Who is Bonnie? A long time friend of the Chamber

Bonnie Metz, Director of State Government Affairs for Verizon. It’s hard to believe for Bonnie that she has been at Verizon for almost 19 years. Bonnie enjoys spending time attending her 14-year-old twins’ sporting events and cooking. Bonnie has spent more time cooking these days than attending sporting events.  

Verizon has been a long time Chamber member before Bonnie began her career at Verizon. Their membership dates to the Chamber’s inception or soon after, when they were known as Diamond State Telephone Company. 

Verizon is celebrating its 20th year as one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information, and entertainment products and services. They offer voice, data, and video services and solutions on our award winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security, and control.  

Verizon has committed to becoming fully carbon neutral in its operations by 2035. And were the first US telecom company to issue a green bond in 2019, which raised almost $1 billion in net proceeds for renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, sustainable water management, and biodiversity and conservation. Verizon recently announced the next $1 billion green bond offering for which the lead underwriters will be minority and women-owned firms.  

Bonnie is incredibly proud of all that Verizon has done to support our employees, customers, and community throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Verizon has pivoted in record time to work-at-home for our employees. They kept Americans connected by not terminating service or charging late fees and removing wireless data caps. Verizon also donated over $55 million to support our communities and essential workers. Because of their efforts, Verizon was #1 in Forbes Corporate Responders ranking during Covid-19.  

At Verizon, they are focused on preparing students for future tech careers and, more recently, on those impacted by COVID. They have partnered with numerous organizations throughout the State to achieve these goals, including DSU on a STEM program focused on minority male students in middle school; the Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education to support its Equity in STEM program; Girls Scouts, Boys, and Girls Clubs and PAL on in school and after-school STEM programs; the Forum for the Advancement of Minorities in Engineering; and the Inner City Cultural League to purchase 3D printers that were used to make masks for healthcare, public safety, and other essential workers during COVID.  

Because of Bonnie’s role in Government Relations for Verizon, she takes advantage of the Legislative Committee at the Chamber. Like other members, Verizon saw and continues to see the value in connecting with other businesses to advance collective interests and drive economic development in the County. Bonnie’s advice to members is to “take advantage of all the things this great Chamber has to offer!” 

We thank Bonnie and Verizon for all their hard work and dedication to our community!   

To learn more information about Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.