Florida Power & Light Company will host its third annual Minority Business Expansion Trade Fair Wednesday, Sept. 20 at their headquarters in Juno Beach. The company's objective is to continue building professional relationships with small, minority and women- owned businesses.

About 40 minority and women-owned enterprises are expected to participate in the event, which will enable these businesses to put their companies and products on display. During the trade fair, which runs from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., FPL purchasing managers will have the opportunity to meet the vendors.

"Our mission is to give these companies the opportunity to market their products and services in order to be more competitive in doing business with FPL," said Isabel Hebert, manager of FPL's minority business expansion. "Small businesses do not always have the exposure that give them the opportunity to work with large organizations."

"The trade show is a wonderful opportunity for us to show FPL what our abilities are," said Cheryl Warner, president of Florida Bolt & Nut Company. "In addition to the products we sell, we offer a lot of technical knowledge and support."

Ms. Warner, whose company has met the requirements to attend the trade fair each year, also said that the fair has helped them gain the information necessary to manufacture products that best suit FPL.

In 1999 FPL exceeded its goal of $105 million in products and services by small and women-owned businesses, with an expenditure of $115 million. FPL's goal for the year 2000 is $126 million. "We are well on our way to accomplishing that goal as well," said Ms. Hebert.

Participating vendors are recommended annually to FPL by the Florida Regional Minority Business Council, large corporations who utilize Minority Business Expansion businesses, and from internal agents that have existing relationships with the vendors.

"The best and most creative solutions result from a diverse team effort," said Ms. Hebert. "These companies offer that diversity as well as quality solutions."

FPL is committed to working with and supporting small, minority and women- owned businesses. For additional information on the Minority Business Expansion Program please send a written request to: Minority Business Department, Florida Power & Light Company, Human Resources/Corporate Services, MBE Program 700 Universe Boulevard, Mailstop: JPU/JB, Juno Beach, FL, 33408 or fax to 561-691-7471.

Florida Power & Light is the principal subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc. , one of the nation's largest providers of electricity-related services with annual revenues of more than $6 billion. The company serves 3.8 million customer accounts in Florida. FPL Energy, LLC., FPL Group's U.S. and international energy generating subsidiary, is a leader in producing electricity from clean and renewable fuels. Information is available on the Internet at www.fplgroup.com and www.fpl.com.

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SOURCE: Florida Power & Light Company