Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich Joins Verizon Wireless CEO Denny Strigl to Open New Customer Service Center in Howard County

HANOVER, Md., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. joined Verizon Wireless Chief Executive Officer Denny Strigl today to mark the official opening of the company's new $22 million Hanover, Md. Customer Service Center

The new 139,000 square-foot facility, located less than one mile from the intersections of Routes 100 and 295, gives Verizon Wireless' regional Customer Service operation room to grow from its current total of approximately 800 employees to more than 1,100. The company employs about 2,200 in Maryland and is hiring additional Customer Service representatives and supervisors for positions in the new center.

"This is a tremendous win for Howard County and the State of Maryland," said Governor Ehrlich. "Verizon Wireless is one of the nation's leading wireless carriers, and we are extremely pleased they are continuing to expand their operations in Maryland. This outstanding new facility and the company's decision to add 300 new jobs is a real testament to the quality of life and business climate in the state and Howard County."

Verizon Wireless CEO Strigl said, "We're delighted our success in serving our customers is letting us expand our local investment and create new jobs and opportunities for our employees. Thanks to Governor Robert Ehrlich, Economic Development Secretary Aris Melissaratos, Howard County Executive Jim Robey and to Dick Story, Chief Executive Officer of the Howard County Economic Development Authority, for their unwavering support."

The new center is designed with employee comfort and productivity in mind. Modular furniture and flat screen computers provide a sleek and modern look, while an internal television network allows timely communications with employees. The center includes a contemporary employee training facility, fitness center, a full-service cafeteria, and the latest energy and temperature control systems.

A Great Place to Work

Verizon Wireless is consistently ranked as one of the best places to work in the country because of its employee-friendly policies.

Earlier this year, Verizon Wireless was named a Workplace of Excellence by the non-profit Maryland Work-Life Alliance for the third consecutive year. The company was also recognized this year by Baltimore Magazine, Smart Woman- Maryland Magazine, and Washingtonian Magazine as one of the best regional workplaces.

Nationally, the company has been named one of Working Mother magazine's "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" for three years in a row and Health Magazine last year named the company one of 10 U.S. employers to best help women balance their professional and personal responsibilities.

In each of the past four years, Verizon Wireless 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. Earlier this year, the company ranked 20th on the magazine's annual list of the "Top 100 Training Organizations in America," and was the highest ranked wireless service provider.

Extensive 4-6 Weeks of Training for New Hires

Employees participate in a comprehensive, ongoing training program to prepare to serve customers in their new jobs. Intensive training lasts from four to six weeks depending on the specific role of the employee. Each customer service employee is expected to take between 6-8 hours of additional training every month. The continuous focus on training and customer satisfaction helps prepare these employees to provide Verizon Wireless customers with exceptional customer service.

Growing to Stay Ahead of Surging Customer Demand

Strong demand for Verizon Wireless products and services continued during the third quarter of 2005 as the company added 1.9 million net new customers, and maintained its position as the nation's wireless leader in customer loyalty by setting an industry record for customer retention and demonstrating the lowest customer turnover rate. Verizon Wireless also consistently provides the best, most reliable national network based on its own baseline tests.

Applications for Employment Now Being Accepted

Interested applicants can call 1-800-575-HIRE or go to Verizon Wireless' website, http://www.verizonwireless.com/careers, and apply online. Verizon Wireless offers competitive salaries and employees can take advantage of numerous opportunities for career advancement. Employees qualify for generous benefits packages including:

* Health benefits, including medical, dental, vision and life insurance from day one * Tuition reimbursement and on-the-job training * Dollar for dollar 401(k) match up to 6 percent of salary * Short and long-term incentives * Profit sharing * Annual salary merit increases About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 49.3 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone . Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To receive broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.