American Express Announces Exporting Program to Help Middle Market Companies Grow Globally

American Express (NYSE: AXP) today announced the launch of American Express Grow Global, a new program to help increase exporting among U.S. middle market businesses.

Middle market companies are defined as those generating between $10 million and $1 billion in revenues. According to U.S. Census data, mid-sized firms account for 29% of U.S. business revenues, but only 9% of the value of U.S. exports. And a recently released study by American Express and Dun & Bradstreet showed that middle market companies have been the engine of U.S. job creation since the Great Recession, accounting for 92% of all private sector jobs created since 2008.

“Exporting represents a $928 billion opportunity1 for U.S. mid-sized companies2 over the next 10 years, yet only 17% of middle market firms currently trade internationally3,” said Susan Sobbott, president, Global Corporate Payments, American Express. “The Grow Global program is designed to help demystify the complexities of exporting, and help companies seize the opportunities available by tapping into markets outside the U.S.”

Who Can Benefit?

The American Express Grow Global series is designed for companies who are considering exporting as a growth opportunity, as well as those who are already expanding their business into markets outside the U.S. The program includes free events, webinars and online resources that will help provide middle market presidents, CEOs, COOs and CFOs access to exporting officials and international buyers. It will also deliver insights from successful exporters and top industry experts who will provide mentoring and one-on-one meeting opportunities. Guides will help:

• Find profitable international clients,
• Avoid costly mistakes,
• Maximize opportunities,
• Navigate government and private resources,
• Leverage marketing and sales, and much more.

Online content will be available at American Express Business Trends and Insights: Growing Smart, which will host how-to guides, resources from governmental and other organizations, and upcoming Grow Global event details.

Following today’s launch, American Express will kick off the Grow Global program with two events in June in Atlanta and Chicago. In addition to the speeches and panels, attendees can participate in Global Connections, an opportunity to meet one-on-one with more than 25 industry representatives who will host more than 300 face-to-face meetings at each event.

Atlanta, GA
American Express Grow Global: Atlanta
The W Atlanta
45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30308
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
8:00am – 5:00pm
www.AmericanExpressGrowGlobal.com

Chicago, IL
American Express Grow Global: Chicago
The Peninsula Chicago
108 E Superior Street Chicago, IL 60611
Thursday, June 25, 2015
8:00am – 5:00pm
www.AmericanExpressGrowGlobal.com

For more information and middle market resources from American Express, visit: https://business.americanexpress.com/us/business-trends-and-insights/growing-smart

1 Capitol Economic Advisors research brief for American Express
2 Middle Market companies are defined as earning between $10 million and $1 billion in revenue
3 Middle Market Power Index

About American Express Global Corporate Payments

Through its Global Corporate Payments division, American Express offers a suite of B2B and T&E payment solutions that can help organizations streamline processes and identify opportunities to help drive savings and efficiency. American Express can help your organization improve working capital flexibility and your relationships with suppliers. For more information, visit https://business.americanexpress.com/us/

About American Express

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

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