Bell Atlantic Receives 1999 American Business Ethics Award From Society of Financial Service Professionals

Bell Atlantic Receives 1999 American Business
Ethics Award From Society of Financial Service
Professionals

August 26, 1999

NEW YORK -- The Society of Financial Service Professionals
has selected Bell Atlantic to receive the 1999 American Business Ethics
Award (ABEA). Bell Atlantic achieved this honor in the public company
category, which includes companies that offer publicly traded stock.

"Bell Atlantic is honored to be named the recipient of this year's
award," said Jacquelyn B. Gates, Bell Atlantic vice president --
Ethics, Compliance and Diversity. "Ethical leadership is critical to
the success of any business. Our policies and practices speak volumes
about our reputation with customers, employees, suppliers and other
stakeholders."

Presented annually since 1994, the American Business Ethics Award
recognizes companies that demonstrate a firm commitment to ethical
business practices in everyday operations, management philosophies, and
responses to crisis or challenges.

The 1999 recipients will be honored with the crystal ABEA award, created
by Master Sculptor Peter Wayne Yenawine, at a banquet Oct. 13, during
the Society's National Conference in Orlando, Fla.

At the heart of the Bell Atlantic's ethical process is the company's Code of
Business Conduct to which every employee must make a commitment.
The code is a collection of standards that reflect the company's continuing
obligation -- as responsible citizens and Bell Atlantic employees -- to
promote an environment where accountability, integrity and trust remain
at the core of its operations.

Other award recipients include Walker Information, Inc., of Indianapolis,
Ind., in the private company category, and Wright Water Engineers, Inc.,
of Denver, Colo., in the small business category.

"The society is proud to recognize these three companies that truly
represent what's right about American business," said Beverly L.
Brooks, CLU, AEP, of Dallas, the society's president. "It is our hope
that these companies will share their 'best practices' with other businesses
throughout the nation to advance business ethics standards to an even
higher level."

Previous ABEA recipients include: Starbucks Coffee Company; Levi
Strauss; Merck & Co.; H.B. Fuller; Hanna Andersson; Texas Instruments;
Guardsmark; Rich Products; Weyerhaeuser Company; Lockheed Martin;
PricewaterhouseCoopers; and Fenimore Asset Management.

Founded in 1928, the Society of Financial Service Professionals -- formerly
known as the American Society of CLU & ChFC -- is the standard bearer for
excellence in professionalism, advanced continuing education, and ethical
guidance for the nation's top financial advisers. Active in more than 200
Chapters nationwide, Society members assist the public in achieving personal
and business-related financial goals. 1-888-243-2258. Or, consumers can
visit the Society's Web site: www.financialpro.org to find a Society member in
their area and to receive free brochures on planning personal finances and
guidelines on selecting a financial adviser.

Bell Atlantic is at the forefront of
the new communications and information industry. With more than 43
million telephone access lines and nearly 10 million wireless customers
worldwide, Bell Atlantic companies are premier providers of advanced
wireline voice and data services, market leaders in wireless services and
the world's largest publishers of directory information. Bell Atlantic
companies are also among the world's largest investors in high-growth
global communications markets, with operations and investments in 23
countries.