Ohio-Based Greeting Card Co. Considering Move To Chicago Area

CHICAGO (STMW) - Ohio-based American Greetings is considering the Chicago area as one of the sites it may move its 2,000-employee corporate headquarters, the comapny announced on Friday.

No decision has been made to relocate the headquarters, which is now in Brooklyn, Ohio, a release Friday from the company said. The existing American Greetings location is one of the seven sites under consideration.

"We are an evolving company in a changing industry, and we must adapt our headquarters building - whether it remains in Brooklyn or is relocated - to most efficiently accommodate us today and in the future," Brian McGrath, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, said. "Competitive businesses that wish to remain successful must adjust and position themselves for the future, and that's what American Greetings is doing by conducting an exhaustive examination of our workplace needs."

McGrath said that the review continues but significant progress has been made. The company says numerous factors are being considered including operating costs associated with a new or renovated facility, costs associated with any move or relocation, employee recruitment considerations and the enhancement of the company's creative environment and culture.

"Whether we upgrade our existing facility or relocate, American Greetings looks forward to providing a stimulating environment designed to inspire and encourage creative thinking," McGrath said."The company's continued success depends in large part upon the ability to keep and attract high-skilled, creative talent. Improving our office space will help us in recruitment efforts."

The company says more information and analysis is needed on each of the locations to determine which will be the most viable for American Greetings' economic future and competitiveness.

American Greetings considered more than 15 sites in Ohio and sites in three other states, and has narrowed the list to seven, the release said, including two in greater Chicago.

"These sites are all different and they each offer unique characteristics that we find appealing, but there is more work that needs to be completed before we can decide which site will be in the long-term best interests of this company,"
McGrath said.

American Greetings has hired real estate, finance and architecture experts to assist with the site assessments.

McGrath said the company hopes to make a decision by, or close to, the end of February 2011 - which marks the conclusion of American Greetings' fiscal year.

American Greetings, a Fortune 1,000 company, has a local annual payroll of more than $150 million.

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