At Pinnacle West and APS, we share a strong diversity commitment in our workplaces, in our procurement practices and in our community activities.

Workplace Diversity

We are committed to being an equal employment and affirmative action employer. We understand the value of diversity in our workforce and actively seek opportunities for incorporating diversity within our company. Pinnacle West strives to provide every employee an equal opportunity to succeed professionally. Our work environment is one wherein every employee is treated with dignity and respect. Decisions about employment, training, compensation and promotion are based on job-related qualifications. Not only does our company prohibit discrimination, our policy explicitly prohibits sexual harassment or harassment of any nature in the workplace. Annual affirmative action training is required of all leaders.

APS has a dedicated corporate Affirmative Action/Diversity Team, headed by the manager of Workforce Services, that focuses on workforce analysis, compliance, affirmative action, diversity, maintaining a harassment-free workplace, and training and education.

APS also sponsors many cultural events in the Phoenix community such as The Black History Heritage Festival, and the “Diversity Among Nations” Native American celebration.

APS’ commitment to recognizing and supporting diversity in the workplace regularly earns recognition, with the company receiving several awards for diversity and supplier relations:

• In 2005, John A. Garza, Corporate Affirmative Action/Diversity Manager, received a Leadership Award of Excellence for eight years of service as Chair/Vice-Chair of the League of United Latin American Citizens' (LULAC) National Educational Service Centers (LNESC) and for his impact on helping elevate the lives of young people LULAC presented the award at its 2005 Annual Youth Leadership Conference held in Washington, D.C.
• Pinnacle West won the 2004 Arizona Society for Human Resource Management State Council (AZSHRM ) Workforce Diversity Award in the large business category. The awards presentation was part of the third annual AZSHRM State Conference, a program of AZSHRM and the Arizona Diversity Leadership Alliance. Winners were selected for the measurable value of their programs and whether their efforts strengthen community relationships and benefit employees’ quality of life.
• Armando Flores, executive vice president, Corporate Business Services, was honored by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) as recipient of the National Human Relations Award. Flores and APS were recognized by the AJC, organizers of the annual awards dinner event, for exemplifying the values of advancing democracy, pluralism and mutual understanding worldwide.
• Martín Samaniego, of the company’s Community Development department, received the Award of Excellence in 2004 for contributions made throughout his professional career and for his impact on helping elevate the lives of Latinos. LULAC presented the award at its 2004 state convention in Phoenix.
• In 2003, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) named Pinnacle West Capital Corp. to the “AARP Best Employers for Workers over 50” list. The company is one of 25 employers in 17 states and one of two employers in Arizona to receive this award.

PNW's commitment to supplier diversity is discussed in the Supplier section of this report.