TO PARTNER OR NOT TO PARTNER

ARCADIA, Calif. -- According to Dick Spezzano, vice president of produce and floral at Vons Cos. here, the term "partnership" is used loosely these days to define almost any relationship between a buyer and seller.

? Remember, you can't partner with everyone.

· Can that same company be a partner with you two years down the road? Does its business plan complement yours? Make your judgments based on how they've grown and performed in the last five years.

· Are they willing to make capital investments and hire and retain good people? Are they service-oriented, price-oriented or quality-oriented? Ask yourself which of these criteria is more important to your company.

· Is their geographic location such that it's logistically possible and efficient to receive product on time and in good condition?

· Most important, do the people in the company have integrity? Are they committed to the long term? Are they, and the corporation, flexible?