Fulton County, Ga., School System Names Verizon Business Prestigious Partner for 2007

ATLANTA - The Fulton County School System has recognized Verizon Business with its 2007 Prestigious Partnership Award.

The honor recognizes partners that have made the greatest impact among the district's 93 schools by providing financial or academic support or donating time or materials. Verizon Business was one of 11 business partners receiving the annual award at a luncheon here Friday (Oct. 19).

Verizon Business and its Alpharetta-based Community Investment Team were recognized for their support of the Mimosa Elementary School. The company's relationship with the school began in 2005 and was expanded in 2006.

"Mimosa is honored to have Verizon Business as a partner and a valued member of our school community," said Cheryl J. Williams, principal of Mimosa Elementary. "From providing additional learning experiences in the way of cultural field trips to supplying volunteers for one-to-one tutoring for children, they continue to help us find meaningful ways to make a real difference in the lives of children."

Company and employee support included providing weekly tutoring; funding and chaperoning a field trip to see "The Nutcracker" ballet in Atlanta; providing the Mimosa media center with a $2,000 grant for a "smart board" to enhance classroom learning; donating more than 400 books for at-home reading; and donating 800 snack packs for the students during standardized testing.

"The relationship with Mimosa has been fulfilling for our employee volunteers, and we salute them for their dedication and leadership," said Terri Dean, senior vice president of global communications for Verizon Business. "Community investment is more than a phrase to Verizon Business. Education is critical to the health of our communities, our economy and our company."

About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), is a leading provider of advanced communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large business and government customers worldwide. Combining unsurpassed global network reach with advanced communications, security and other professional service capabilities, Verizon Business delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world. For more information, visit www.verizonbusiness.com.

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