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As a company that serves more than one million customers in 11 counties throughout Arizona, APS is mindful of the great diversity that exists within our state.  Great diversity also exists among APS' more than 6,000 employees. APS Ambassadors to the Ethnic Emerging Markets strengthen the company's outreach to the Hispanic, African-American, Native American and Asian American markets we serve.
With the help of these four affinity groups, APS is made aware of community issues and opportunities to give back at the grassroots level. When it comes to giving back in the ethnic markets, the main areas of focus are: economic development programs, leadership development and civic engagement initiatives as well as cultural celebrations.
All employees are encouraged to participate in cultural events sponsored by APS such as the Native American Recognition Days, Martin Luther King Day celebrations, Asian Festivals and the Hispanic Heritage events during the month of September. In 2007, APS was instrumental in putting on the Black Heritage Celebration which funds scholarships for two Phoenix-area students.
"We appreciate companies like APS which are committed to the economic development of communities throughout our state," said President and CEO of Chicanos Por La Causa, Edmundo Hidalgo. "APS employees provide countless hours of economic planning focused on emerging markets. They genuinely value cultural diversity in our community.
APS is a great corporate partner to the community organizations who represent emerging markets in the State of Arizona."
Community involvement is not just about corporate sponsorships. APS Ambassadors often take leadership positions on local boards such as the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Phoenix Indian Center, and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, to name a few.
For example, Pinnacle West employee Linda Dayish Benally is a past president of the board of directors of the Phoenix Indian Center. Under her  leadership, the organization launched a successful capital campaign. APS Ambassadors to the Ethnic Emerging Markets is an example of APS' corporate leadership in strengthening the entire community in which we live and work.
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