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Highlights good ties with Asian-American groups, Fil-Am community
VERIZON Western Region President Tim McCallion was one of several presidents and CEO’s who discussed their companies diversity initiative and efforts to increase diversity in various utility operations through its Utility Supplier Diversity Program at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) seventh annual public hearing last November 2.
Based in Thousand Oaks, McCallion began his career more than 30 years ago with GTE. In 2000, the company merged with Bell Atlantic to form Verizon.
McCallion oversees Verizon’s operations in 17 western states. His duties include overseeing Verizon’s regulatory activities, governmental affairs activities, community relations, the Verizon Foundation, among other corporate interest within his jurisdiction.
He is also a member of the Telephone Hall of Fame.
The CPUC holds an annual public hearing to examine the diversity programs of the state’s regulated utilities like Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and other gas companies. The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the CPUC’s and the regulated companies own commitment to diversity, and hear from diverse suppliers about program issues.
During the hearing, Verizon was praised for its commitment to work with minority groups and employment track record but the CPUC President Michael Peevey said Verizon and many of the other companies still have more work to do when it comes to diversity issues.
Despite some progress, Asian Americans still have a long way to go when it comes to landing contracts with major firms like Verizon, AT&T and others.
In a 2007 study, there were only 300 Asian Minority Business Entrepreneurs (MBE) since 1999. Nine years ago, you could count the certified companies on your fingers, said Susan Au Allen, national president and CEO of the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC).
The Asian Journal (AJ) caught up with McCallion after the CPUC public hearing to hear his thoughts on what Verizon is doing to increase its business relationship with Asian-owned firms.
AJ: Who are the Asian American groups you are confident in working with and relating to AA issues like business management and business opportunities?
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