Get to Know Verizon, Your Ecosystem Partner!

First it was C & P, then Bell Atlantic, and now Verizon. And over time, more than just our name has changed. We are a communications company, and in addition to delivering telephone services, we also provide broadband services and video entertainment. But we are not just a provider. We are your Internet ecosystem partner in the broadband world of today. Verizon connects you to the collaborative community of broadband services providers. I invite you to get to know the company that we have become by reading this edition of "Verizon Connections."

Verizon focuses on data, video, wireless, and advanced business services. We invested over $626 million throughout the region last year. We improved and expanded our all-fiber-optic network, called FiOS, earning top ratings from J. D. Power and PC Mag.com.

Verizon's nationwide wireless data network also earns top ratings. We're leading the way in deploying the next generation of wireless technology, called 4G, or LTE which stands for Long Term Evolution. In the next few years, 4G will be available throughout the region, enabling advanced applications and empowering our customers. Our innovative broadband and wireless technologies support small and large businesses, government, and residential customers. We are tackling the world's to-do list with our innovations, technologies, and partnerships in the internet ecosystem.

We partner with the Verizon Foundation in support of the communities where we live and work. Nonprofit groups in Maryland and Washington, D.C. received nearly $10 million and our employee volunteers gave back in excess of 60,000 hours to address the issues that affect our employees and customers - from domestic violence prevention to education to online safety. You can read more about these and our other initiatives in our Corporate Responsibility Report.

All of us at Verizon believe deeply that what we do is vital to our state and country's competitiveness. We continue to work for fair public policies that encourage investment, innovation, and job growth. We look forward to sharing our success with our customers, our communities and our shareholders in the years ahead.

President Obama Attends Event Showcasing Verizon's Green Fleet

In connection with the celebration of Earth Day this past April, Verizon was among five companies recognized by President Barack Obama for adding substantial numbers of green vehicles to their motor vehicle fleets.

During an event attended by the President and William R. Roberts, president of Verizon Maryland and the District of Columbia, Verizon showcased some of the newest energy-efficient motor vehicles..

"We're replacing less-efficient vehicles with transformational, energy-efficient cars and trucks - a move that will have a long-term impact on reducing and improving fuel consumption and reducing pollutants," said William Roberts. "This event is a clear example of what happens when companies are allowed to innovate and deploy different technologies to meet their needs while achieving our shared environmentally positive goals."

Verizon has the third-largest corporate vehicle fleet in the nation, which includes nearly 2,000 alternative-fuel vehicles in its fleet. The company plans to have up to 15 percent of its fleet operating with alternative fuels by 2015.

The 2011 Session of the Maryland General Assembly ended at midnight April 11.

With a turnover of about 20% from the 2010 elections, new legislators did not hesitate to file nearly 2,400 bills.

Key Results:

Senate Bill 718 / House Bill 529 - Distribution of Telephone Directories - Verizon supported two Montgomery County

Governor Martin O'Malley signs bill into law.

Job Training and Leadership Program Announces Inaugural Class

Verizon Assistant Vice President and Chesapeake Bay Trust board president, Tara Potter, joined fellow board members, government and community leaders in announcing the Chesapeake Conservation Corps, a new program that provides service learning opportunities and green jobs training. The program is a legislative initiative signed into law by Governor Martin O'Malley that pairs 16 young adults with 16 watershed organizations, local governments and other community-based organizations that provide environmental outreach.

Senator Benjamin L. Cardin was present to welcome the first class and commended the program stating, "Habitat restoration projects involve a broad-range of skills that are needed to restore and protect the environment, improve health and stimulate future technological innovations."

"The Chesapeake Conservation Corps is another exciting opportunity for Maryland youth to develop green job skills while having a positive impact in the natural world," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "With leadership of Senate President Mike Miller and our great partners at the Chesapeake Bay Trust, these young stewards are helping create a smarter, greener future for Maryland."

In addition to the on-the-job training the class will receive at their host organizations and leadership and technical training provided by the Trust, Corps volunteers will be offered the opportunity to enroll in environmental career certificate programs offered by a consortium of Maryland community colleges.

Verizon Supports Cultural Diversity in Maryland With a Free Black History Month Open House at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum

Verizon hosted a statewide Black History Month celebration and open house with government and community leaders at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture.

During the recent open house, guests explored the museum, recognized past

and present history makers, and enjoyed a day full of educational activities and entertainment, featuring food, educational gifts for the first 200 children, door prizes and more.

"Verizon's long-standing commitment to diversity is based on a culture of inclusiveness that leverages the diversity of employees, customers, suppliers and community partners," said Verizon president William R. Roberts. "Black History Month is a great opportunity for us to celebrate and honor those individuals who have made a significant contribution and commitment in the past, and those who continue to make a difference today."

Guests at the open house included: Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young, Maryland state senator and chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland Catherine Pugh, NAACP President (Baltimore City branch) Tess Hill-Aston, and Greater Baltimore Urban League President J. Howard Henderson. The Morgan State University Choir performed during a special recognition program at noon.

Verizon Executive Recognized for Building Educational Partnerships

Maryland Public Television (MPT) held its fourth annual Vision Honors Banquet. The banquet was attended by 150 people who came to pay tribute to the recipients of the MPT Vision Honors Awards.

"Tonight MPT shines a light not on itself, but on people who support our community. They don't have to be related to MPT. They're just outstanding individuals in our community," said Robert Shuman, MPT president and CEO.

Award-recipient
Joseph J. Daniels

William Roberts and Paul Wood, Verizon vice president of government affairs, were on hand to toast Verizon colleague Joseph Daniels for his volunteer service benefitting educational partnerships.

"Joe is a very hard working, committed, passionate man who cares about the communities where we live and where we serve. It's a well-deserved honor," Roberts said.