Verizon Wireless To Open New Store In Evanston

EVANSTON, IL — In an effort to provide more convenient and flexible service, Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless communications provider, today announced that it will officially open the doors to its newest store in Evanston on Saturday, March 24, 2001.

"Our new location makes it easier to do business with Verizon Wireless if you live in the Evanston area," said Greg Klimek, Chicago region president for Verizon Wireless. "Our customer base is rapidly expanding in the area and our new location in Evanston provides our customers with increased convenience and accessibility to our products and services."

Located in the historic Chandler's Building at 630 Davis Street, the new store brings the total number of Verizon Wireless stores and kiosks in the Chicagoland area to 31.

To mark the grand opening of its newest store, Verizon Wireless will show its support of the Evanston Shelter for Battered Women and their Children - A Program of the YWCA Evanston/North Shore by donating funds to be used toward its domestic violence prevention and victim support programs. Daniel Howard, manager of the new Verizon Wireless Evanston store, will present a check to Janie Lee, outreach and volunteer coordinator for the Shelter, on Saturday, March 24.

"On behalf of the Evanston Shelter for Battered Women and their Children - A Program of the YWCA Evanston/North Shore, I'd like to thank Verizon Wireless for its support and contribution to our very meaningful program and facility," said Lee. "We appreciate Verizon Wireless' generosity and welcome the company to the Evanston community."

In addition to the donation, Verizon Wireless will celebrate the opening of its Evanston store with a ceremonial "wire-cutting" and reception from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and a radio remote with WKQZ-FM from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Several prominent members of the Evanston community will be present including: Lorraine Morton, mayor of Evanston; Jonathon Perman, executive director of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce; and other Evanston area civic and community leaders.

The new Verizon Wireless communications store in Evanston features a variety of products and services, including local, regional and national plans, and a premier line of wireless phones and accessories. Currently, customers can receive a special promotional offer of 1,250 minutes (250 anytime/1,000 night and weekend minutes per month), which includes long distance for just $19.99 monthly access for the first three months, $29.99 thereafter. In addition, customers will receive a free digital phone with free activation (after $50 mail-in rebate) with a two-year service agreement. The staff of trained professionals at the Verizon Wireless Evanston store can assist individuals in selecting equipment and making decisions on calling plans.

The Verizon Wireless Evanston store is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 4:00 p.m. The store's phone number is (847) 864-5039.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with 27.5 million wireless voice and data customers. The new coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Bell Atlantic Corp. and GTE Corp -- now Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) -- and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). The new company includes the assets of Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, GTE Wireless, PrimeCo Personal Communications and AirTouch Paging. The company has a footprint covering nearly 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 96 of the top 100 U.S. markets. Verizon Wireless, headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, is 38,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

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