Motivational Coach Willie Jolley Gives Hopes to D.C. Workers

Motivational Coach Willie Jolley Gives Hopes to D.C. Workers

Bell Atlantic Provides $20,000 to Underwrite Effort

January 30, 1998

WASHINGTON -- It only takes a minute to change your life, according
to motivational coach Willie Jolley, who will try to change the lives
of D.C. Government employees.

Bell Atlantic is underwriting a series of six "celebration-motivation"
sessions, featuring Jolley, for approximately 30,000 D.C. Government
employees to thank them for withstanding constant change, challenges
and criticism, and to motivate them to make 1998 their most productive
year ever. The company has provided $20,000 to sponsor the
motivational sessions.

"D.C. Government employees are often faced with arduous issues," said
Marie C. Johns, vice president - External Affairs for Bell Atlantic -
Washington. "We felt we could make a difference by using our
resources to hearten their pride and spirit. Everybody needs a boost
now and then to remain invigorated, and we know Willie Jolley has the
passion and energy to do that."

The city held its first celebration-motivational event, featuring
Jolley, on Jan 29, at the Gallaudet University Kellogg Conference
Center, for 145 employees of the D.C. Office of Personnel. Other
sessions will follow for the Departments of Public Safety; Health,
Human Services and Recreation and Parks; Physical Infrastructure;
Economic Development; and Public Management and Financial Management.

"Wherever there is a crisis, there is always an opportunity," Jolley
said. "My goal is to move the District Government, and indeed the
city as a whole, from the despair and demoralization caused by
criticism and cutbacks to a positive future that uses setbacks as
setups for comebacks."

Jolley, a Washington, D.C., native who began his career as a singer,
has been offering people ways to comeback for seven years. His book,
It Only Takes a Minute to Change Your Life, has inspired Bell Atlantic
employees and those working in corporations and government agencies
across the country.

"I'm excited about the sessions because the D.C. Government and its
employees are excited," Johns said. "This is a win-win for everyone,
and I'm grateful to Willie Jolley for having the drive, talent and
vitality to make these sessions successful."

Bell Atlantic - formed through the merger of Bell Atlantic and NYNEX -
is at the forefront of the new communications, information and
entertainment industry. With 40.5 million telephone access lines and
six 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 21 countries.