How to Grow Small Business Seminar Series Kicks off in Manhattan

"How to Grow" Small Business Seminar Series Kicks off in Manhattan

Partnership Forged with Bell Atlantic Yellow Pages, Manhattan
Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Development Center

October 13, 1999

NEW YORK -- Small businesses looking for ways to grow and prosper in
today's economy, will find help through a small business seminar series
sponsored by Bell Atlantic Yellow Pages, Manhattan Chamber of
Commerce and the Mid-Town Manhattan Small Business Development
Center at Baruch College.

Kicking off today, the 'How to Grow" seminar series will address a variety
of emerging business trends as well as traditional issues facing small
businesses. The seminar will focus on four key topics for growth of small
businesses: financial planning; managing human resources; marketing
communications; and Web promotion.

The seminars will take place at the Lighthouse Auditorium, 111 East 59th
St. in Manhattan on Oct. 13, 1999, and Nov. 2, 1999, from 7:00 p.m. to
9:00 p.m. Year 2000 seminar series dates to be announced.

"This partnership is designed to manage and support the success of small
businesses, including existing and business start-ups," said Nancy Ploeger,
executive director, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. "These seminars
address both practical and futuristic issues that confront small businesses -
the mainstay of our economy."

Featured panelists include Steven Martinez, vice president, relationship
manager, Citibank, N.A.; Gayle Brandel, partner, Professionals for
NonProfits; Rob Seitz, Rob Seitz Communications and William Kilmer,
strategic marketing manager, Intel Corp.

A networking reception, preceding the seminar from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00
p.m., is sponsored by Bell Atlantic Business to Business Buying Guide, a
free small business resource. A New York edition of the Guide can be
picked up at the exit of any Manhattan Staples store.

With more than 3,200 headings, the Buying Guide contains extensive
business resources for small businesses seeking efficient, cost-effective
ways to do business. In addition, the directory's Business Resource Pages
includes listings of local trade shows and meeting facilities, shipping
terminals, and an Internet primer that helps businesses get online.
"Bell Atlantic Yellow Pages works intimately with small businesses on a
variety of levels and is pleased to sponsor informative seminars for the
communities we serve," said Mary Jo Howe, vice president of marketing
and customer care, Bell Atlantic Yellow Pages.

Bell Atlantic is the world's largest publisher of Yellow Pages shopping
directories. Its affiliate, Bell Atlantic Electronic Commerce Services, is the
creator of BigYellow®, a leading national online shopping service.

Bell Atlantic is at the forefront of the new communications and
information industry. With 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 and market leaders
in wireless services. Bell Atlantic companies are also among the world's
largest investors in high-growth global communications markets, with
operations and investments in 23 countries.