Speaking out on diversity

Our commitment to workforce diversity is also reflected in our recruiting strategies. Whether seeking candidates for an immediate opening or developing a pool of talent from which future needs may be filled, we look for qualified candidates from all backgrounds. We further encourage this approach through external partnerships with programs and organizations that work with minorities and women. Within the company, we actively sponsor employee associations to help us institute educational and leadership programs and implement effective recruitment strategies in the many diverse communities we serve.

PG&E looks forward to continuing to carry out our long-standing commitment to workforce diversity and is proud to have recently been named one of the 30 Best Companies for Diversity by BLACK ENTERPRISE

AICPA

Diversity Has Become an Economic Imperative for the Accounting Profession

Under Barry Melancon's tenure as president of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Institute has made it clear that diversity is no longer just the right thing to do; it is the smart thing to do.

"Diversity has become an economic imperative," says Melancon. "All professions today recognize the need to attract minorities to the ranks in order to reflect the makeup of their clients. There are almost five million minority-owned businesses in the United States, up more than thirty percent since 1997. Everyone of these companies needs the services of a certified public accountant."

In 1969 the AICPA passed a resolution to integrate the profession, establishing the Minority Initiatives Committee (MIC) to help minorities become CPAs and encourage their advancement and retention within the accounting profession. Today the MIC is involved in a wide variety of programs aimed at encouraging minority participation in the accounting profession. The most direct way is through the AICPA Scholarships for Minority Accounting Students, which has helped thousands of students earn degrees in accounting.

Another initiative is the AICPA Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop, a two-and-a-half day seminar that focuses on strengthening leadership, team building, presentation and communication skills for scholarship recipients and other selected students.

Recognizing that University professors serve as role models, the AICPA provides support through fellowships and sponsors the Ph.D. Project for minority CPAs who desire to earn a Doctorate and return to the classroom. More recently, the AICPA has leveraged its efforts by supporting the Center for Accounting Education, a new project at Howard University to produce more African-American CPAs.

Helancon explains "Accounting is a dynamic profession, and being a CPA opens doors to an exciting career."

For more information on the AICPA's diversity programs log onto www.aicpa.org/diversity.> New York Life Insurance Company

Throughout New York Life's rich, 160 year history, our values of financial strength, integrity and humanity have served as our guiding principles. As the population of the United States has grown increasingly more diverse, we have taken concrete measures to attract and retain people of all races, religions, ages and ethnicities. By mirroring our nation's population, we can achieve our business goals and reinforce our corporate values. Supporting a diverse work force broadens our pool of talent and helps generate new ideas and approaches to better serve policyholders, all while creating a vibrant and exciting workplace.