First Verizon Wireless Communications Store Opens In Madera, California

MADERA, CA — To make shopping and service even more convenient for wireless customers, Verizon Wireless has opened a new retail store in Madera at 2175 N. Schnoor Avenue. The new store incorporates the latest in "hands-on" phone displays, service support, informational kiosks and more. The store will offer a wide range of wireless devices, as well as the latest voice and data services that run on the nation's most reliable wireless network.

The company has also donated $1,500 to the Madera Community Action Partnership, as part of the national Verizon Wireless Hopeline^® program. The Madera Community Action Partnership provides the only domestic violence support services in Madera County, and serves more than 900 women, men and children each year.

The grand opening and check presentation will be marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, September 26, starting at 2:00 p.m. Local dignitaries, law enforcement leaders and community advocates are expected to participate in the event. Local residents are invited to attend and are encouraged to bring old cellphones and accessories they no longer use (from any wireless provider) for donation to the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program.

Verizon Wireless collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider at our Communications Stores nationwide. Donated equipment is recycled in an environmentally safe way or refurbished and sold. Proceeds are used to provide cash grants and refurbished wireless phones, with airtime, to local shelters and non-profit organizations to aid domestic violence prevention and survivors.

"This state-of-the-art store, along with our friendly and knowledgeable staff, will provide Madera residents with the best wireless shopping experience," said Rich Garwood, Northern California and Nevada regional president for Verizon Wireless. "We're very excited to be part of the Madera community and look forward to getting to know our neighbors and customers."

About the store
The new store, located at 2175 N. Schnoor Avenue, incorporates new features to make shopping and service easier for customers.

• Expansive customer service and technical support areas
• State-of-the-art self service center featuring a bill payment kiosk
• A video display, providing information on the latest handsets and accessories, as well as wireless tips and details about roadside assistance service, customer service, Verizon Wireless' network, account management options, and much more
• Comprehensive overhead directional signage to speed shopping

About the staff
Verizon Wireless Communications Stores are staffed for sales, customer service and technical support — including providing sales and dedicated service to small business customers with up to 50 lines of service.

Store Manager, Abraham Avila will oversee a staff of twelve full-time employees at the new 2,797-square-foot store. Madera-area customers can speak with Verizon Wireless' highly trained sales and service representatives about all their wireless needs, including wireless data services like e-mail or music, new lines or equipment.

About the company's commitment
Verizon Wireless is committed to offering the best possible wireless experience -- quality products and services on the nation's most reliable wireless network and superior customer service at more than 2,300 Verizon Wireless stores nationwide, including Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and Verizon Wireless Stores at Circuit City. Customers can also shop and get account information by calling 1-800-2 JOIN IN or by going online at www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 62.1 million customers. The largest U.S. wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 67,000 employees nationwide. The company 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. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.  

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