.930
So I'll hold off there

02:34:05.930 --> 02:34:07.580
'cause I could go on about the workforce

02:34:07.580 --> 02:34:10.203
and other things, but I do
wanna make good points.

02:34:12.040 --> 02:34:15.624
<v ->We can continue
the discussion offline</v>

02:34:15.624 --> 02:34:17.920
about if you can get more information

02:34:17.920 --> 02:34:21.580
about the racial
composition of the Board

02:34:21.580 --> 02:34:26.580
and also the racial
composition of the workforce

02:34:27.222 --> 02:34:29.810
among the individual CCA members.

02:34:29.810 --> 02:34:31.743
We'd be very interested in that.

02:34:33.193 --> 02:34:35.690
The big thing that's happened of course,

02:34:35.690 --> 02:34:40.450
is we now have legislation
that extends the requirements

02:34:40.450 --> 02:34:45.450
of our GO 156 to include
Community Choice Aggregators

02:34:45.920 --> 02:34:50.530
and their obligation begin
March 1st of next year.

02:34:50.530 --> 02:34:52.040
I wanted to ask you
a couple of questions

02:34:52.040 --> 02:34:53.565
about the transition

02:34:53.565 --> 02:34:58.565
and one is, are there special obstacles

02:34:58.690 --> 02:35:01.870
that the CCAS have in
meeting this obligation

02:35:01.870 --> 02:35:05.452
and are there special
opportunities they have

02:35:05.452 --> 02:35:08.060
that larger utilities may have?

02:35:08.060 --> 02:35:10.850
So what are the, are
there special obstacles

02:35:10.850 --> 02:35:13.000
and are there special opportunities?

02:35:14.358 --> 02:35:15.383
<v ->Okay, great.</v>

02:35:15.383 --> 02:35:18.340
Well, thank you for that
Commissioner Rechtschaffen

02:35:18.340 --> 02:35:20.480
and thank you
Commissioners for the invitation

02:35:20.480 --> 02:35:23.559
to participate in this
important discussion.

02:35:23.559 --> 02:35:27.390
Supplier diversity promotes
economic development

02:35:27.390 --> 02:35:28.600
in diverse communities,

02:35:28.600 --> 02:35:29.880
and by increasing competition,

02:35:29.880 --> 02:35:32.190
diversity in supply chain
generates a better return

02:35:32.190 --> 02:35:35.940
on investment for companies
that meaningfully engage in it.

02:35:35.940 --> 02:35:37.810
And from our perspective that,

02:35:37.810 --> 02:35:41.300
at its heart to part of it
about access, inclusion,

02:35:41.300 --> 02:35:42.960
and representation.

02:35:42.960 --> 02:35:46.240
So Cal CCA supported
Senator Bradford's legislation,

02:35:46.240 --> 02:35:48.250
Senate Bill 255,

02:35:48.250 --> 02:35:51.202
which extends aspects
of General Order 156

02:35:51.202 --> 02:35:52.750
to Community Choice Aggregators,

02:35:52.750 --> 02:35:55.270
which I'm going to refer to the CCAs.

02:35:55.270 --> 02:35:57.820
Specifically the
legislation requires CCAs

02:35:57.820 --> 02:35:59.320
to annually submit a detailed

02:35:59.320 --> 02:36:01.670
and verifiable plan to
Public Utilities Commission

02:36:01.670 --> 02:36:04.450
for increase in
procurements for small, local

02:36:04.450 --> 02:36:06.850
and diverse business
enterprises in all categories,

02:36:06.850 --> 02:36:09.578
and to annually report
out on the results that plan.

02:36:09.578 --> 02:36:12.170
As you know, Community
Choice Aggregators

02:36:12.170 --> 02:36:13.670
are local government agencies,

02:36:13.670 --> 02:36:16.320
and therefore must
comply with Proposition 209,

02:36:16.320 --> 02:36:18.010
which prohibits public employment

02:36:18.010 --> 02:36:20.040
and contracting to the extent of program

02:36:20.040 --> 02:36:22.170
involves preferential treatment.

02:36:22.170 --> 02:36:26.480
Specifically CCAs cannot award
contracts based on race, sex,

02:36:26.480 --> 02:36:29.130
color, ethnicity or national origin.

02:36:29.130 --> 02:36:31.428
And this has created a
few challenges for CCAs

02:36:31.428 --> 02:36:35.790
because they consider
how to comply with SB-255.

02:36:35.790 --> 02:36:36.623
But at the same time,

02:36:36.623 --> 02:36:38.000
they are ramping up their programs

02:36:38.000 --> 02:36:40.040
around these restrictions.

02:36:40.040 --> 02:36:43.270
Most CCAs are in the initial
phases of program design,

02:36:43.270 --> 02:36:44.810
specifically drafting strategies

02:36:44.810 --> 02:36:46.510
to gather baseline information,

02:36:46.510 --> 02:36:48.465
conduct outreach, collect data,

02:36:48.465 --> 02:36:50.330
and incorporate supplier diversity

02:36:50.330 --> 02:36:52.653
into their institutional practices.

02:36:52.653 --> 02:36:53.990
But for others like MCE,

02:36:53.990 --> 02:36:57.170
it is about refining
their current practices.

02:36:57.170 --> 02:36:59.717
So for example, this year MCE's annual,

02:36:59.717 --> 02:37:02.740
"Certify and Amplify
Workshop with (mumbles),"

02:37:02.740 --> 02:37:05.920
was held virtually in
June because of COVID.

02:37:05.920 --> 02:37:08.570
This workshop introduces
local businesses to the benefits

02:37:08.570 --> 02:37:09.750
and opportunities available

02:37:09.750 --> 02:37:11.873
through the CPUC
Supplier Diversity Program,

02:37:11.873 --> 02:37:14.390
explains how to become GO 156 certified,

02:37:14.390 --> 02:37:15.700
and how to monitor

02:37:15.700 --> 02:37:17.670
and participate in MCE solicitation.

02:37:17.670 --> 02:37:21.832
The virtual format enabled
MCE to engage Statewide,

02:37:21.832 --> 02:37:25.560
instead of just within the
four Counties that it serves.

02:37:25.560 --> 02:37:27.440
Working through Local
Chambers of Commerce.

02:37:27.440 --> 02:37:31.110
And with other CCAs through
our Cal CCA Equity Committee,

02:37:31.110 --> 02:37:32.601
the outreach was impressive.

02:37:32.601 --> 02:37:34.410
Over a hundred participants

02:37:34.410 --> 02:37:35.850
from all over the State attended.

02:37:35.850 --> 02:37:38.926
And the workshop has been
viewed multiple times on YouTube.

02:37:38.926 --> 02:37:42.420
Also MCE in 2018 developed

02:37:42.420 --> 02:37:43.808
a supplier diversity questionnaire

02:37:43.808 --> 02:37:46.270
that it distributes to
contractors requesting

02:37:46.270 --> 02:37:48.070
that they voluntarily disclose

02:37:48.070 --> 02:37:50.270
their GO 156 certification status

02:37:50.270 --> 02:37:52.502
as well as efforts to work
with disabled veterans

02:37:52.502 --> 02:37:54.295
and LGBT business enterprises

02:37:54.295 --> 02:37:57.330
for power purchase
agreements, feed-in tariff,

02:37:57.330 --> 02:37:58.877
customer program, contracting

02:37:58.877 --> 02:38:01.140
and any other types of procurement.

02:38:01.140 --> 02:38:04.140
This is a tool that other
CCAs are considering adopting

02:38:04.140 --> 02:38:05.410
to track supplier diversity

02:38:05.410 --> 02:38:08.066
within their own CCA
procurement practices.

02:38:08.066 --> 02:38:12.609
So CCAs will first report
under SB-255 in March, 2021.

02:38:12.609 --> 02:38:15.230
And I suspect the
results may be variable

02:38:15.230 --> 02:38:18.420
as CCAs struggled to
develop meaningful programs

02:38:18.420 --> 02:38:23.170
and address the tensions between
SB-255 and Proposition 209.

02:38:23.170 --> 02:38:25.550
However, the core
principles is supplier diversity,

02:38:25.550 --> 02:38:27.820
as I mentioned, access inclusion

02:38:27.820 --> 02:38:31.170
and representation are
foundational to environmental justice

02:38:31.170 --> 02:38:33.200
and community choice energy.

02:38:33.200 --> 02:38:35.640
So that's why the Board of Cal CCA voted

02:38:35.640 --> 02:38:38.840
to support Assembly
Constitutional Amendment No. 5,

02:38:38.840 --> 02:38:41.200
the Honorable Shirley
Weber's enabling legislation

02:38:41.200 --> 02:38:43.130
that was voted out of the
legislature this Summer

02:38:43.130 --> 02:38:45.550
and resulted in Proposition 16,

02:38:45.550 --> 02:38:48.020
which is on the ballot for November 3rd.

02:38:48.020 --> 02:38:50.390
Prop. 16 would repeal Proposition 209,

02:38:50.390 --> 02:38:51.830
which reversed decades of State

02:38:51.830 --> 02:38:54.030
and local policies and programs aimed

02:38:54.030 --> 02:38:55.930
at improving social
equity in California,

02:38:55.930 --> 02:38:58.580
particularly in the areas
of public contracting,

02:38:58.580 --> 02:39:00.795
public employment and public education.

02:39:00.795 --> 02:39:04.220
Cal CCA was one of the
few energy organizations

02:39:04.220 --> 02:39:05.378
to support ACA-5.

02:39:05.378 --> 02:39:08.460
And I wanna explain why
we felt it was important.

02:39:08.460 --> 02:39:12.490
Repealing Prop. 209 allows
CCAs without restrictions

02:39:12.490 --> 02:39:14.020
to make investments in their communities

02:39:14.020 --> 02:39:15.920
through targeted local programs,

02:39:15.920 --> 02:39:18.450
to proactively recruit
underrepresented communities

02:39:18.450 --> 02:39:19.620
for employment,

02:39:19.620 --> 02:39:21.680
to improve diversity of local businesses

02:39:21.680 --> 02:39:23.840
through the procurement
of goods and services,

02:39:23.840 --> 02:39:26.430
and to inclusion communities of color.

02:39:26.430 --> 02:39:28.860
And as an added bonus
it will make it a lot easier

02:39:28.860 --> 02:39:31.220
to implement SB-255

02:39:31.220 --> 02:39:33.890
and achieve the objectives
of General Order 156.

02:39:33.890 --> 02:39:35.130
I need to make it clear

02:39:35.130 --> 02:39:36.640
that I'm not lobbying
for Proposition 16.

02:39:36.640 --> 02:39:38.309
I'm not allowed to,

02:39:38.309 --> 02:39:41.259
but merely stating the
facts as we understand them.

02:39:41.259 --> 02:39:45.126
So in summary, yes, CCA
has faced some challenges

02:39:45.126 --> 02:39:48.906
in implementing meaningful
supplier diversity programs.

02:39:48.906 --> 02:39:51.280
However, CCAs are
committed to the core principles

02:39:51.280 --> 02:39:52.973
of supplier and workforce diversity

02:39:52.973 --> 02:39:54.617
and look forward to working
with the Commissioners

02:39:54.617 --> 02:39:58.132
and stakeholders to transform
challenges into opportunity.

02:39:58.132 --> 02:40:00.640
So I think Commissioner Rechtschaffen

02:40:00.640 --> 02:40:03.183
that answers part of your question.

02:40:03.183 --> 02:40:04.850
<v ->I heard the
challenge, I did hear,</v>

02:40:04.850 --> 02:40:08.020
I heard the biggest
challenge is Prop. 209.

02:40:08.020 --> 02:40:12.153
I heard, I didn't hear
what opportunities you,

02:40:12.153 --> 02:40:15.300
CCAs have because of a
different business model,

02:40:15.300 --> 02:40:16.608
different relationship,.

02:40:16.608 --> 02:40:17.571
<v ->Right.</v>

02:40:17.571 --> 02:40:19.190
<v ->What advantages
do they have compared</v>

02:40:19.190 --> 02:40:22.487
to traditional utilities
that you can identify?

02:40:22.487 --> 02:40:25.160
<v ->So I think it's going
to be a challenge.</v>

02:40:25.160 --> 02:40:28.274
I look, every year we look
hard at the IOUs Report

02:40:28.274 --> 02:40:30.840
and in particular around procurement,

02:40:30.840 --> 02:40:33.650
because that is the
core of what CCAs do.

02:40:33.650 --> 02:40:36.680
However, CCAs being
close to their communities

02:40:36.680 --> 02:40:38.610
and in their communities,

02:40:38.610 --> 02:40:40.747
they already are
working what they can do

02:40:40.747 --> 02:40:43.330
and what they have been
doing is providing grants

02:40:43.330 --> 02:40:45.402
to the NGOs that work
in their communities

02:40:45.402 --> 02:40:49.561
to achieve workforce
and diversity outcomes.

02:40:49.561 --> 02:40:53.060
But I think what I've
been thinking a lot about

02:40:53.060 --> 02:40:55.320
and Commissioner
Rechtschaffen you participated,

02:40:55.320 --> 02:40:57.010
I think in January of 2018

02:40:57.010 --> 02:41:00.547
at our Supplier Diversity
Symposium Enrichment,

02:41:00.547 --> 02:41:03.038
and look at the results of MCE's

02:41:03.038 --> 02:41:07.023
Certify and Amplify Virtual Gathering.

02:41:07.023 --> 02:41:10.670
What I'm thinking of
is we have that ability

02:41:10.670 --> 02:41:15.670
through our 24 CCAs now
to tap those local businesses,

02:41:15.677 --> 02:41:18.120
not just through the
Chamber of Commerce,

02:41:18.120 --> 02:41:20.130
I thought Marie and
others today have made

02:41:20.130 --> 02:41:22.210
some really good points
about the other Chambers

02:41:22.210 --> 02:41:25.770
that we could be working
with to bring them on board

02:41:25.770 --> 02:41:28.400
and first to educate
them about what CCAS do

02:41:28.400 --> 02:41:30.586
and the opportunities with CCAs,

02:41:30.586 --> 02:41:32.994
and create this greater network

02:41:32.994 --> 02:41:35.723
to get more certified under GO 156

02:41:36.564 --> 02:41:40.111
and then to be able
to actually contract,

02:41:40.111 --> 02:41:43.330
have them participate
more fully in this solicitations.

02:41:43.330 --> 02:41:47.000
I think frankly some folks
find it hard to figure out

02:41:47.000 --> 02:41:49.424
how to engage with CCAs

02:41:49.424 --> 02:41:52.820
that are part of the
GO 156 certification.

02:41:52.820 --> 02:41:55.480
And I think that we can
make that a lot easier for them

02:41:55.480 --> 02:41:58.483
as I observed in the MCE workshop.

02:41:59.460 --> 02:42:01.231
<v ->Through other
workshops like that,</v>

02:42:01.231 --> 02:42:03.479
or how else will you make it easier

02:42:03.479 --> 02:42:05.896
for them to engage with CCAs?

02:42:07.170 --> 02:42:12.010
<v ->Well, I think initially to
kind of kick us off the ground,</v>

02:42:12.010 --> 02:42:14.750
I think that Cal CCA needs to co-host

02:42:14.750 --> 02:42:16.350
with some of these other CCAs,

02:42:16.350 --> 02:42:19.769
use MCE's model as the foundation,

02:42:19.769 --> 02:42:24.221
but then CCAs within their own areas

02:42:24.221 --> 02:42:26.280
and their own territories have been,

02:42:26.280 --> 02:42:27.580
already been doing a lot.

02:42:27.580 --> 02:42:29.430
They already have the
community engagement.

02:42:29.430 --> 02:42:31.670
I just don't think that
they've matched it

02:42:31.670 --> 02:42:35.500
with the procurement
portion of what they do.

02:42:35.500 --> 02:42:37.630
And part of that is
because, quite honestly,

02:42:37.630 --> 02:42:40.230
when you come down to contracting,

02:42:40.230 --> 02:42:42.290
in terms of the evaluation rubric,

02:42:42.290 --> 02:42:44.440
you cannot include supplier diversity

02:42:44.440 --> 02:42:45.793
as one of those levers.

02:42:46.850 --> 02:42:50.858
<v ->Well, I would just encourage
you to do as many joint</v>

02:42:50.858 --> 02:42:55.280
or Statewide or regional wide networking

02:42:56.219 --> 02:43:00.010
or meet and greet,
whatever events you can

02:43:00.010 --> 02:43:02.340
because one of the concerns
we've heard repeatedly

02:43:02.340 --> 02:43:04.035
from suppliers is,

02:43:04.035 --> 02:43:07.610
as the number of
counterparties proliferate,

02:43:07.610 --> 02:43:08.650
they don't know who to deal with.

02:43:08.650 --> 02:43:10.700
They don't know who the
right people are in the team

02:43:10.700 --> 02:43:12.260
that are doing procurement.

02:43:12.260 --> 02:43:14.370
And as you've heard
throughout this morning,

02:43:14.370 --> 02:43:17.363
relationships are
so critical to ensuring

02:43:17.363 --> 02:43:19.160
a diverse stream of suppliers.

02:43:19.160 --> 02:43:20.870
And if there are new entrance

02:43:20.870 --> 02:43:22.300
and they're more spread out,

02:43:22.300 --> 02:43:25.407
it's just harder to get a
handle on those relationships.

02:43:25.407 --> 02:43:29.320
<v ->Well, and that's a really
good point that Cal CCA,</v>

02:43:29.320 --> 02:43:31.780
one of the things that we
are have been trying to do,

02:43:31.780 --> 02:43:33.960
and I think we're getting
fairly successful at it,

02:43:33.960 --> 02:43:35.520
is to coordinate all the CCAs.

02:43:35.520 --> 02:43:37.370
So through our website, for instance,

02:43:37.370 --> 02:43:40.150
we have a tab on there for jobs

02:43:40.150 --> 02:43:41.774
and RFO opportunities

02:43:41.774 --> 02:43:44.280
and from, and we update it every week.

02:43:44.280 --> 02:43:46.310
And from there, you can
click on any of the links

02:43:46.310 --> 02:43:48.350
and go directly to each of the CCAs,

02:43:48.350 --> 02:43:51.960
which also have their own
webpages for solicitations.

02:43:51.960 --> 02:43:52.793
But to your point,

02:43:52.793 --> 02:43:54.830
I don't think that a lot of
people know that, right?

02:43:54.830 --> 02:43:56.160
So we need to be educating.

02:43:56.160 --> 02:43:58.340
We need to be showing what
tools that we've made available

02:43:58.340 --> 02:43:59.650
and listening to people,

02:43:59.650 --> 02:44:01.877
in terms of what their concerns are

02:44:01.877 --> 02:44:03.566
and what we could do to help them.

02:44:03.566 --> 02:44:05.410
So I would agree with you.

02:44:05.410 --> 02:44:06.940
We need to do--

02:44:06.940 --> 02:44:11.500
<v ->One other thing.</v>
<v ->We never do enough.</v>

02:44:11.500 --> 02:44:13.734
<v ->Fair enough, we
can certainly all try.</v>

02:44:13.734 --> 02:44:16.220
One other quick point, question is,

02:44:16.220 --> 02:44:19.070
and I wanna turn it over
among Commissioners.

02:44:19.070 --> 02:44:24.070
We've heard today about the
low percentages of contracts

02:44:27.740 --> 02:44:30.510
in the legal and
financial services sector,

02:44:30.510 --> 02:44:31.440
not from everybody,

02:44:31.440 --> 02:44:35.790
but from a number of the utilities.

02:44:35.790 --> 02:44:37.325
The CCAs, of course,

02:44:37.325 --> 02:44:41.624
a lot of what they
contract for is for energy.

02:44:41.624 --> 02:44:44.511
They don't have large
overheads, large staffs,

02:44:44.511 --> 02:44:46.877
but I'm wondering maybe,

02:44:46.877 --> 02:44:49.459
a comment as much as the question,

02:44:49.459 --> 02:44:53.650
a suggestion to really
focus on those areas as well,

02:44:53.650 --> 02:44:55.300
to make sure they're not lost

02:44:55.300 --> 02:44:58.200
because the percentage
is generally in the legal

02:44:58.200 --> 02:45:02.090
and financial services
have not been as high

02:45:02.090 --> 02:45:03.843
as we would like them to be.

02:45:05.818 --> 02:45:06.651
<v ->That's--</v>

02:45:08.880 --> 02:45:10.300
<v ->I'm sorry, please comment.</v>

02:45:10.300 --> 02:45:11.490
And then we'll turn it over
to other Commissioners,

02:45:11.490 --> 02:45:12.330
but if you have any--

02:45:12.330 --> 02:45:15.193
<v ->No, I was just gonna say
that that's a very good point.</v>

02:45:15.193 --> 02:45:19.220
And when I think about
partners of Cal CCA, yes,

02:45:19.220 --> 02:45:20.117
we have the energy suppliers,

02:45:20.117 --> 02:45:22.720
but we also have a lot of financial

02:45:22.720 --> 02:45:26.440
and legal entities that have joined

02:45:26.440 --> 02:45:27.550
and become partners of ours.

02:45:27.550 --> 02:45:29.840
So there is an ability
for us to do outreach.

02:45:29.840 --> 02:45:33.630
Last year, we did a
finance forum to talk

02:45:33.630 --> 02:45:37.460
about CCAs procurement,
credit worthiness, all of that.

02:45:37.460 --> 02:45:40.569
We could easily make
this a component of that,

02:45:40.569 --> 02:45:43.810
in terms of educating around GO 156.

02:45:43.810 --> 02:45:45.470
So I think there are
a lot of opportunities

02:45:45.470 --> 02:45:48.870
that we just have to have
at the forefront of our minds

02:45:48.870 --> 02:45:50.820
when we organize these sorts of events.

02:45:53.420 --> 02:45:54.253
<v ->Thanks.</v>

02:45:55.630 --> 02:45:56.610
Other Commissioners.

02:45:56.610 --> 02:45:58.913
Do you have questions for Beth?

02:46:00.963 --> 02:46:03.243
(computer pings)

02:46:03.243 --> 02:46:04.993
Commissioner Shiroma?

02:46:06.095 --> 02:46:08.345
<v ->Okay, so Beth, I'm sorry.</v>

02:46:11.110 --> 02:46:14.610
Did you mention, SMUD program?

02:46:14.610 --> 02:46:19.610
In so far as, I mentioned this
before in other forums that,

02:46:20.410 --> 02:46:24.090
when I was duly elected to the Board,

02:46:24.090 --> 02:46:29.090
that was when Prop 209 was
passed by the California voters.

02:46:29.930 --> 02:46:33.207
And we'll see if it's
gonna be a different path

02:46:33.207 --> 02:46:35.924
once the election occurs in November

02:46:35.924 --> 02:46:39.100
and we actually maintained our

02:46:39.100 --> 02:46:41.445
Minority Women Owned Business program

02:46:41.445 --> 02:46:43.240
because we had Federal funding.

02:46:43.240 --> 02:46:44.073
Well, we were taking,

02:46:44.073 --> 02:46:49.030
we were sued by the Pacific
Legal Foundation and we lost.

02:46:49.900 --> 02:46:53.497
So we had to dispense with our minority

02:46:53.497 --> 02:46:57.210
and business on a
program, like in it's place,

02:46:57.210 --> 02:47:01.554
we put a very aggressive,
small business program.

02:47:01.554 --> 02:47:03.660
And through that small business program,

02:47:03.660 --> 02:47:07.320
we developed very,
very strong relationships

02:47:07.320 --> 02:47:12.320
with all of the minority
women-owned LGBTQ chambers

02:47:14.937 --> 02:47:16.810
within Sacramento County

02:47:16.810 --> 02:47:21.500
and a whole lot of
other business entities

02:47:23.160 --> 02:47:25.837
and did a lot outreach

02:47:25.837 --> 02:47:27.500
And I think that is still continuing.

02:47:27.500 --> 02:47:30.170
I am, I haven't been there
for now a year and a half

02:47:30.170 --> 02:47:31.523
or almost two years.

02:47:32.474 --> 02:47:37.474
So my question is, is that a model,

02:47:37.644 --> 02:47:41.142
again, things could change
drastically in November,

02:47:41.142 --> 02:47:44.356
but is that a model that could be used

02:47:44.356 --> 02:47:48.223
in the Prop 209 environment?

02:47:49.560 --> 02:47:50.620
It could be.

02:47:50.620 --> 02:47:55.089
I mean, it was really
an effort to provide

02:47:55.089 --> 02:48:00.089
for that diversity of contracting
as a government entity.

02:48:02.053 --> 02:48:04.550
<v ->Thank you for that
Commissioner Shiroma.</v>

02:48:04.550 --> 02:48:07.460
And I think we would be very interested.

02:48:07.460 --> 02:48:09.810
I noticed, I believe SMUD was one

02:48:09.810 --> 02:48:11.460
of the other energy agencies

02:48:11.460 --> 02:48:13.961
that supported ACA 5, by the way.

02:48:13.961 --> 02:48:18.330
But actually what I'd like
to do is maybe ask you,

02:48:18.330 --> 02:48:21.500
and maybe you could put me
in touch with someone at SMUD

02:48:21.500 --> 02:48:23.867
to participate in one of
our committee meetings to,

02:48:23.867 --> 02:48:26.710
we have both a Compliance
Committee and Equity Committee.

02:48:26.710 --> 02:48:29.130
We have a whole lot of
committees at the Cal CCA,

02:48:29.130 --> 02:48:32.500
but we could create a forum
to learn about what's SMUD did

02:48:32.500 --> 02:48:36.040
and to help educate our
CCAs about that example.

02:48:36.040 --> 02:48:37.810
I know we'd be absolutely fascinated.

02:48:37.810 --> 02:48:40.670
So I'd love to take you up on that.

02:48:40.670 --> 02:48:42.420
<v ->I'd be happy to make
those connections.</v>

02:48:42.420 --> 02:48:45.975
And by the way, again,
in the, in that story,

02:48:45.975 --> 02:48:49.821
the former Executive Director

02:48:49.821 --> 02:48:54.821
of our California Public
Advocates side of the house,

02:48:56.730 --> 02:49:01.250
Dana Appling was the General
Counsel at SMUD at that time.

02:49:01.250 --> 02:49:04.153
And she was our champion in our argument

02:49:07.100 --> 02:49:10.840
about why Prop 209 did not apply

02:49:10.840 --> 02:49:13.080
to our minority women
business owned programs.

02:49:13.080 --> 02:49:18.080
Now, as I say, we did lose
that in the courts of appeal.

02:49:18.168 --> 02:49:21.020
I have a distant forgotten,
she was our champion

02:49:21.020 --> 02:49:26.020
and also our champion is
helping to form a sound legal basis

02:49:26.900 --> 02:49:30.323
for our small business program, so.

02:49:31.530 --> 02:49:34.690
<v Operator>As a reminder, if
you wish to ask questions,,</v>

02:49:34.690 --> 02:49:39.690
ask if you wish to make a
comment during the comment period,

02:49:39.900 --> 02:49:43.210
press *1, please unmute your phone

02:49:43.210 --> 02:49:45.400
and record your name clearly.

02:49:45.400 --> 02:49:46.327
Again, *1.

02:49:51.509 --> 02:49:55.470
<v ->Yeah, and you made the
same outreach to Don a year ago,</v>

02:49:55.470 --> 02:50:00.470
and it's unfortunate that the
Cal CCA hasn't followed up

02:50:00.560 --> 02:50:02.940
on that offering from a year ago.

02:50:02.940 --> 02:50:06.240
I will not belabor the
point on Prop 209.

02:50:06.240 --> 02:50:08.630
Just, I will just say, for me,

02:50:08.630 --> 02:50:13.630
it's equivalent to saying that
you have a merit-based system

02:50:13.834 --> 02:50:16.482
and therefore inherently in that answer,

02:50:16.482 --> 02:50:19.178
you're saying that people color

02:50:19.178 --> 02:50:21.840
and all the other minority businesses

02:50:21.840 --> 02:50:23.510
that we're talking about here today,

02:50:23.510 --> 02:50:28.150
do not have the merit to compete.

02:50:28.150 --> 02:50:31.764
And so, the argument is old,

02:50:31.764 --> 02:50:35.513
it's for an old demographic
of California in particular.

02:50:35.513 --> 02:50:39.580
It doesn't match up to the
availability of the contractors

02:50:39.580 --> 02:50:42.450
that are on the call, that
were on the panels today.

02:50:42.450 --> 02:50:45.550
It's simply an insufficient argument.

02:50:45.550 --> 02:50:49.460
And it's really sad
that the public entities,

02:50:49.460 --> 02:50:53.780
ourself included are lagging
behind private industry

02:50:53.780 --> 02:50:55.460
when it comes to diversity,

02:50:55.460 --> 02:50:59.293
T-Mobile's workforce is 50% diverse.

02:51:02.232 --> 02:51:03.450
It's not an issue,

02:51:03.450 --> 02:51:06.860
there's no constitutional
constraint here.

02:51:06.860 --> 02:51:10.210
It is an intentional effort of time

02:51:10.210 --> 02:51:13.043
and prioritization, I believe
it starts from the Board.

02:51:13.043 --> 02:51:15.240
And the lack of diversity on your Board

02:51:15.240 --> 02:51:17.974
probably reflects the lack of intention.

02:51:17.974 --> 02:51:20.510
One question that I have,

02:51:20.510 --> 02:51:23.080
and I hope you do follow
up on both the followup

02:51:23.080 --> 02:51:26.610
that I'm offering, that Commissioner
Shiromo made last year,

02:51:26.610 --> 02:51:31.600
but also, well, you could
do what T-Mobile did.

02:51:31.600 --> 02:51:32.880
T-Mobile obviously,

02:51:32.880 --> 02:51:36.800
that was part of our
merger agreement as well.

02:51:36.800 --> 02:51:38.250
And some of the national
merger agreements.

02:51:38.250 --> 02:51:41.070
So I won't say that it
happened necessarily

02:51:41.070 --> 02:51:41.970
voluntarily there,

02:51:41.970 --> 02:51:46.730
but they have an MoU, the
most at the national level,

02:51:46.730 --> 02:51:50.774
but here in California,
with the Diversity Council,

02:51:50.774 --> 02:51:52.960
you could do the same.

02:51:52.960 --> 02:51:57.420
It's about being intentional,
bringing in those voices,

02:51:57.420 --> 02:52:00.620
bringing in those relationships
that we heard about today.

02:52:00.620 --> 02:52:04.820
So if you could just
do those two things,

02:52:04.820 --> 02:52:07.360
finally follow up on
Commissioner Shiromo's offerings

02:52:07.360 --> 02:52:08.480
from last year.

02:52:08.480 --> 02:52:11.604
And if you could consider
an MoU in California

02:52:11.604 --> 02:52:13.250
with the Diversity Council,

02:52:13.250 --> 02:52:15.730
and I'm sure T-Mobile could share

02:52:15.730 --> 02:52:17.890
all of their lessons learned on that.

02:52:17.890 --> 02:52:18.723
Thank you.

02:52:20.380 --> 02:52:21.213
<v ->Thank you.</v>

02:52:22.700 --> 02:52:25.050
<v ->Beth, did you wanna
say anything in response?</v>

02:52:26.450 --> 02:52:29.520
<v ->I agree with Commissioner
Guzman Aceves.</v>

02:52:29.520 --> 02:52:31.210
I think those are two great points

02:52:31.210 --> 02:52:36.210
and I'll take that on as
my challenge to implement.

02:52:38.740 --> 02:52:42.580
<v ->Okay, I think we're
running out of time.</v>

02:52:42.580 --> 02:52:45.860
Is there, does anyone
have any final questions

02:52:45.860 --> 02:52:47.363
for any of the panelists?

02:52:51.770 --> 02:52:54.820
If not, I wanna thank Michael, Marie

02:52:54.820 --> 02:52:57.840
and Beth for your participation today,

02:52:57.840 --> 02:53:01.160
for a very helpful panel Commission,

02:53:01.160 --> 02:53:03.710
a President Batjer,
necessarily had to leave.

02:53:03.710 --> 02:53:06.500
So I'm going to turn this back
to Commissioner Randolph,

02:53:06.500 --> 02:53:09.050
who will take us through
the public comment period.

02:53:10.620 --> 02:53:14.259
<v ->All right, thank
you to our panelists.</v>

02:53:14.259 --> 02:53:16.603
That was a good discussion.

02:53:18.259 --> 02:53:21.950
I will, I am just pulling up my notes.

02:53:21.950 --> 02:53:25.330
Okay, so it's time for public comment,

02:53:25.330 --> 02:53:28.233
which we are always
eager to hear at the PUC.

02:53:29.192 --> 02:53:34.192
If you want to make public
comment, call (800) 857-1917.

02:53:36.720 --> 02:53:41.720
Access code 9899501,

02:53:42.410 --> 02:53:45.690
we are going to be allowing
three minutes per speaker.

02:53:45.690 --> 02:53:48.040
The operator will call your name

02:53:48.040 --> 02:53:49.550
when it is time for you to speak.

02:53:49.550 --> 02:53:52.725
You will hear a bell
sound when your time is up,

02:53:52.725 --> 02:53:56.121
please be mindful of the other
people waiting in the queue.

02:53:56.121 --> 02:53:58.900
We wanna make sure
everyone gets their turn

02:53:58.900 --> 02:54:02.725
to share comments with the Commission.

02:54:02.725 --> 02:54:04.710
So with that guidance in mind,

02:54:04.710 --> 02:54:06.480
I welcome today's speakers

02:54:06.480 --> 02:54:10.100
and I will turn it over to
the operator to open the line

02:54:10.100 --> 02:54:11.563
and call on our speakers.

02:54:13.480 --> 02:54:14.900
<v ->Thank you.</v>

02:54:14.900 --> 02:54:17.843
<v Operator>Our first
speaker, Jonathan Lovett,</v>

02:54:17.843 --> 02:54:21.070
National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

02:54:21.070 --> 02:54:22.503
Your line is open.

02:54:23.620 --> 02:54:24.653
<v Jonathan>Thank you.</v>

02:54:24.653 --> 02:54:26.270
I'm actually deferring to Markita Thomas

02:54:26.270 --> 02:54:28.570
with the LA LGBT Chamber
of Commerce. Markita.

02:54:29.920 --> 02:54:31.010
<v Maekita>Yes, hello.</v>

02:54:31.010 --> 02:54:32.467
My name is Markita Thomas,

02:54:32.467 --> 02:54:34.010
I'm the Executive Director

02:54:34.010 --> 02:54:37.060
of the Los Angeles LGBTQ
Chamber of Commerce.

02:54:37.060 --> 02:54:39.400
My pronouns are she/her/hers.

02:54:39.400 --> 02:54:41.420
I want to first commend the Commission

02:54:41.420 --> 02:54:42.880
for executing a successful

02:54:42.880 --> 02:54:45.380
and thought provoking virtual En Banc,

02:54:45.380 --> 02:54:47.840
and also acknowledge the tremendous loss

02:54:47.840 --> 02:54:49.610
of former Assembly Member, Gwen Moore.

02:54:49.610 --> 02:54:53.300
She was an extraordinary
advocate, a powerful leader,

02:54:53.300 --> 02:54:57.023
and the impact of her work
will reverberate for generations.

02:54:57.970 --> 02:54:59.627
On more than one occasion today,

02:54:59.627 --> 02:55:02.730
the utility side of the
inability to hit the goals

02:55:02.730 --> 02:55:04.020
to market availability.

02:55:04.020 --> 02:55:05.820
And I wanted to remind each utility,

02:55:05.820 --> 02:55:08.065
as well as any prime suppliers

02:55:08.065 --> 02:55:12.630
and minority CBOs to use both
the National LGBT Chamber,

02:55:12.630 --> 02:55:15.900
as well as local LGBTQ
Chambers to connect

02:55:15.900 --> 02:55:18.863
with certified LGBT suppliers.

02:55:18.863 --> 02:55:21.323
As business advocacy organizations,

02:55:21.323 --> 02:55:24.880
we cultivate our members
on how to be contract ready.

02:55:24.880 --> 02:55:27.574
So please reach out to us
to develop a relationship,

02:55:27.574 --> 02:55:31.637
we're here to help, the
suppliers are definitely out there.

02:55:31.637 --> 02:55:35.240
LGBT-BEs have grown in the clearinghouse

02:55:35.240 --> 02:55:40.240
by 650% in the past five
years and growing every day.

02:55:40.470 --> 02:55:43.820
And I just wanna
acknowledge our utility partners

02:55:43.820 --> 02:55:46.352
at the Los Angeles LGBTQ
Chamber of Commerce,

02:55:46.352 --> 02:55:50.370
Southern California
Edison, SoCalGas, T-Mobile,

02:55:50.370 --> 02:55:52.930
Charter Communication, Southwest Gas,

02:55:52.930 --> 02:55:55.720
California American Water, and Comcast.

02:55:55.720 --> 02:55:57.930
And I just wanna say
that we hope to partner

02:55:57.930 --> 02:56:01.550
with more Utilities at the LAGLCC.

02:56:01.550 --> 02:56:03.123
Please reach out to us.

02:56:04.036 --> 02:56:06.383
We'd love to be a resource, thank you.

02:56:09.130 --> 02:56:12.333
<v ->Thank you, operator
next caller, please.</v>

02:56:22.120 --> 02:56:23.753
Operator next caller, please.

02:56:26.280 --> 02:56:27.737
<v ->Commissioner.</v>
<v Operator>Thank you.</v>

02:56:29.403 --> 02:56:34.403
Our next caller is Robert
Robertson, Client Confidant,

02:56:34.800 --> 02:56:36.333
sir, your line is open.

02:56:38.240 --> 02:56:39.530
<v Robert>Thank you.</v>

02:56:39.530 --> 02:56:40.620
Hello Commissioners.

02:56:40.620 --> 02:56:43.240
Thank you for the
opportunity to speak today.

02:56:43.240 --> 02:56:45.913
I'm the founder and
CEO of Client Confidant,

02:56:45.913 --> 02:56:49.603
a Nationally-certified
disability-owned business enterprise.

02:56:50.630 --> 02:56:54.576
We serve the rate payers of
the great State of California

02:56:54.576 --> 02:56:57.686
by contracting with
California-based Utilities,

02:56:57.686 --> 02:56:59.043
to reduce their risk

02:56:59.043 --> 02:57:03.223
through our third party supplier
performance review process.

02:57:04.147 --> 02:57:06.300
We also contract with some of the

02:57:06.300 --> 02:57:10.180
more proactive prime
suppliers in the State of Virginia

02:57:10.180 --> 02:57:13.400
like (mumbles) Bargas
Environmental Consulting

02:57:13.400 --> 02:57:16.020
to help them meet their utility clients,

02:57:16.020 --> 02:57:18.042
dynamic expectations.

02:57:18.042 --> 02:57:20.000
I love the panel earlier,

02:57:20.000 --> 02:57:22.550
they talked about the
importance of relationships.

02:57:22.550 --> 02:57:24.223
That's what we specialize in.

02:57:25.090 --> 02:57:30.050
However, as it currently
stands with General Order 156,

02:57:30.050 --> 02:57:33.370
my fellow business
owners with disabilities

02:57:33.370 --> 02:57:36.690
who are not service
disabled have been excluded

02:57:36.690 --> 02:57:39.922
from participation as
they are not considered

02:57:39.922 --> 02:57:44.503
diverse business enterprises
within the State of California.

02:57:45.340 --> 02:57:49.190
We, business owners
with disabilities can better,

02:57:49.190 --> 02:57:51.795
be better at adapting
to business challenges

02:57:51.795 --> 02:57:56.795
because we've been navigating
challenges our entire lives.

02:57:57.260 --> 02:57:59.380
We stand out as suppliers

02:57:59.380 --> 02:58:02.129
and that's why California
Utilities and corporations

02:58:02.129 --> 02:58:05.368
are looking to disability-owned
business enterprise

02:58:05.368 --> 02:58:06.763
to meet their needs.

02:58:07.917 --> 02:58:10.119
Now, we're certain it was an oversight

02:58:10.119 --> 02:58:12.380
and not intentional that

02:58:12.380 --> 02:58:16.210
disability owned business
enterprises were not originally

02:58:16.210 --> 02:58:18.485
included in General Order 56.

02:58:18.485 --> 02:58:21.793
We're just simply asking
you to please remember us.

02:58:22.750 --> 02:58:27.620
Remember us by
modifying General Order 156

02:58:27.620 --> 02:58:30.543
to add disability-owned
business enterprises.

02:58:31.410 --> 02:58:32.520
I thank you for this opportunity

02:58:32.520 --> 02:58:36.085
to speak on behalf of business
owners with disabilities.

02:58:36.085 --> 02:58:37.190
And I wanted to let you know

02:58:37.190 --> 02:58:40.230
that there are two other
individuals in the public comment

02:58:40.230 --> 02:58:43.950
to you who will also be
advocating to change the language

02:58:43.950 --> 02:58:46.518
in General Order 156 to include

02:58:46.518 --> 02:58:48.845
disability owned business enterprises,

02:58:48.845 --> 02:58:52.063
these include, Philip DeVliegher.

02:58:52.063 --> 02:58:56.070
Who's the VP of Supplier
Diversity at Disability:IN,

02:58:56.070 --> 02:59:00.610
that's the nation's leading
third-party certifying agency

02:59:00.610 --> 02:59:01.930
for disability owned

02:59:01.930 --> 02:59:05.260
and service disabled-owned
business enterprises.

02:59:05.260 --> 02:59:06.987
As well as Zaylore Stout.

02:59:06.987 --> 02:59:10.892
He's the founder of a minority LGBT

02:59:10.892 --> 02:59:13.580
and disability-owned business enterprise

02:59:13.580 --> 02:59:15.600
who will also be advocating for the

02:59:15.600 --> 02:59:17.400
implementation of a goal relating

02:59:17.400 --> 02:59:20.560
to LGBT business enterprises.

02:59:20.560 --> 02:59:21.500
Thank you for your time

02:59:21.500 --> 02:59:23.263
and I'll yield my time back.

02:59:25.650 --> 02:59:28.903
<v ->Thank you, operator,
next caller, please.</v>

02:59:33.070 --> 02:59:35.060
<v Operator>Thank
you, Zaylore Stout,</v>

02:59:35.060 --> 02:59:37.290
with Zaylore Stout &amp; Associates.

02:59:37.290 --> 02:59:38.903
Your line is open, sir.

02:59:48.781 --> 02:59:51.135
<v ->Mr. Stout, are you there?</v>

02:59:51.135 --> 02:59:53.873
<v Zaylore>Yep, can you hear me?</v>

02:59:53.873 --> 02:59:56.270
<v ->Yes, we can hear you now.</v>

02:59:56.270 --> 02:59:57.240
<v Zaylore>Oh, perfect.</v>

02:59:57.240 --> 02:59:58.113
Great, all right.

02:59:58.970 --> 03:00:00.100
Good afternoon, Commissioners.

03:00:00.100 --> 03:00:01.190
My name is Zaylore Stout.

03:00:01.190 --> 03:00:03.473
I'm the founder of
Zaylore Stout &amp; Associates,

03:00:03.473 --> 03:00:04.880
a minority, disability

03:00:04.880 --> 03:00:07.550
and LGBT-certified employment law firm

03:00:07.550 --> 03:00:10.511
with locations in California,
as well as Minnesota.

03:00:10.511 --> 03:00:13.647
I'm also the author of an
LGBT history book, title,

03:00:13.647 --> 03:00:15.700
"Our Gay History in 50 States"

03:00:15.700 --> 03:00:17.410
which highlight
significant people, places

03:00:17.410 --> 03:00:20.130
and queer facts on a
State by State basis.

03:00:20.130 --> 03:00:22.777
So first I wanna make
sure that I think the CPUC

03:00:22.777 --> 03:00:25.637
for including LGBT business enterprises

03:00:25.637 --> 03:00:29.048
and the supplier diversity
program starting in 2015,

03:00:29.048 --> 03:00:31.270
this allowed for me to
connect with Tarrance

03:00:31.270 --> 03:00:34.560
and Joycelyn over at
Southern California Edison,

03:00:34.560 --> 03:00:36.530
who as a company is sponsoring my book

03:00:36.530 --> 03:00:38.100
for the State of California,

03:00:38.100 --> 03:00:39.920
meaning they're purchasing 300 books

03:00:39.920 --> 03:00:42.200
that are gonna be
donated to LGBT nonprofits,

03:00:42.200 --> 03:00:44.270
working with queer
youth throughout the State.

03:00:44.270 --> 03:00:46.560
And this is gonna have a
significantly powerful impact

03:00:46.560 --> 03:00:48.410
on these young people's lives.

03:00:48.410 --> 03:00:50.074
But today my request is to,

03:00:50.074 --> 03:00:53.170
for the Commission to
expand and go further

03:00:53.170 --> 03:00:57.780
and establish actual goals
for LGBT business enterprises.

03:00:57.780 --> 03:01:00.510
As you've seen in
disparity across the country

03:01:00.510 --> 03:01:03.620
having specifically articulated
goals would help ensure

03:01:03.620 --> 03:01:05.870
that marginalized groups
stay at the front of mind

03:01:05.870 --> 03:01:07.474
when it comes to procurement processes

03:01:07.474 --> 03:01:09.658
and it's time for the LGBT community

03:01:09.658 --> 03:01:11.379
to establish equal footing

03:01:11.379 --> 03:01:13.760
with other minority-owned businesses

03:01:13.760 --> 03:01:14.732
to create a more inclusive

03:01:14.732 --> 03:01:17.825
and equitable system and workspace.

03:01:17.825 --> 03:01:20.340
And as a disability owned service,

03:01:20.340 --> 03:01:23.560
as a disability-owned
business enterprise as well,

03:01:23.560 --> 03:01:25.780
I request that the
Commission as they work

03:01:25.780 --> 03:01:28.970
on expanding access to include
veteran-owned businesses

03:01:28.970 --> 03:01:30.050
in regards to the procurement process.

03:01:30.050 --> 03:01:32.660
So don't forget
disabled-owned businesses

03:01:32.660 --> 03:01:34.570
that aren't veterans as well.

03:01:34.570 --> 03:01:36.970
The population of disabled
Americans continues

03:01:36.970 --> 03:01:38.417
to increase year after year,

03:01:38.417 --> 03:01:40.105
and this is a prime opportunity

03:01:40.105 --> 03:01:42.760
to even the playing field for others.

03:01:42.760 --> 03:01:43.603
Thanks so much.

03:01:45.057 --> 03:01:46.810
<v ->Thank you for your comment,</v>

03:01:46.810 --> 03:01:48.583
operator next caller, please.

03:01:51.960 --> 03:01:54.260
<v ->Thank you, Julian Canetti</v>

03:01:54.260 --> 03:01:57.220
with California Hispanic
Chambers of Commerce.

03:01:57.220 --> 03:01:58.653
Your line is open, sir.

03:02:00.660 --> 03:02:01.772
<v Julian>Well, thank you.</v>

03:02:01.772 --> 03:02:03.019
And thank you, Commissioner Randolph

03:02:03.019 --> 03:02:06.376
and Commissioners for this
opportunity to address you.

03:02:06.376 --> 03:02:09.279
Julian Canetti, California
Hispanic Chambers of Commerce.

03:02:09.279 --> 03:02:11.200
I, first of all,

03:02:11.200 --> 03:02:15.850
I wanna thank the Commission
for their continued support

03:02:15.850 --> 03:02:19.375
of diversity and supplier diversity

03:02:19.375 --> 03:02:22.888
and diversity overall with California's

03:02:22.888 --> 03:02:24.703
investor-owned Utilities.

03:02:25.860 --> 03:02:29.830
I've, I think I was there
at the first En Banc.

03:02:29.830 --> 03:02:32.710
And so I'm proud to continue
to be able to participate,

03:02:32.710 --> 03:02:34.610
our organization to
be able to participate

03:02:34.610 --> 03:02:38.960
in these En Banc meetings.

03:02:38.960 --> 03:02:42.708
One thing I wanted to say is
that we have been successful

03:02:42.708 --> 03:02:46.910
in hitting these numbers
because of the companies

03:02:46.910 --> 03:02:50.099
such as Southern Cal
Edison, PGME, Southwest Gas,

03:02:50.099 --> 03:02:53.506
the Water Association, Cal Water,

03:02:53.506 --> 03:02:57.523
San Diego Gas &amp; Electric,
Charter Communications,

03:02:57.523 --> 03:03:01.320
California Water Service,
sorry if I missed anybody,

03:03:01.320 --> 03:03:04.290
but we have developed
a great collaborative effort

03:03:04.290 --> 03:03:05.352
with all of them.

03:03:05.352 --> 03:03:08.380
And so I cannot say
enough about the mentorship

03:03:08.380 --> 03:03:11.950
that they also provide,
not just the support

03:03:11.950 --> 03:03:13.700
and doing programs,

03:03:13.700 --> 03:03:15.250
but also the mentorship individuals

03:03:15.250 --> 03:03:17.650
like Karen's Spherson, who,

03:03:17.650 --> 03:03:19.880
I mean, we're probably on
the call monthly talking about,

03:03:19.880 --> 03:03:23.260
how can we do things
better and more effectively?

03:03:23.260 --> 03:03:26.749
And this is about creating
economic opportunities,

03:03:26.749 --> 03:03:29.702
and as we're talking
about supplier diversity,

03:03:29.702 --> 03:03:32.710
we're also talking about
supplier development

03:03:32.710 --> 03:03:35.000
and developing suppliers
to meet those needs,

03:03:35.000 --> 03:03:37.429
whether it's legal, whether
it's vegetation management,

03:03:37.429 --> 03:03:39.460
we are also talking about

03:03:39.460 --> 03:03:41.091
making these businesses competitive,

03:03:41.091 --> 03:03:42.680
not just making them qualified

03:03:42.680 --> 03:03:44.670
and certified, but
making them competitive

03:03:44.670 --> 03:03:47.330
so they could win the
bid at the end of the day.

03:03:47.330 --> 03:03:50.110
So again, I wanna thank
all of our partners for that.

03:03:50.110 --> 03:03:53.024
I do want to say to
Commissioner Shiroma,

03:03:53.024 --> 03:03:55.260
talking about the San Joaquin Valley,

03:03:55.260 --> 03:03:57.390
the State Hispanic Chamber
has taken special interest

03:03:57.390 --> 03:03:58.750
in the San Joaquin Valley

03:03:58.750 --> 03:04:01.140
and really kind of trying to create

03:04:01.140 --> 03:04:05.300
a larger pool of diverse

03:04:05.300 --> 03:04:07.440
and competitive
suppliers for the utility.

03:04:07.440 --> 03:04:11.900
So again, that, your comment
does not go unnoticed

03:04:11.900 --> 03:04:16.318
and finally, we're entering
into a new era COVID

03:04:16.318 --> 03:04:19.290
and all of our partners, I
mean, they just stepped up

03:04:19.290 --> 03:04:20.750
and said, "Hey, how can we help you?"

03:04:20.750 --> 03:04:22.100
Not just with supplier diversity,

03:04:22.100 --> 03:04:25.963
but helping businesses
through this COVID environment.

03:04:25.963 --> 03:04:28.687
And finally, I do want
to thank T-Mobile the,

03:04:28.687 --> 03:04:31.792
as we say, the new
player on the block, I guess,

03:04:31.792 --> 03:04:33.400
but you know what?

03:04:33.400 --> 03:04:35.179
They made some
commitments to California,

03:04:35.179 --> 03:04:39.823
and I am just so happy to
see how aggressive they are

03:04:39.823 --> 03:04:44.010
in wanting to meet
those commitments here,

03:04:44.010 --> 03:04:47.750
throughout California, not
just on diversity and workforce,

03:04:47.750 --> 03:04:49.630
but diversity in their supplier base,

03:04:49.630 --> 03:04:51.490
and especially in the Central Valley,

03:04:51.490 --> 03:04:54.180
that's one of their
concentration areas as well.

03:04:54.180 --> 03:04:56.950
So we continue to look forward
to our working relationship

03:04:56.950 --> 03:04:58.290
with all of our partners

03:04:58.290 --> 03:05:02.680
and T-Mobile as we help
them to also meet those goals

03:05:02.680 --> 03:05:05.570
and be successful so
that we can all be proud.

03:05:05.570 --> 03:05:06.403
Thank you.

03:05:07.990 --> 03:05:09.310
<v ->Thank you for your comment,</v>

03:05:09.310 --> 03:05:11.023
operator, next caller please.

03:05:12.800 --> 03:05:14.510
<v Operator>Thank you, Sarah Bush,</v>

03:05:14.510 --> 03:05:16.980
California Energy Storage Alliance.

03:05:16.980 --> 03:05:18.393
Your line is open ma'am.

03:05:20.610 --> 03:05:22.651
<v Sarah>Hello and good afternoon.</v>

03:05:22.651 --> 03:05:25.277
Thank you for this
opportunity to give comment

03:05:25.277 --> 03:05:27.994
and a special thank you
to the Commissioners

03:05:27.994 --> 03:05:31.130
and CPUC for hosting this important

03:05:31.130 --> 03:05:33.778
and very rich conversation about

03:05:33.778 --> 03:05:37.411
the GO 156 Supplier Diversity Program.

03:05:37.411 --> 03:05:39.810
As mentioned, my name is Sarah Bush,

03:05:39.810 --> 03:05:41.370
and I support the diversity

03:05:41.370 --> 03:05:43.467
and inclusion initiatives

03:05:43.467 --> 03:05:47.610
of the California Energy
Storage Alliance known as CESA,

03:05:47.610 --> 03:05:50.150
which is a policy advocacy voice

03:05:50.150 --> 03:05:53.613
for the energy storage
industry in California.

03:05:53.613 --> 03:05:56.030
And as an association of more than

03:05:56.030 --> 03:05:57.720
a hundred energy storage companies

03:05:57.720 --> 03:06:00.570
and partners, CESA is very committed

03:06:00.570 --> 03:06:04.420
to promoting workforce
diversity, inclusion, equity,

03:06:04.420 --> 03:06:08.450
and fairness within the
clean energy industry.

03:06:08.450 --> 03:06:10.882
And what I wanted to
share today is a few points.

03:06:10.882 --> 03:06:14.470
One, that we believe
that energy storage,

03:06:14.470 --> 03:06:17.532
in particular, is a tool
to help California reach

03:06:17.532 --> 03:06:19.410
its environmental goals,

03:06:19.410 --> 03:06:21.505
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

03:06:21.505 --> 03:06:23.700
But it's also very importantly,

03:06:23.700 --> 03:06:28.077
a tool to accelerate the
deployment of a more accessible

03:06:28.077 --> 03:06:33.077
and equitable clean energy
system that benefits the health

03:06:33.550 --> 03:06:37.160
and the welfare of each
and every Californian.

03:06:37.160 --> 03:06:41.570
And to make this vision of
the future, a clearer reality,

03:06:41.570 --> 03:06:44.750
I wanted to share
that CESA is continuing

03:06:44.750 --> 03:06:46.360
to engage in the space.

03:06:46.360 --> 03:06:49.690
We are engaging with our
energy storage ecosystem.

03:06:49.690 --> 03:06:53.740
As I mentioned, we've got a a
hundred members and counting,

03:06:53.740 --> 03:06:55.530
and these are frequently the vendors

03:06:55.530 --> 03:06:58.030
and subcontractors to the utilities

03:06:58.030 --> 03:07:00.440
that's spoke on this En Banc,

03:07:00.440 --> 03:07:03.540
and we're working to
engage them on the GO 150,

03:07:03.540 --> 03:07:06.312
to educate them on the GO 156 program,

03:07:06.312 --> 03:07:08.380
to encourage them to register

03:07:08.380 --> 03:07:11.122
in the clearing house where they qualify

03:07:11.122 --> 03:07:14.100
and to develop their
own workforce diversity

03:07:14.100 --> 03:07:16.070
and inclusion strategies internally

03:07:16.070 --> 03:07:19.160
as is what CESA is working on as well.

03:07:19.160 --> 03:07:21.613
And we're also collaborating
with external stakeholders,

03:07:21.613 --> 03:07:23.040
and we did wanna invite

03:07:23.040 --> 03:07:25.982
any interested partners to contact us

03:07:25.982 --> 03:07:30.160
and encourage working
with us to continue this work,

03:07:30.160 --> 03:07:33.670
to advance a more
equitable, clean energy future

03:07:33.670 --> 03:07:36.276
for all who live in California.

03:07:36.276 --> 03:07:38.230
So thank you very much for hosting

03:07:38.230 --> 03:07:41.543
this important conversation
today and good afternoon.

03:07:43.068 --> 03:07:44.988
<v ->Thank you very much.</v>

03:07:44.988 --> 03:07:47.263
Operator, next caller please.

03:07:55.300 --> 03:07:57.023
Operator, next caller, please.

03:07:59.150 --> 03:08:00.410
<v Operator>Commissioner,</v>

03:08:00.410 --> 03:08:03.310
the next caller is Mr. Cole Woodman,

03:08:03.310 --> 03:08:04.970
Veterans in Business Network.

03:08:04.970 --> 03:08:05.803
Go ahead, sir.

03:08:12.190 --> 03:08:13.740
<v Operator>One moment please.</v>

03:08:32.944 --> 03:08:34.550
Apologies Mr. Woodman.

03:08:34.550 --> 03:08:36.083
Your line is open, sir.

03:08:37.790 --> 03:08:38.933
<v Cole>Great, thank you.</v>

03:08:38.933 --> 03:08:40.620
My name is Cole Woodman.

03:08:40.620 --> 03:08:42.280
I am the Chairman and President

03:08:42.280 --> 03:08:44.404
of Veterans in Business Network.

03:08:44.404 --> 03:08:47.900
I'd like to thank the
Commissioners, the CPUC,

03:08:47.900 --> 03:08:51.280
as well as all the panelists
that have participated today

03:08:51.280 --> 03:08:53.529
on another great En Banc.

03:08:53.529 --> 03:08:55.970
We've heard multiple times today,

03:08:55.970 --> 03:08:58.750
the importance of
establishing relationships

03:08:58.750 --> 03:09:02.577
as a factor to success
for diverse businesses,

03:09:02.577 --> 03:09:06.280
actually gaining those
contracts with the Utilities

03:09:07.590 --> 03:09:10.850
and prior to COVID-19 and 2020

03:09:10.850 --> 03:09:12.860
and everything that
has happened this year,

03:09:12.860 --> 03:09:16.742
it was already kind of
challenging for small businesses

03:09:16.742 --> 03:09:18.590
to get that foot in the door

03:09:18.590 --> 03:09:20.680
and establish those relationships

03:09:20.680 --> 03:09:23.264
with the supplier diversity personnel.

03:09:23.264 --> 03:09:27.300
Obviously the companies
that are meeting their goals

03:09:27.300 --> 03:09:30.434
and have strong programs have
found ways to overcome that,

03:09:30.434 --> 03:09:32.797
but given the challenges of COVID-19

03:09:32.797 --> 03:09:34.470
and the fact that we are limited

03:09:34.470 --> 03:09:37.065
to these type of virtual events,

03:09:37.065 --> 03:09:40.820
we would highly encourage companies,

03:09:40.820 --> 03:09:42.220
supplier diversity teams,

03:09:42.220 --> 03:09:45.520
to look at new strategies

03:09:45.520 --> 03:09:47.927
for how they are going
to conduct outreach

03:09:47.927 --> 03:09:51.422
and training events,
things of that nature.

03:09:51.422 --> 03:09:56.422
We'd like to think T-Mobile
last year after the En Banc,

03:09:57.906 --> 03:10:01.119
obviously there were some issues

03:10:01.119 --> 03:10:06.119
and they took those challenges
that they got called out for,

03:10:06.153 --> 03:10:09.240
and really tried to put
the rubber to the road

03:10:09.240 --> 03:10:10.290
and make some progress.

03:10:10.290 --> 03:10:12.260
And so they, that we've
been working with them

03:10:12.260 --> 03:10:14.238
for the past year to develop an app,

03:10:14.238 --> 03:10:17.540
to help streamline how
they get the word out

03:10:17.540 --> 03:10:19.490
to our veteran business members.

03:10:19.490 --> 03:10:22.430
And prior to COVID,
that was a great idea.

03:10:22.430 --> 03:10:26.308
Now in this new normal
world of post COVID-19,

03:10:26.308 --> 03:10:30.400
we believe that it's gonna
be highly, highly integral

03:10:30.400 --> 03:10:33.440
to how supplier diversity reaches out

03:10:33.440 --> 03:10:36.840
to touch small businesses,
provide opportunities,

03:10:36.840 --> 03:10:39.721
talk about the mentorship

03:10:39.721 --> 03:10:42.070
and training programs that they have.

03:10:42.070 --> 03:10:44.670
If we can get things
into the virtual space,

03:10:44.670 --> 03:10:46.190
as opposed to the old school

03:10:46.190 --> 03:10:48.810
and highly successful
face to face networking,

03:10:48.810 --> 03:10:50.730
establishing those relationships,

03:10:50.730 --> 03:10:52.120
we are gonna have to get digital.

03:10:52.120 --> 03:10:54.060
So we wanna thank T-Mobile for that.

03:10:54.060 --> 03:10:55.967
We also like to thank
Southern California Edison

03:10:55.967 --> 03:10:59.200
for continuing to work with us digitally

03:10:59.200 --> 03:11:02.010
and how, what their
corporate lessons learned

03:11:02.010 --> 03:11:03.410
for working remotely

03:11:03.410 --> 03:11:06.090
and doing their operations
in a remote fashion

03:11:06.090 --> 03:11:08.010
and how we can translate that,

03:11:08.010 --> 03:11:10.373
to getting our message out
to our veteran businesses.

03:11:10.373 --> 03:11:13.530
I would also like to let you guys know,

03:11:13.530 --> 03:11:15.779
we will be having a virtual conference

03:11:15.779 --> 03:11:19.310
for veteran businesses
on October 12th and 13th,

03:11:19.310 --> 03:11:22.720
we will be having a
plethora of training sessions

03:11:22.720 --> 03:11:23.811
and resources.

03:11:23.811 --> 03:11:27.241
I would encourage everyone
to go to VIBconference.com

03:11:27.241 --> 03:11:29.071
and register for that event.

03:11:29.071 --> 03:11:32.077
Thank you very much again
to the Commissioners, CPUC

03:11:32.077 --> 03:11:33.303
and all the panelists.

03:11:35.110 --> 03:11:38.283
<v ->Thank you, operator
next caller, please.</v>

03:11:39.470 --> 03:11:42.910
<v Operator>Thank you,
Laurie Dowling with MUDC.</v>

03:11:42.910 --> 03:11:46.050
Your line is open you.

03:11:46.050 --> 03:11:47.510
<v Laurie>Much and
thank you everyone</v>

03:11:47.510 --> 03:11:49.620
for all that I've learned today.

03:11:49.620 --> 03:11:51.440
I wanted to make those
on the meeting aware

03:11:51.440 --> 03:11:54.880
of some free tools that
we've got that might be helpful

03:11:54.880 --> 03:11:56.240
in light of some of the comments

03:11:56.240 --> 03:11:58.860
of today's panelists after me.

03:11:58.860 --> 03:12:02.870
First of all, we have two
upcoming webinars on ensuring

03:12:02.870 --> 03:12:04.640
that there are diverse suppliers

03:12:04.640 --> 03:12:07.640
in your emergency procurement chain.

03:12:07.640 --> 03:12:11.170
The first of that one, of
those is on October the 14th

03:12:11.170 --> 03:12:13.820
and will be led by the
Honorable Meda Coleman

03:12:13.820 --> 03:12:17.240
of Missouri PSC and Joan Kerr of PG&amp;E.

03:12:18.105 --> 03:12:20.730
All of those webinars can be accessed

03:12:20.730 --> 03:12:24.850
and registered for at MUDC.com

03:12:24.850 --> 03:12:26.251
and again, they are free.

03:12:26.251 --> 03:12:28.130
And then we've also created

03:12:28.130 --> 03:12:30.771
a number of free tools to help companies

03:12:30.771 --> 03:12:33.983
and small businesses
and large businesses.

03:12:35.330 --> 03:12:36.746
It has racial equity

03:12:36.746 --> 03:12:40.293
and inclusion capabilities
to basically walk the walk.

03:12:40.293 --> 03:12:42.110
Those also are free,

03:12:42.110 --> 03:12:45.440
and you can request them
through the MUDC website.

03:12:45.440 --> 03:12:46.350
And then finally,

03:12:46.350 --> 03:12:50.880
Commissioner Shiroma
mentioned working with students,

03:12:50.880 --> 03:12:52.990
and I know that a number
of the people on the call

03:12:52.990 --> 03:12:56.028
are engaged in various
ways with our friends,

03:12:56.028 --> 03:12:58.640
the Center for Energy
Workforce Development,

03:12:58.640 --> 03:13:01.000
they are having a free energy career day

03:13:01.000 --> 03:13:04.270
on October, the 21st,
it's free to students.

03:13:04.270 --> 03:13:06.870
It is free to minority
serving institutions

03:13:06.870 --> 03:13:07.840
and it's free to parents

03:13:07.840 --> 03:13:10.235
and it's free to recruiters.

03:13:10.235 --> 03:13:11.430
So that's all.

03:13:11.430 --> 03:13:14.693
And just to thank everyone
for letting me be a part of this.

03:13:16.440 --> 03:13:18.844
<v ->All right, thank
you for that followup.</v>

03:13:18.844 --> 03:13:21.173
Operator, next caller, please.

03:13:22.600 --> 03:13:26.700
<v Operator>Thank you,
Cesar Plumer, WRMSDC,</v>

03:13:26.700 --> 03:13:28.233
your line is open.

03:13:29.770 --> 03:13:30.800
<v Cesar>Thank you very much.</v>

03:13:30.800 --> 03:13:32.470
And I would like to thank
all the Commissioners

03:13:32.470 --> 03:13:34.740
for making this opportunity possible.

03:13:34.740 --> 03:13:37.340
I've heard several
times today on the phone,

03:13:37.340 --> 03:13:39.670
others that are finding

03:13:39.670 --> 03:13:41.930
and locating qualified
minority-owned businesses

03:13:41.930 --> 03:13:43.530
is a problem.

03:13:43.530 --> 03:13:46.610
The one thing that I have
not heard today is any mention

03:13:46.610 --> 03:13:50.071
of the National Minority
Supplier Development Network

03:13:50.071 --> 03:13:55.071
and utilization there of the
NMSDC, which I represent.

03:13:55.970 --> 03:13:59.670
The Western Region has
three different councils operating

03:13:59.670 --> 03:14:01.044
in the State of California,

03:14:01.044 --> 03:14:03.285
specifically developing

03:14:03.285 --> 03:14:07.900
and helping purchasing
organizations do business

03:14:07.900 --> 03:14:12.200
with business to business
minority-owned companies.

03:14:12.200 --> 03:14:15.360
So I would like to make sure
that all of the organizations

03:14:15.360 --> 03:14:17.370
that are on the line are aware

03:14:17.370 --> 03:14:19.950
of the National Minority
Supplier Development Council

03:14:19.950 --> 03:14:21.109
and start to engage,

03:14:21.109 --> 03:14:23.891
because I think there has
been limited engagement.

03:14:23.891 --> 03:14:27.840
However, even so, many of the companies

03:14:27.840 --> 03:14:30.551
that operate in California
are strong advocates

03:14:30.551 --> 03:14:32.050
and partners of the

03:14:32.050 --> 03:14:34.330
National Minority Supplier
Development Council,

03:14:34.330 --> 03:14:39.100
including PG&amp;E, T-Mobile,
San Jose Water, California Water,

03:14:39.100 --> 03:14:42.980
Comcast, AT&amp;T and many others.

03:14:42.980 --> 03:14:47.980
So again, there are lots of
suppliers that have the scale

03:14:48.410 --> 03:14:50.740
and the sophistication to do business

03:14:50.740 --> 03:14:52.643
with our Utilities here in California.

03:14:52.643 --> 03:14:54.770
And that is particularly,

03:14:54.770 --> 03:14:56.490
and specifically, the mission

03:14:56.490 --> 03:15:00.140
and the focus of WRNMSDC,
the Western Region,

03:15:00.140 --> 03:15:03.180
as well as all three of the

03:15:03.180 --> 03:15:06.520
National Minority Supplier
Development Council operations,

03:15:06.520 --> 03:15:08.510
here in the State of California.

03:15:08.510 --> 03:15:09.343
Thank you.

03:15:10.740 --> 03:15:13.993
<v ->Thank you, operator
next caller, please.</v>

03:15:15.450 --> 03:15:18.560
<v Operator>Thank you,
Philip DeVliegher,</v>

03:15:18.560 --> 03:15:20.893
Disability IN, your line is open.

03:15:24.863 --> 03:15:25.696
<v Philip>Vliegher,</v>

03:15:25.696 --> 03:15:26.860
and I serve as Vice President

03:15:26.860 --> 03:15:29.857
of Supplier Diversity at Disability IN.

03:15:29.857 --> 03:15:31.930
Disability IN is the nation's leading

03:15:31.930 --> 03:15:35.335
third-party certifying
organization for disability-owned

03:15:35.335 --> 03:15:38.764
and service disabled-owned
business enterprises,

03:15:38.764 --> 03:15:40.270
and we help to connect

03:15:40.270 --> 03:15:42.310
those disability-owned
business enterprises

03:15:42.310 --> 03:15:43.842
to procurement opportunities

03:15:43.842 --> 03:15:46.550
with over 200 corporate partners,

03:15:46.550 --> 03:15:49.800
as well as Federal State
and local opportunities.

03:15:49.800 --> 03:15:50.850
Among our corporate--

03:15:55.190 --> 03:15:57.333
<v ->Oh, we lost, we
lost your sound.</v>

03:16:03.230 --> 03:16:05.110
Are you still there?

03:16:05.110 --> 03:16:07.520
<v Operator>This is the operator.</v>

03:16:07.520 --> 03:16:11.860
If you have queued up to
join the public comment forum,

03:16:11.860 --> 03:16:14.040
please queue up again.

03:16:14.040 --> 03:16:18.340
I do apologize, please
press *1 at this time

03:16:18.340 --> 03:16:22.163
to rejoin the public comment room.

03:16:30.090 --> 03:16:31.053
One moment ma'am.

03:16:42.643 --> 03:16:45.090
<v Robert>This is
Robert Stanford again,</v>

03:16:45.090 --> 03:16:46.940
just to give you a heads up.

03:16:46.940 --> 03:16:49.350
We lost our connections
to some of our speakers,

03:16:49.350 --> 03:16:51.230
but they are dialing back in.

03:16:51.230 --> 03:16:53.593
We have four speakers at this time.

03:16:56.380 --> 03:16:58.093
<v ->Okay, thank you, Robert.</v>

03:17:11.080 --> 03:17:13.030
<v Operator>Mr. DeVliegher,</v>

03:17:13.030 --> 03:17:15.463
your line is reopened again, sir.

03:17:16.630 --> 03:17:19.200
<v Philip>Thank you,
can you hear me?</v>

03:17:19.200 --> 03:17:21.760
<v ->Yes, thank you,
glad you're back.</v>

03:17:21.760 --> 03:17:24.770
<v Philip>Yeah, thank you
so much Commissioners.</v>

03:17:24.770 --> 03:17:27.950
As I was saying, Disability
IN is the nation's leading

03:17:27.950 --> 03:17:31.269
third-party certifying
organization for disability-owned

03:17:31.269 --> 03:17:35.520
and service disabled-owned
business enterprises.

03:17:35.520 --> 03:17:38.252
Disability-owned businesses
have been often overlooked

03:17:38.252 --> 03:17:40.290
or excluded from public

03:17:40.290 --> 03:17:42.798
and private sector
procurement opportunity.

03:17:42.798 --> 03:17:45.780
By overcoming everyday challenges,

03:17:45.780 --> 03:17:48.770
people with disabilities
develop the creative skills

03:17:48.770 --> 03:17:51.228
and persistence
strategies that translate well

03:17:51.228 --> 03:17:53.200
to becoming successful

03:17:53.200 --> 03:17:55.100
and valued business partner.

03:17:55.100 --> 03:17:57.600
Please understand
that one in five people

03:17:57.600 --> 03:17:59.994
in the United States
live with a disability

03:17:59.994 --> 03:18:04.120
and recognize that most
disabilities are not apparent.

03:18:04.120 --> 03:18:07.555
Business owners, owned
by individuals with disabilities

03:18:07.555 --> 03:18:10.940
are already part of every community.

03:18:10.940 --> 03:18:13.720
By recognizing them and
creating an environment

03:18:13.720 --> 03:18:16.030
in which all differences are valued.

03:18:16.030 --> 03:18:19.460
Any existing barriers
can begin to fall away.

03:18:19.460 --> 03:18:21.270
We ask only that policies

03:18:21.270 --> 03:18:23.540
and practices are put into place,

03:18:23.540 --> 03:18:27.670
which level the procurement
plain field for all suppliers up

03:18:27.670 --> 03:18:29.490
and down the supply chain.

03:18:29.490 --> 03:18:33.390
With that said, we advocate
to change the language

03:18:33.390 --> 03:18:38.390
in GO 156 to include
disability-owned business enterprises.

03:18:39.252 --> 03:18:41.233
Thank you and good afternoon.

03:18:42.282 --> 03:18:46.493
<v ->Thank you, operator,
next caller, please.</v>

03:18:58.590 --> 03:19:00.743
Do we have our next caller available?

03:19:07.390 --> 03:19:10.520
<v Operator>Thank
you, Kimberly Ross,</v>

03:19:10.520 --> 03:19:14.163
your line is now open and
please State your affiliation.

03:19:15.710 --> 03:19:17.360
<v Kimberly>Hi, my
name is Kimberly Ross.</v>

03:19:17.360 --> 03:19:20.730
I am the Director and CEO

03:19:20.730 --> 03:19:23.380
of the Southern California
Virtual Business Center.

03:19:23.380 --> 03:19:26.053
I wanted to say thank
you for the public,

03:19:26.053 --> 03:19:29.803
to the Public Utilities
Commission for this event.

03:19:29.803 --> 03:19:32.188
This is my first time attending,

03:19:32.188 --> 03:19:36.070
and I'm very grateful to
be a part of this in a more,

03:19:36.070 --> 03:19:39.180
even more grateful that these
type of forums are going on,

03:19:39.180 --> 03:19:44.180
so that we, as service providers
learn about what activities

03:19:45.920 --> 03:19:50.920
are occurring to move
forward diverse suppliers

03:19:51.170 --> 03:19:54.013
in the utility space.

03:19:54.937 --> 03:19:59.870
Our facility actually
provides capacity training

03:19:59.870 --> 03:20:01.660
to diverse suppliers.

03:20:01.660 --> 03:20:06.660
We have a track record of
delivering a successful training.

03:20:07.250 --> 03:20:10.800
One of the things that's
really important to me is,

03:20:10.800 --> 03:20:12.670
and I think it's going to be important

03:20:12.670 --> 03:20:15.280
for our diverse suppliers moving forward

03:20:15.280 --> 03:20:18.370
is really creating a relationship or

03:20:18.370 --> 03:20:19.680
partnership, I should say,

03:20:19.680 --> 03:20:22.671
between the public Utilities

03:20:22.671 --> 03:20:26.771
and capacity training
programs such as ours.

03:20:26.771 --> 03:20:30.163
And I think that that
relationship means,

03:20:31.620 --> 03:20:34.391
it's contributing in terms of creating

03:20:34.391 --> 03:20:37.237
that pipeline of diverse suppliers,

03:20:37.237 --> 03:20:40.520
ensuring that they're getting
the training that they need.

03:20:40.520 --> 03:20:42.710
And then also what the public utilities,

03:20:42.710 --> 03:20:45.698
sort of explaining what
that criteria looks like

03:20:45.698 --> 03:20:47.980
for these businesses
to be able to qualify

03:20:47.980 --> 03:20:49.249
for the contract opportunities.

03:20:49.249 --> 03:20:52.870
And then working with, like I said,

03:20:52.870 --> 03:20:53.970
organizations such as,

03:20:53.970 --> 03:20:56.400
the Southern California
Virtual Business Center to

03:20:56.400 --> 03:20:59.560
and other organizations to go out

03:20:59.560 --> 03:21:01.805
and sort of recruit organizations

03:21:01.805 --> 03:21:05.290
or businesses that we
know have the ability

03:21:05.290 --> 03:21:08.290
to develop capacity

03:21:08.290 --> 03:21:11.420
and grow because they need
maybe a little bit of supportive,

03:21:11.420 --> 03:21:16.137
in a couple of areas
to be able to facilitate

03:21:16.137 --> 03:21:18.630
some of these contracts.

03:21:18.630 --> 03:21:21.190
So I think, it's really important

03:21:21.190 --> 03:21:22.760
that these partnerships move forward

03:21:22.760 --> 03:21:24.227
and that the conversation moves forward

03:21:24.227 --> 03:21:25.701
and the dialogue,

03:21:25.701 --> 03:21:30.011
and just to make sure that
we are doing all that we can

03:21:30.011 --> 03:21:32.320
to support our diverse suppliers

03:21:32.320 --> 03:21:36.357
who are eagerly seeking to
get into these opportunities.

03:21:36.357 --> 03:21:39.727
And then the other thing
that I would like to see is,

03:21:39.727 --> 03:21:44.727
probably a little bit more
emphasis on sub-contracting

03:21:44.900 --> 03:21:47.720
because sub-contracting is
an excellent way to get these

03:21:47.720 --> 03:21:50.160
diverse suppliers into the door.

03:21:50.160 --> 03:21:53.470
They may not be ready to
be in a prime relationship,

03:21:53.470 --> 03:21:55.720
but if there are some
requirements that state

03:21:58.075 --> 03:22:02.477
that there is a sub
contractor requirement

03:22:02.477 --> 03:22:07.477
for minority businesses to
be a part of the contracts.

03:22:08.500 --> 03:22:10.070
Now, these businesses are able

03:22:10.070 --> 03:22:12.133
to sort of get a point of entry

03:22:12.133 --> 03:22:15.620
and start to learn how to grow

03:22:15.620 --> 03:22:19.070
to not only fill their current
role as a subcontractor,

03:22:19.070 --> 03:22:20.993
but to grow into becoming a prime.

03:22:22.520 --> 03:22:27.101
I'm here, I'm available,
I'm a USC professor.

03:22:27.101 --> 03:22:31.629
I've been training diverse
suppliers of since 2007.

03:22:31.629 --> 03:22:36.629
I can easily be reached
@scvirtualbusinesscenter.com

03:22:36.709 --> 03:22:40.300
for, to further the discussion.

03:22:40.300 --> 03:22:41.133
Thank you.

03:22:42.350 --> 03:22:45.173
<v ->Thank you very much,
operator next caller, please.</v>

03:22:46.280 --> 03:22:49.700
<v Operator>Thank you,
Sue Lee, your line is open</v>

03:22:49.700 --> 03:22:51.813
and please state your affiliation.

03:22:52.994 --> 03:22:54.968
<v ->Hi, my name is Sue Lee</v>

03:22:54.968 --> 03:22:57.900
and I am a Program Development Manager

03:22:57.900 --> 03:23:01.540
with California Capital Financial
Development Corporation

03:23:01.540 --> 03:23:02.704
in Sacramento.

03:23:02.704 --> 03:23:05.210
I'm here to actually talk briefly

03:23:05.210 --> 03:23:06.757
about a technical assistance

03:23:06.757 --> 03:23:09.750
and capacity building training survey

03:23:09.750 --> 03:23:12.516
that we have independently undertaken

03:23:12.516 --> 03:23:15.340
since October of last year.

03:23:15.340 --> 03:23:19.730
And it was actually during
the En Banc annual meeting

03:23:19.730 --> 03:23:22.793
in Fresno that we kicked off the survey

03:23:22.793 --> 03:23:25.310
and it's been close to a year

03:23:25.310 --> 03:23:27.350
that we have been collecting data

03:23:27.350 --> 03:23:31.209
from certified diverse
business owners in California

03:23:31.209 --> 03:23:33.540
throughout the State.

03:23:33.540 --> 03:23:36.920
The purpose of this survey is
aimed to help provide guidance

03:23:36.920 --> 03:23:40.115
to California regulated
investor on utility companies,

03:23:40.115 --> 03:23:43.200
design and deliver
better capacity building

03:23:43.200 --> 03:23:46.530
and technical assistance
training programs to contact us

03:23:46.530 --> 03:23:48.473
and to better understand their needs.

03:23:50.290 --> 03:23:55.290
And we were really lucky
to have received funding

03:23:55.350 --> 03:23:57.460
from California Water Association,

03:23:57.460 --> 03:24:01.928
as well as T-Mobile to support
the data collection efforts.

03:24:01.928 --> 03:24:04.760
The survey was initially
developed to be administered

03:24:04.760 --> 03:24:07.660
at Statewide conferences
and networking events.

03:24:07.660 --> 03:24:10.790
And however, as a result
of COVID-19 restrictions

03:24:10.790 --> 03:24:13.225
on social gatherings, we have to,

03:24:13.225 --> 03:24:15.040
for lack of better word,

03:24:15.040 --> 03:24:18.100
pivot the data
collection effort to online.

03:24:18.100 --> 03:24:21.510
And so there are some set of data

03:24:21.510 --> 03:24:24.680
that is supposedly pre-COVID-19,

03:24:24.680 --> 03:24:26.234
and there was also a set of data

03:24:26.234 --> 03:24:30.819
that's gonna be pretty much
focused on post-COVID-19

03:24:30.819 --> 03:24:32.730
and before COVID-19,

03:24:32.730 --> 03:24:34.660
we were really lucky to have the support

03:24:34.660 --> 03:24:36.332
of many community partners.

03:24:36.332 --> 03:24:39.930
Many of those are on
the call today to assist us

03:24:39.930 --> 03:24:41.250
with the data collection,

03:24:41.250 --> 03:24:44.000
as well as survey
distributions to their members.

03:24:44.000 --> 03:24:48.687
And in a year of the
survey data collection,

03:24:48.687 --> 03:24:53.474
we have been able to collect
a total of 447 participants,

03:24:53.474 --> 03:24:56.270
although that's only
a drop in the bucket

03:24:56.270 --> 03:24:58.730
of the number of diverse suppliers in

03:24:58.730 --> 03:25:01.320
and within the CPUC database.

03:25:01.320 --> 03:25:04.080
But I believe the data is
really important to serve

03:25:04.080 --> 03:25:06.100
in the beginning of understanding

03:25:06.100 --> 03:25:08.550
of the different technical assistance

03:25:08.550 --> 03:25:11.810
and capacity building needs
of the diverse suppliers in

03:25:11.810 --> 03:25:13.386
and within California.

03:25:13.386 --> 03:25:16.191
There were nine questions in the survey,

03:25:16.191 --> 03:25:19.180
we would ask about the number of years

03:25:19.180 --> 03:25:20.530
they have been in business,

03:25:22.011 --> 03:25:25.453
which zip code are
they located since they,

03:25:25.453 --> 03:25:28.377
the survey is focused
throughout the State

03:25:28.377 --> 03:25:32.797
and what type of business
industry are they in,

03:25:32.797 --> 03:25:34.830
if they are professional services,

03:25:34.830 --> 03:25:37.817
if they're construction,
if they are supplier

03:25:37.817 --> 03:25:41.040
and also their revenue, annual revenue,

03:25:41.040 --> 03:25:43.658
if it's, if they're within
less than a million,

03:25:43.658 --> 03:25:47.340
one to 3 million or one to 5 million

03:25:47.340 --> 03:25:49.580
or 5 million and above.

03:25:49.580 --> 03:25:52.710
And of course, what type of
certifications that they have,

03:25:52.710 --> 03:25:54.250
and we will break it down to,

03:25:54.250 --> 03:25:59.250
if they're minority-owned women
business owned, with CPUC,

03:25:59.980 --> 03:26:01.576
if they are DBE certified.

03:26:01.576 --> 03:26:03.610
And if they are certified with

03:26:03.610 --> 03:26:07.497
Minority Supplier
Development Council or LGBT,

03:26:07.497 --> 03:26:10.300
and as well as, main questions,

03:26:10.300 --> 03:26:11.610
if they have contracts

03:26:11.610 --> 03:26:15.648
with California regulated
utility companies in the past,

03:26:15.648 --> 03:26:16.870
and if they have,

03:26:16.870 --> 03:26:18.560
one of the challenges
that they have faced,

03:26:18.560 --> 03:26:19.680
and if they have not,

03:26:19.680 --> 03:26:22.010
what other challenges
that they have faced

03:26:22.010 --> 03:26:24.843
in getting their foot in the
door with this company,

03:26:26.005 --> 03:26:28.790
there's a lot of details to the data.

03:26:28.790 --> 03:26:33.666
But I think, with the data
collection that we have gathered,

03:26:33.666 --> 03:26:35.434
just to give you a summary,

03:26:35.434 --> 03:26:39.775
that most of the
businesses are actually,

03:26:39.775 --> 03:26:44.775
about 70, 73%, 78% of the
businesses that we surveyed

03:26:48.580 --> 03:26:52.360
are actually certified
with CPUC, however,

03:26:52.360 --> 03:26:56.280
only 17.5 of the
businesses that we surveyed

03:26:56.280 --> 03:26:58.010
are actually currently working

03:26:58.010 --> 03:27:00.350
with regulated utility companies,

03:27:00.350 --> 03:27:02.250
with only 8% having worked

03:27:02.250 --> 03:27:05.655
with any regulated
investor-owned utility company.

03:27:05.655 --> 03:27:08.829
And of course, the individual responses

03:27:08.829 --> 03:27:11.990
as to the challenges that they face

03:27:11.990 --> 03:27:14.440
are some of the important guidance

03:27:14.440 --> 03:27:16.410
that we can use to leverage

03:27:16.410 --> 03:27:19.090
on developing the
different types of trainings

03:27:19.090 --> 03:27:20.110
that they would need.

03:27:20.110 --> 03:27:22.756
And we're also able
to look at the data--

03:27:22.756 --> 03:27:24.520
<v ->So Ms. Lee, I'm
sorry to interrupt,</v>

03:27:24.520 --> 03:27:26.779
but in the interest of time,

03:27:26.779 --> 03:27:30.757
I'm wondering if maybe we
could find a way to work with you

03:27:30.757 --> 03:27:35.593
and our staff to make
this data available,

03:27:38.790 --> 03:27:41.280
in a more accessible format,

03:27:41.280 --> 03:27:44.830
maybe, we can have some
information on our website

03:27:44.830 --> 03:27:48.593
and then perhaps for next
year En Banc, we can--

03:27:48.593 --> 03:27:51.450
<v Sue>I apologize if
I run over my time,</v>

03:27:51.450 --> 03:27:53.990
I just wanted to share
some basic information

03:27:53.990 --> 03:27:55.334
about the survey,

03:27:55.334 --> 03:27:58.660
not to go too much
into detail with the data,

03:27:58.660 --> 03:27:59.670
but thank you.

03:27:59.670 --> 03:28:00.830
<v ->I mean, it sounds,</v>

03:28:00.830 --> 03:28:03.200
I would love to delve into this data

03:28:03.200 --> 03:28:06.700
'cause I mean, it seems
like it would be a useful way

03:28:07.683 --> 03:28:10.790
to understand some of the challenges

03:28:10.790 --> 03:28:13.180
and get some empirical
evidence behind it.

03:28:13.180 --> 03:28:16.070
So we will definitely
follow up with you after this

03:28:16.070 --> 03:28:19.530
and try to get this out there.

03:28:19.530 --> 03:28:21.150
Thank you very much.

03:28:21.150 --> 03:28:22.900
<v Sue>Thank you very
much for the opportunity.</v>

03:28:22.900 --> 03:28:27.253
<v ->Yeah, okay, operator
next caller please.</v>

03:28:28.810 --> 03:28:33.096
<v ->Thank you, and as a
reminder for comment, press *1,</v>

03:28:33.096 --> 03:28:36.680
Christine Tedder with
Hampton Tedder Electric,

03:28:36.680 --> 03:28:37.963
your line is open.

03:28:39.200 --> 03:28:40.830
<v Christine>Hi, this
is Christine Tedder.</v>

03:28:40.830 --> 03:28:41.860
Good afternoon.

03:28:41.860 --> 03:28:44.515
I'm the Owner and President
of Hampton Tedder Electric.

03:28:44.515 --> 03:28:46.700
And I wanna thank
everyone for allowing me

03:28:46.700 --> 03:28:48.500
to speak at this event.

03:28:48.500 --> 03:28:51.050
We are a family owned-high
voltage, contracting

03:28:51.050 --> 03:28:53.534
and design company
based in Southern California.

03:28:53.534 --> 03:28:56.550
I've been working for Hampton
Tedder Electric for 35 years,

03:28:56.550 --> 03:28:58.390
working my way up through every position

03:28:58.390 --> 03:29:02.510
from secretary to now
President since 2009,

03:29:02.510 --> 03:29:03.670
I hold our General A

03:29:03.670 --> 03:29:06.773
and Electrical C-10
California Contracting License.

03:29:06.773 --> 03:29:10.631
And I'm a proud women business
enterprise certified company.

03:29:10.631 --> 03:29:15.310
As many have spoken about
the wildfire insurance challenges,

03:29:15.310 --> 03:29:16.970
as a diversity supplier

03:29:16.970 --> 03:29:18.975
to the Southern
California Edison company.

03:29:18.975 --> 03:29:22.150
I'm here to talk about the
challenges I've encountered,

03:29:22.150 --> 03:29:27.100
procuring wildfire insurance
coverage in 2019 and 2020.

03:29:27.100 --> 03:29:29.880
Our company regularly works
distribution line construction

03:29:29.880 --> 03:29:33.470
in high wildfire areas for
Southern California Edison.

03:29:33.470 --> 03:29:38.204
Our annual insurance renews
on October 1st of each year,

03:29:38.204 --> 03:29:41.082
but mid September, 2019,

03:29:41.082 --> 03:29:44.440
the news announced $11
billion insurance settlement

03:29:44.440 --> 03:29:48.310
for the 2018 Campfire
in the Town of Paradise.

03:29:48.310 --> 03:29:49.970
This announcement sent shock waves

03:29:49.970 --> 03:29:51.820
through the insurance industry,

03:29:51.820 --> 03:29:54.130
and I'm sure you can
imagine how difficult it was

03:29:54.130 --> 03:29:56.124
for our company to
secure wildfire insurance

03:29:56.124 --> 03:29:58.293
in October, 2019,

03:29:58.293 --> 03:30:01.630
directly after the largest
wildfire insurance settlement

03:30:01.630 --> 03:30:02.992
in U.S. history.

03:30:02.992 --> 03:30:07.900
Prior to the 2018 campfire
fire insurance was included

03:30:07.900 --> 03:30:10.373
in our Normal General and
Excess Liability insurance

03:30:10.373 --> 03:30:12.217
for no additional premiums.

03:30:12.217 --> 03:30:14.070
However, after the campfire,

03:30:14.070 --> 03:30:15.520
and especially after the announcement

03:30:15.520 --> 03:30:17.600
of the most expensive natural disaster,

03:30:17.600 --> 03:30:20.271
in terms of insured
losses, everything changed.

03:30:20.271 --> 03:30:22.434
For the first time in 62 years,

03:30:22.434 --> 03:30:26.610
our broker was telling
us that it, that most of,

03:30:26.610 --> 03:30:28.280
if not all the insurance companies

03:30:28.280 --> 03:30:30.850
were striking wild fire
coverage from our general

03:30:30.850 --> 03:30:32.763
and excess liability policies,

03:30:32.763 --> 03:30:36.228
that very few of the existing
domestic insurance companies

03:30:36.228 --> 03:30:38.450
were offering wildfire coverage.

03:30:38.450 --> 03:30:41.190
Especially we were
performing line construction work

03:30:41.190 --> 03:30:44.333
for utility company in high fire area.

03:30:44.333 --> 03:30:46.210
So our broker was eventually able

03:30:46.210 --> 03:30:49.230
to procure wildfire insurance
on the London market

03:30:49.230 --> 03:30:52.560
at a rate of eight
times, our regular rate.

03:30:52.560 --> 03:30:55.780
Normally we might expect to
pay 10 to 15 cents on the dollar

03:30:55.780 --> 03:30:58.620
for General Fire Insurance
that covered wildfires.

03:30:58.620 --> 03:31:00.511
Now we were being
quoted at a ridiculous rate

03:31:00.511 --> 03:31:02.472
of 50 cents on the dollar.

03:31:02.472 --> 03:31:04.887
To acquire insurance from (mumbles)

03:31:04.887 --> 03:31:07.380
and we had to do an
interview with London officials

03:31:07.380 --> 03:31:09.770
and explain to them what
Southern California Edison

03:31:09.770 --> 03:31:12.150
was doing to mitigate wildfires.

03:31:12.150 --> 03:31:13.720
Only after our explanations,

03:31:13.720 --> 03:31:16.879
were we able to secure
a wildfire insurance.

03:31:16.879 --> 03:31:19.180
Working for Southern California Edison

03:31:19.180 --> 03:31:20.511
made our explanations easy

03:31:20.511 --> 03:31:23.680
because Southern
California Edison involves us

03:31:23.680 --> 03:31:24.850
in safety seminars

03:31:24.850 --> 03:31:27.601
and provides us the
information we need to educate

03:31:27.601 --> 03:31:29.920
on our task of being a partner

03:31:29.920 --> 03:31:31.621
in the wildfire mitigation process.

03:31:31.621 --> 03:31:33.730
We were able to explain to them

03:31:36.260 --> 03:31:38.380
that Southern California Edison,

03:31:38.380 --> 03:31:41.200
was made preventing
welfare's as primary company

03:31:41.200 --> 03:31:42.800
and public safety goal.

03:31:42.800 --> 03:31:44.680
They're installing fireproof materials

03:31:44.680 --> 03:31:47.520
with covered conductors
that Southern California Edison

03:31:47.520 --> 03:31:50.140
is installing the largest
weather monitoring system

03:31:50.140 --> 03:31:52.680
in the world on top of
all their electrical poles

03:31:52.680 --> 03:31:56.040
to forecast how to mitigate
fires caused by high wind

03:31:56.040 --> 03:31:57.443
and low humidity event.

03:31:58.330 --> 03:32:01.370
<v ->So Ms. Tedders, can
you just wrap up please,</v>

03:32:01.370 --> 03:32:03.560
you're out of time.

03:32:03.560 --> 03:32:06.060
<v Christine>Sure, we just
wanna say we're very fortunate</v>

03:32:06.060 --> 03:32:08.290
to have Southern California
Edison treat us as a partner

03:32:08.290 --> 03:32:09.613
and thinking of ways to
minimize this challenge

03:32:09.613 --> 03:32:11.678
as a diversity supplier.

03:32:11.678 --> 03:32:13.630
I wanna thank everyone
for the opportunity

03:32:13.630 --> 03:32:15.010
to speak with you today.

03:32:15.010 --> 03:32:16.860
Please have a great rest of your day.

03:32:17.820 --> 03:32:21.403
<v ->Thank you very much,
operator next caller, please.</v>

03:32:25.950 --> 03:32:27.430
<v Operator>There are
no more speakers</v>

03:32:27.430 --> 03:32:30.590
on the public comment
telephone line at this time,

03:32:30.590 --> 03:32:31.733
Commissioner Randolph.

03:32:32.690 --> 03:32:35.273
<v ->All right, thank you very much.</v>

03:32:36.140 --> 03:32:39.200
<v ->Okay, well that wraps up our</v>

03:32:39.200 --> 03:32:43.179
18th Annual Supplier diversity En Banc.

03:32:43.179 --> 03:32:48.179
Today has been a very
engaging, insightful conversation.

03:32:48.440 --> 03:32:51.880
I appreciate the
commitment to this program

03:32:51.880 --> 03:32:54.640
from all the organizations,
community groups,

03:32:54.640 --> 03:32:58.690
and others who play a role
in implementing this program

03:32:58.690 --> 03:33:00.770
and making it a success.

03:33:00.770 --> 03:33:04.950
We look forward to the
continued economic achievement

03:33:04.950 --> 03:33:08.270
and to seeing you next
year, hopefully in-person.

03:33:08.270 --> 03:33:11.630
And of course, we also
wanna take a moment

03:33:11.630 --> 03:33:15.840
to thank all the hard
work our CPUC staff did

03:33:15.840 --> 03:33:19.140
in putting together this En Banc

03:33:19.140 --> 03:33:21.832
in more challenging circumstances,

03:33:21.832 --> 03:33:26.570
particularly Stephanie
Green and Trisha Melton.

03:33:26.570 --> 03:33:29.050
We really appreciate
your continued hard work

03:33:29.050 --> 03:33:30.210
on this program

03:33:30.210 --> 03:33:33.410
and on making sure that
this event is as helpful

03:33:33.410 --> 03:33:35.570
and engaging as possible.

03:33:35.570 --> 03:33:38.231
So we appreciate your work.

03:33:38.231 --> 03:33:40.050
And thank you all

03:33:40.050 --> 03:33:42.853
and we will see you again next year.

03:33:44.340 --> 03:33:45.173
Bye, bye.

03:33:45.173 --> 03:33:47.314
<v ->Thank you, goodbye.</v>

03:33:47.314 --> 03:33:50.231
<v Operator>Thank you, this does--</v>