This is not a paid announcement. Thought some of the rest y'all might be interested if your company (like many) requires you to use a Corporate Amex versus your personal card.

(4/13/99)
American Express Corporate Services yesterday unveiled the Corporate Platinum Card for executives at large and mid-sized companies, offering an elite group of the nation's business travelers a package of premium services and upgrades. At the same time, the new card improves companies' ability to capture a complete picture of travel and entertainment spending data.

"The Corporate Platinum Card is designed for America's most demanding business travelers," said Ed Gilligan, President, American Express Corporate Services. "The benefits and services increase travelers' convenience and comfort, and they provide an expanded level of protection needed for traveling around the world."

"Our executives, some of whom have preferred to use their personal American Express Platinum Cards to charge business T&E, can now access many of the same benefits and services with the Corporate Platinum Card," said Beth Castleberry, Director of Shared Travel Services for Dun & Bradstreet Corp. and IMS HEALTH, which participated in a pilot program. "That's a real boost for our Travel management program because I wind up with more complete spending information. And that's a good thing to have whenever I sit down with travel companies at the negotiating table."

Executives can apply for the Corporate Platinum Card through their companies' travel managers and Corporate Card program administrators. The annual fee for the card is $300. If a Corporate Platinum Card member used each benefit just once, the total value of the services, if purchased separately, would be more than $5,000.

Premium Travel Perks Services for Cardmembers

The American Express Corporate Platinum Card offers the following features:


Concierge Services -- A team of personal consultants for assistant with special requests and business activities while on the road or at the office.

The International Airline Program -- For Cardmembers traveling overseas who have booked a full-fare first class or business class ticket on participating airlines, IAP provides a complimentary companion ticket with the same itinerary. (Companion tickets may not be used for business travel.)
Fine Hotels, Resorts & Spas Program -- Offers a complimentary room upgrade, continental breakfast, guaranteed late checkout and one additional amenity at over 300 participating luxury hotels worldwide.


Fine Dining Program -- Provides assistance in making guaranteed reservations at more than 200 of the most popular restaurants in the U.S. and Canada.

American Express Membership Rewards(R) Program -- Fee-free enrollment, based on company participation in the program.

Airport Club Access -- Complimentary admission to the airport lounges of Northwest Airlines, Continental Airlines and TWA,

Car Rental Programs -- Enrollment in the premium rental programs of Hertz, National, Budget and Avis.

American Express has created dedicated teams of highly trained customer service representatives to meet the needs of Corporate Platinum Card members, via toll-free lines. A special desk handles reservations for the International Airline Program and Fine Hotels, Resorts & Spas Program. In addition, Cardmembers have access to the expert staff of The Concierge Services desk for special requests.
Greater Peace of Mind

The American Express Corporate Platinum Card offers expanded protection for travelers while they're on the road, with the following benefits:


Business Travel Accident Insurance*: $500,000 coverage when common carrier tickets, such as a scheduled airline, boat, train, bus, airport limousine or scheduled helicopter, are charged to the Corporate Platinum Card. Coverage is 24-hour and door-to-door, beginning from the time Cardmembers leave for the airport or purchase their tickets (whichever is later), and continues until their return.

Travel Emergency Assistance: Emergency medical assistance around the world, including referrals to English-speaking medical and legal professionals. When necessary, the service even provides for emergency evacuation, at no cost to the Cardmember.

Since November 1997, more than 75 companies have enrolled 500 executives in a pilot program for the new Corporate Platinum Card. Cardmembers surveyed during the pilot identified the International Airline Program and free enrollment in Membership Rewards as the most beneficial features of the new Corporate Platinum Card.

Cheers,

'toad