Discover Reaches Goal of 1,000 Active Jobs in the Chatham Area, Fulfilling 3-Year Commitment to Chicago’s South Side

Rhea-AI Summary

Discover has achieved its goal of creating 1,000 active jobs in Chicago's Chatham area, fulfilling a 3-year commitment to the city's South Side. Over 85% of these employees live within a five-mile radius of the Customer Care Center, which opened in April 2021. Nearly 500 employees have received promotions, showcasing Discover's dedication to internal advancement and local workforce development.

To celebrate this milestone, Discover hosted community events, including a donut giveaway with local shop Dat Donut and a Shine Bright Career and Community Day for local students. The company has made significant economic investments in Chatham, spending over $3 million with diverse local restaurants, $1 million with local vendors, and $8 million with Black-owned contractors. The Shine Bright Community Center has hosted over 900 events with 50,000 attendees and partnered with more than 350 nonprofit organizations.

Positive

• Achieved goal of 1,000 active jobs in Chatham area, fulfilling 3-year commitment
• 85% of hired employees reside within a five-mile radius of the center
• Nearly 500 employees received promotions in the past three years
• Spent over $3 million with diverse local restaurants
• Invested $1 million with local vendors for daily facility operations
• Spent $8 million with Black-owned contractors for construction projects
• Hosted over 900 events with 50,000 attendees at the Shine Bright Community Center
• Partnered with over 350 nonprofit organizations

Negative

• None.

Insights

Community Development Specialist

Discover's achievement of 1,000 active jobs in Chatham marks a significant milestone in corporate community investment. The 85% local hiring rate within a five-mile radius demonstrates a strong commitment to neighborhood economic development. With nearly 500 internal promotions, Discover is fostering career growth and upward mobility for local residents.

The $12 million investment in local businesses, including $3 million to diverse restaurants and $8 million to Black-owned contractors, showcases a holistic approach to community economic stimulation. The Shine Bright Community Center's hosting of 900+ events with 50,000+ attendees further solidifies Discover's role as a community anchor.

While this initiative is commendable, it's important to monitor long-term sustainability and the ripple effects on local businesses and property values. The true measure of success will be the lasting economic impact on Chatham and surrounding areas over the coming years.

Corporate Social Responsibility Analyst

Discover's fulfillment of its 1,000-job commitment in Chatham exemplifies a well-executed corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. By aligning business operations with community needs, Discover has created a model for impactful urban investment. The focus on local hiring and internal promotions addresses both unemployment and underemployment issues prevalent in many urban areas.

The company's engagement with 350+ nonprofit organizations and hosting of community events demonstrates a multifaceted approach to CSR that goes beyond mere job creation. This comprehensive strategy likely enhances Discover's brand reputation and could potentially lead to increased customer loyalty, especially among socially conscious consumers.

However, it's important to assess the long-term financial implications of this initiative on Discover's operations and shareholder value. Future reports should focus on employee retention rates, productivity metrics and any correlation with customer satisfaction or market share in the Chicago area.

Local Leaders and Residents Joined Events Celebrating Discover's Continued Investment in Chicago

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Discover^® announced today that it has reached 1,000 active jobs as of this fall in the Chatham area. This achievement is a realization of its investment in people and its ongoing commitment to Chatham and the greater South Side. Since the opening of the Discover Customer Care Center in April 2021, Discover pledged to support the Chatham community workforce. Today, more than 85% of the 1,000 employees Discover hired as part its pledge to the Chatham community reside within a five-mile radius of the center. Additionally, nearly 500 employees have received promotions in the past three years, demonstrating Discover's dedication to advancing people internally and upskilling the local workforce.

"This milestone is a testament to our commitment to the Chatham community and the promises we made," said Dan Capozzi, executive vice president and president of Consumer Banking at Discover. "When the goal was set, we knew it was ambitious, but the hard work of our team and the overwhelming support of the community helped us achieve our vision."

To celebrate the milestone, Discover hosted a series of community events during the week of October 14, highlighting its ongoing engagement with Chatham. The celebration kicked off with a donut giveaway in partnership with the local pastry shop, Dat Donut, located at 8251 S. Cottage Grove, offering 1,000 customers a complimentary signature orange-glazed or orange-sprinkled donut when they said the code "Shine Bright^®." In addition to enjoying delicious treats, attendees had the chance to take part in photo opportunities and access hiring information and resources.

Today, Discover hosted a Shine Bright Career and Community Day, bringing together community leaders and elementary school students from Chatham area schools for an interactive field trip. Students toured the Customer Care Center facility, where they heard from employees, learned about working at a corporate office, and shadowed leaders. The day concluded with a creative time capsule activity, which invited students to envision how they and their Chatham community will "shine bright" in the future.

"We couldn't have reached this achievement without the incredible support from the Chatham community," said April Williams-Luster, senior manager of community affairs. "It has truly been a collective partnership, and we’re excited to share this milestone with everyone who has played a role in this journey and continue our commitment to reinvesting on the South Side of Chicago."

Since its opening, the Discover Customer Care Center has significantly impacted the Chatham community through economic investment and community engagement. Discover spent more than $3 million with diverse local restaurants, $1 million with local vendors for daily facility operations, and $8 million with Black-owned contractors for construction projects, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Chatham's economy. The Shine Bright Community Center has also served as a hub for community activity, hosting more than 900 events that have drawn over 50,000 attendees since its opening. Additionally, through partnerships with over 350 nonprofit organizations, the center has become a key resource for fostering collaboration and growth within the community.

"Discover's promise to bring 1,000 jobs to Chatham is now a reality," said 6th Ward Alderman William Hall. "From day one, they’ve collaborated with the 6th Ward community partners, demonstrating how major corporations can make a huge impact by fostering local talent, improving infrastructure, and engaging key stakeholders throughout the process."

For more information about Discover’s commitment to Chicago and available job opportunities, please visit www.discover.com/careers.

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 https://www.discover.com/company.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241015409014/en/

Media Contact:

Matt Towson

Director, Public Relations

Discover

matthewtowson@discover.com

Source: Discover Financial Services

FAQ

How many jobs has Discover created in the Chatham area of Chicago?

Discover has created 1,000 active jobs in the Chatham area of Chicago, fulfilling its 3-year commitment to the city's South Side.

What percentage of Discover's Chatham employees live within a five-mile radius of the center?

Over 85% of the 1,000 employees Discover hired as part of its pledge to the Chatham community reside within a five-mile radius of the center.

How many Discover employees in Chatham have received promotions?

Nearly 500 employees have received promotions in the past three years, demonstrating Discover's commitment to internal advancement and upskilling the local workforce.

How much has Discover invested in local businesses in Chatham?

Discover has spent over $3 million with diverse local restaurants, $1 million with local vendors for daily facility operations, and $8 million with Black-owned contractors for construction projects.

How many events has the Shine Bright Community Center hosted since its opening?

The Shine Bright Community Center has hosted more than 900 events that have drawn over 50,000 attendees since its opening.