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| Thu, Nov. 20, 2008 |  |
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Alltel CEO sees strong Verizon presence in state for years Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008 By Jason Wiest Arkansas News Bureau LITTLE ROCK - Making what he said was likely his last public appearance as the CEO of Alltel Corp., Scott Ford said Tuesday he anticipated Verizon Wireless would have a strong presence in Arkansas for a number of years. Officials are working to maximize Verizon's presence in Alltel, including Verizon's chief operating officer, Jack Plating, who is a University of Arkansas graduate, Ford said. "He's kind of got a special - we're having good luck there, helping them (Verizon) get interested in other things that could be done for them in and around this community and in and around this state," Ford said. The sale to Verizon is on track to close by year's end, Ford said. Since the deal's announcement June 5, Verizon has acted honorably and treated Alltel employees well, he said. "We've got several announcements coming out over the next couple of days within Alltel where the people are going to be able to see just how true that is," he said in a speech to the Little Rock Rotary Club. Ford praised Alltel employees for continuing to perform well in their jobs despite the anguish and disruption the deal has caused. "In spite of the fact that we have not yet announced an incentive plan to get people to stay above and beyond what they're currently signed up for," most employees have expressed a commitment to the company through closing, Ford said. Ford acknowledged losing Alltel would be difficult for the community, but also told those who were hoping the deal would not go through to "get over it." "If you're going to do this ... I couldn't be more pleased with the way it's worked out," Ford said about selling the company. He said the community will experience a negative impact of the Alltel sale in seasons. "It will impact people's lives; people with mortgages, people whose children are in school, people will have to uproot, people will move, people will have to change jobs," Ford said. "All of that is a reality, and all of that is a burden that you will experience, but that I bear," Ford said. |
