Verizon Wireless Opens Doors In South Asheville, North Carolina, To Support Company's Growth

ARDEN, NC — In response to growing demand for the company's voice and data services, Verizon Wireless has opened a new, full-service Communications Store in South Asheville. The new South Asheville Store, located at 225 Airport Road next to Hot Springs Pools, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony and check presentation to Helpmate, Inc. on Thursday, October 11th, at 11:00 a.m. with Asheville City officials.

To recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Verizon Wireless will donate $1,000 to Helpmate through Verizon Wireless' HopeLine^® program — a national program long dedicated to putting wireless products to work to combat domestic violence. Helpmate is Buncombe County's primary provider of crisis services to victims of domestic violence and their children.

"Verizon Wireless' contributions to Helpmate have spanned many years, and we are grateful for the support they give the people of this community," said Valerie Collins, executive director for Helpmate. "We encourage people to donate old cell phones to Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program, especially in October, because their donation can directly help victims of domestic violence."

Throughout October, visitors to the store will have a chance to enter a drawing to win a trip to the Jeff Gordon Racing School Driving Experience. Other grand opening initiatives throughout October include 1,000 bonus minutes with a new two-year activation and a waived activation fee, 25% off of select accessories, Free Phone Days on October 5th - 7th (any phones that are $49.99 or below after mail-in-rebate are free with a two-year contract on a new line with a calling plan of $39.99 or higher) and live broadcasts by WKSF 99.9 Saturday, October 6th, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and WQNQ 104.3 Saturday, October 13th, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The new South Asheville store features the full range of Verizon Wireless products and services and is fully staffed for customer service and technical support, allowing customers to speak with Verizon Wireless' highly trained representatives about all of their wireless needs.

The new store also features:

• A top-of-the-line self-service center with a bill payment kiosk
• An informational video displayed on an LCD screen that provides customers information on the latest handsets and accessories, the Verizon Wireless network, wireless tips, roadside assistance, customer service, account management options and much more

Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Store manager Ryan Gaffney will lead the South Asheville sales team. Verizon Wireless also operates communications stores at 242 Tunnel Road in Asheville and in Hendersonville at 1602 Four Seasons Blvd.

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.

About HopeLine^®
Verizon Wireless encourages customers who are upgrading their wireless phone to participate in its exclusive HopeLine phone-recycling program. The national HopeLine program distributes previously owned wireless phones to victims of domestic violence, supports non-profit domestic violence advocacy groups and provides an environmentally safe method of recycling phones. Donations are accepted at all 1,200-plus Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country. For additional information, customers can also visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

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