Verizon Wireless Employee Development And Training Programs Recognized As Among Best In Nation

BEDMINSTER, NJ — For the second consecutive year, Verizon Wireless, the nation's leading provider of wireless communications, has been named one of the nation's top 100 companies by Training magazine for its continued commitment to employee development and for smartly connecting its training programs to business objectives.

This year, Verizon Wireless ranked 26th on the magazine's annual list of the "Top 100 Training Organizations in America," and was the highest ranked wireless service provider. The company was praised for the benefits and utilization of its tuition assistance program, LearningLINK, and the scope and the quality of its employee training and development programs. Currently, more than 5,000 employees participate in LearningLINK.

"Verizon Wireless is pleased to be recognized on this list for the second year in a row moving up 11 points from last year's ranking," said Marc Reed, vice president of human resources for Verizon Wireless. "We are committed to making available to our employees the tools and training they need to perform their jobs as well as for professional advancement opportunities. Well-trained and well-educated employees are key to the continued success of Verizon Wireless. Our workforce-from the real-life test men and test women who build and maintain the Verizon Wireless network to those who serve customers every day in our stores and customer call centers-is well prepared to meet the demands associated with providing the nation's best wireless service to our growing customer base."

"Through their perseverance, this year's Top 100 companies have securely positioned workforce development as the key ingredient in solidifying corporate cultures," said Tammy Galvin, executive editor of Training magazine. "These cultures continually foster and reward both the creation and application of knowledge for the betterment of the company's near- and long-term financial success, as well as the betterment of the individuals that constitute their workforces."

The complete list of Training Magazine's "Top 100 Training Organizations in America" is included in the March 2003 issue.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 32.5 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.

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