Discover® Opens Shine Bright Community Center in Whitehall, Ohio

Rhea-AI Summary

Discover has opened its Shine Bright Community Center in Whitehall, Ohio, marking a significant investment in the local community. The dual-purpose facility includes a Customer Care Center and offers free use for community organizations. With an investment exceeding $16 million in construction, training, and hiring, this facility highlights Discover's commitment to creating opportunities and driving positive change.

The center is the second dual-purpose facility Discover has opened in the last three years, following a similar model in Chicago's South Side. Nearly $6 million or 45% of the construction costs were spent on minority and women-owned businesses. The Whitehall location connects Discover to a talented and diverse pool of candidates, bringing high-quality jobs and contributing to economic growth in the Columbus region.

Dual Purpose Facility Offers Free Use for Community Organizations; Customer Care Center Will Connect Discover with Local Talent

WHITEHALL, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Discover was joined by federal, state and local leaders in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception celebrating the grand opening of its Shine Bright Community Center in Whitehall, marking a significant investment in the local community and the broader Columbus region. Combined with its Customer Care Center, which employees began working at in early June, the new facility reinforces Discover’s commitment to supporting local communities and enhancing equity.

Michael T. Bivens, Mayor of Whitehall, expressed his enthusiasm for the new facility, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Discover’s newest center to Whitehall. This investment not only brings valuable jobs to our community but also provides a gathering place for local non-profit organizations working to enhance the lives of our vibrant community. We look forward to the positive impact it will have on our residents and the surrounding area.”

The Shine Bright Community Center is dedicated to serving community-based organizations, offering them free access to its state-of-the-art facilities.

The Whitehall Customer Care Center and Shine Bright Community Center is the second dual purpose facility Discover has opened in the last three years. In 2022, Discover opened a similar facility in its hometown of Chicago, in the South Side community of Chatham. The success of their Chatham facility served as a blueprint for Whitehall.

The Whitehall location connects Discover to a talented and diverse pool of candidates in the area, with the company bringing high-quality jobs and further contributing to economic growth in the Columbus region. With an investment exceeding $16 million in construction, training, and hiring, this facility highlights the company’s dedication to creating opportunities and driving positive change. Nearly $6 million or 45 percent of the construction costs were spent on minority and women owned businesses.

“Today’s opening is a testament to our long-standing commitment to the Columbus area,” said Dan Capozzi, President Consumer Banking at Discover. “It is critical that we bring jobs to communities where they are most needed, and our new Whitehall facility is an opportunity to drive lasting change in the community, as well as provide a space where local organizations can thrive.”

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty also applauded the initiative, saying, "Discover's new customer care facility in Whitehall will support the community and drive economic growth in Central Ohio by creating new jobs and providing vital resources to local organizations. I commend Discover for investing in Whitehall and tapping into the diverse talent our community has to offer."

Headquartered in the Chicago area, Discover has maintained a presence in the Columbus region since its founding. The company has consistently focused on initiatives that provide community support and inclusivity, aligning with its mission to help individuals achieve a brighter financial future.

About Discover

Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a digital banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover® card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers personal loans, home loans, checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit through its banking business. It operates the Discover Global Network® comprised of Discover Network, with millions of merchants and cash access locations; PULSE®, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International®, a global payments network with acceptance around the world. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240722362013/en/

Matthew Towson

Public Relations

224-405-5649

matthewtowson@discover.com

Source: Discover Financial Services

FAQ

What is the purpose of Discover's Shine Bright Community Center in Whitehall, Ohio?

The Shine Bright Community Center serves dual purposes: it offers free use of state-of-the-art facilities for community-based organizations and houses a Customer Care Center, connecting Discover with local talent and bringing high-quality jobs to the area.

How much did Discover (DFS) invest in the Whitehall, Ohio facility?

Discover invested over $16 million in construction, training, and hiring for the Whitehall, Ohio facility, with nearly $6 million (45%) of construction costs spent on minority and women-owned businesses.

When did employees start working at Discover's Whitehall Customer Care Center?

Employees began working at Discover's Whitehall Customer Care Center in early June 2023, prior to the grand opening celebration.

How does the Whitehall facility compare to other Discover locations?

The Whitehall facility is Discover's second dual-purpose center, following a similar model opened in Chicago's South Side community of Chatham in 2022. It combines a community center with a customer care center.

What impact is Discover's new center expected to have on the Whitehall community?

The center is expected to drive economic growth, create new jobs, provide resources to local organizations, and tap into the diverse talent pool in the Whitehall area, contributing to lasting positive change in the community.