COLUMBIA, S.C., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The South Carolina Diversity Council, in conjunction with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, on November 14 presented the 2nd Annual Excellence in Workplace Diversity Award to Progress Energy Carolinas Inc., which is headquartered in Florence, during

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The prestigious award recognizes companies that have made significant progress in the area of workplace diversity or that exemplify the most outstanding diversity programs. Progress Energy's diversity initiatives include the establishment of a Corporate Diversity & Inclusion Section, which provides consultation on best practices and on developing and implementing diversity initiatives.

Progress Energy measures the effectiveness of its diversity and inclusion initiatives by the Diversity Scorecard, which is updated quarterly and placed on the company's intranet. Progress Energy's diversity initiatives, by design, are scalable and transferable to all areas of the company. The company has a sound strategy for ensuring that diversity is a critical component to its success.

For the third year in a row, Progress Energy has been identified as a top supporter of historically black college and university engineering schools in 2005. In addition, it is one of the Top 50 corporations for multicultural business, a distinction achieved for two consecutive years.

Five finalists for the 2006 Excellence in Workplace Diversity Award also were honored during the festive evening as models for diversity in South Carolina. They are: AnMed Health of Anderson; BellSouth; Bon Secours St. Francis Health System of Greenville; Denny's Corporation of Spartanburg; and Lockheed Martin Aircraft & Logistics Centers of Greenville.

All nominees were subjected to a rigorous qualification process and are deserving of recognition. They include: Bi-Lo/Bruno's of Mauldin; Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina in North Charleston; South Carolina Education Lottery; U.S. Engine Valve of Westminster; Wal-Mart Stores; Washington Savannah River Company in Aiken; Verizon Wireless; and Wackenhut Services, Savannah River Site, in Aiken.

"Really forward-thinking companies in this state understand that fostering diversity is a strategic business objective that increases productivity and generates benefits for everyone," said S. Hunter Howard Jr., president and chief executive officer of the South Carolina Chamber. "Implementing a comprehensive diversity program is both a voluntary, long-term commitment and a business imperative for companies that are determined to compete in the global marketplace. Kudos to all these fine companies for their efforts to promote diversity and competitiveness."

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is the state's largest statewide broad-based business and industry trade association representing more than 5,000 member companies and more than 600,000 member employees. The South Carolina Diversity Council is a not-for-profit organization of business leader volunteers dedicated to supporting and strengthening diversity in the workplace.

CONTACT: Marcia Purday, APR, of Progress Energy, +1-803-799-4601