GREENSBORO, NC (January 19, 2011) – The following are comments from Greensboro Mayor Bill Knight regarding today’s announcement from American Express that it is closing its Greensboro service center.

“Earlier today, American Express announced plans to consolidate locations within its customer service network, including its service center in Greensboro. Estimates are the current workforce of approximately 1900 will undergo significant reductions but some operations will remain. As one of our oldest corporate citizens in the City of Greensboro, American Express has been a vital community partner. The company has served as an employer to many and a champion to civic efforts that have enhanced the region.

In this difficult global economic environment, we appreciate and respect their corporate decision making process but we in Greensboro do not see this as an end to our partnership with American Express nor as a detriment to economic development in the City of Greensboro and the greater Triad region.

In fact, plans for an American Express data center in eastern Guilford County already are well under way, representing an eventual investment of close to $1 billion. Greensboro also has many vibrant businesses, large and small in the City that continues to thrive. Our City remains an attractive location for companies and efforts continue on multiple fronts to make Greensboro a desirable location for businesses seeking to grow or relocate here.

I want to assure our business community and our citizens that we are continuing efforts to build our business base.”

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The City works with the community to improve the quality of life for residents through inclusion, diversity, and trust. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a professional staff of 2,800 employees who maintain the values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City is governed by a council-manager form of government with a mayor and eight council members. For more information on the City, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov or call 336-373-CITY (2489).