Florida Power & Light Company today honored four minority-owned businesses for their excellent service to the company as part of the Vendor in the Spotlight program. FPL recognized the special accomplishments of Zap Courier Services, Inc. of Miami, Torres Electrical Supply Company of Stuart, Mercedes Electric Supply of Miami and Solares Florida Corporation of Miami in a continuing effort to build professional relationships with minority and women-owned businesses. The annual ceremony was held at Ballen Isles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens.

Vendors were evaluated on their strong customer orientation, commitment to quality, cost-effective operations, speed, simplicity and flexibility, volume of business, and total customer satisfaction.

The Vendor in the Spotlight recognition event is also a fundraising activity benefiting the Florida Regional Minority Business Council (FRMBC). FRMBC is a non-profit corporation established to foster the business development and expansion of minority-owned firms. Among the approximately 200 guests attending the awards ceremony was Beatrice Louissaint, FRMBC's president and chief executive officer, who said, "This event is an excellent opportunity to say thank you, as well as to encourage the many businesses we serve through programs, educational opportunities and other services."

Last year, FPL purchased more than $116 million in products and services from minority and women-owned vendors, exceeding its 1999 spending of $114 million. "FPL's 2001 minority business expansion program gives qualified small, disadvantaged and women-owned businesses the opportunity to market their products and services to the company and to become more competitive when seeking business relationships with FPL. These businesses do not always have the exposure they need to work with large organizations," said Isabel Hebert, manager of minority business expansion for FPL.

Florida Power & Light Company 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 $7 billion. The company serves 3.9 million customer accounts in Florida. FPL Energy, LLC, FPL Group's energy-generating subsidiary, is a leader in producing electricity from clean and renewable fuels. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.fpl.com.

SOURCE: Florida Power & Light Company