Member News

American Water Employee Receives Alice Paul Equality Award

Lendel G. Jones, director of government affairs for American Water, has received a 2008 Alice Paul Equality Award. The Alice Paul Institute, based in Mt. Laurel, N.J., established the awards to honor individuals who have demonstrated a strong and long-standing commitment to advancing women's equality in New Jersey and the Delaware Valley through advocacy, litigation, business leadership, education, scholarship or artistic expression.

The award was presented at a gala dinner on April 30, at the Hyatt Regency Princeton.

Jones has been with American Water for 17 years. She has risen from secretary to vice president of communications and government affairs for the company's northeast region to director of government affairs for its corporate headquarters in Voorhees, N.J. Today, she is responsible for setting strategy for government affairs for the company's service areas in 32 states and Ontario, Canada.

Throughout her career, Jones has been a champion for women both by example and by direct involvement in mentoring women in her industry. She was named 2006 Business Leader of the Year by the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, and in 2000, received the Tribute to Women in Industry Award from the YWCA. Jones also speaks to youth groups as well as students. Her goal is to encourage women to do their best and she thrives to see women get on top in the business world.

Jones understands and values the importance of being active in the community through her involvement with the N.J. Chapter of American Water Works Association's Water Utility Council, the N.J. Business and Industry Camden County Employer Legislative Committee, the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey's Legislative Affairs Committee, the Camden Board of Education Foundation, the Southern New Jersey Council of Boy Scouts and member of The Haddonfield Symphony.

The Alice Paul Equality Awards are named in memory of Alice Stokes Paul (1885-1977). Born in Mt. Laurel, N.J., Alice Paul dedicated her life to the single cause of securing equal rights for all women. Alice Paul led the final campaign for women's right to vote. After the 1920 victory, she authored the Equal Rights Amendment and initiated gender equality principles in both the United Nations Charter and in the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Honorary co-chairs of the Alice Paul Equality Awards Committee are New Jersey State Senator Diane B. Allen and U. S. Congressman Robert E. Andrews.

Norman Y. Mineta Joins SJW’s Board of Directors

Norman Y. Mineta

SJW Corp. announced that Norman Y. Mineta, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation and former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has joined its Board of Directors as an independent director. “We are honored and delighted to welcome Norman Mineta to our Board,” said Charles J. Toeniskoetter, chairman of the board. “His distinguished career in the public sector will be a tremendous asset to SJW.”

Mineta is currently vice chairman of Hill & Knowlton, a worldwide public relations and public affairs consultancy. He also serves as a director of AECOM Technology Corporation and Horizon Lines, Inc. Mineta served as Secretary of Transportation from January 2001 until July 2006. In 2000, he was appointed Secretary of Commerce, and served until 2001. For almost 30 years, he represented San Jose, Calif., first on the City Council, then as Mayor, and then as Member of Congress from 1975 to 1995.

George E. Moss, a director since 1985, has decided to retire from the board of SJW Corp. “I have served more than two decades on this board and have enjoyed seeing the company grow and prosper,” said Mr. Moss. “I am confident that SJW’s strong, diverse, and committed Board will usher the company into a new era of success.” Mr. Moss will remain on the Board of SJWTX, Inc., a subsidiary of SJW Corp.

“On behalf of the Board and employees of SJW, I extend my deepest respect and appreciation to George for his service, dedication, and loyalty,” said W. Richard Roth, president and chief executive officer. “His principles of balanced corporate governance, strong leadership, and focus on sustainable growth, have guided SJW into a period of unprecedented achievements.”

Aqua America Expands Florida Ops

Aqua America, Inc. announced that its Florida subsidiaries have purchased a regulated wastewater and a local irrigation system valued at approximately $1.6 million.

The newly acquired wastewater system, which will be operated as a regulated utility, serves approximately 3,000 residents in the Fountain Lakes development in Estero, Lee County, Fla. The company also purchased the community's independent irrigation system, which is supplied by on-site wells and ponds and is used by nearly 1,000 residents. Aqua said it plans to invest approximately $400,000 over the next several years in capital improvements to the system.

"This acquisition is a win-win for Florida: It shows Aqua's commitment to improving the operations of the systems we buy — making them better for customers and the environment. It also complements our acquisition strategy, allowing us to further expand our customer base and gain economies of scale in the state's growth areas," said Aqua America Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Nicholas DeBenedictis.

Aqua already provides water and wastewater services to about 110,000 Florida residents.

In other recent developments, the company renewed a five-year contract to manage and operate a water system that serves nearly 22,000 residents in Horsham, Montgomery County, Penn. Aqua Ohio signed an 18-month agreement to operate the water system that serves the Atwood Lake resort and conference center in Carroll and Tuscarawas counties. Collectively, those contracts are expected to generate total revenues in excess of $1.8 million.

California American Names Government Affairs Director

California American Water announced that Randi L. Knott has been appointed as government affairs director. In this role, Knott will provide counsel to the company president and senior management team and establish a comprehensive state and local government affairs program to support the company’s overall business plan.

“Randi will be a valuable asset to the California American Water team,” said B. Kent Turner, president of California American Water. “Her energy, enthusiasm, experience and knowledge of California resource issues will help us as we tackle major infrastructure issues in the future. Randi has a track record of analyzing issues and arriving at solutions. She understands the value we bring to communities, and the need to work closely with our regulators.”

Prior to joining California American Water, Knott served as the managing partner of California Connections, a Government and Public Affairs firm in Sacramento specializing in development and green energy. Just prior to that appointment, she served as the director of government affairs for KB Home for five years. She also served in various roles with local government agencies in Southern California for 12 years.

Knott holds a bachelor’s in political science from California State University Northridge and master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California. Knott is a Governor’s appointee to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, where she is chair of the Legislative Committee.