Chicago News Conference: Internet Powerhouse Andy Martin to call for the ouster of American Express management Tuesday
Andy Martin and American express face off, again, in an Illinois court Tuesday. A federal judge clears the way for an American Express default in consumer controversy. Martin charges that American Express is being destroyed by chief executive Kenneth Chenault.
ANDY MARTIN
Executive Editor
ContrarianCommentary.com
“Factually Correct, Not
Politically Correct”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEWS CONFERENCE:
INTERNET POWERHOUSE ANDY MARTIN TO CALL FOR THE OUSTER OF AMEX MANAGEMENT TUESDAY
(NEW YORK)(March 16, 2009) When credit card “Goliath” American Express took on consumer activist “David” Andy Martin, in response to Martin’s reaction to a boorish AmEx customer service employee in Phoenix, AmEx lawyers probably expected to trounce the Illinois consumer champion. They didn’t realize until much later they were tangling with the aggressive “Internet Powerhouse” who is committed to consumer protection.
What began as a dispute over a $20 bill is costing American Express tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and million in lost goodwill. The $20 controversy continues, and continues to grow in scope and intensity.
Friday the 13th a federal judge in Chicago cleared the way for Martin to seek a default ruling from an Illinois state court in the Martin/AmEx dispute.
“This is the most amazing corporate public relations disaster that one can imagine,” Martin stated in announcing a Chicago news conference where he will call for the ouster of AmEx management. “Some jerk working at AmEx Phoenix called and abused me over an alleged $20 past due bill. Instead of being polite to a customer with a substantial history with AmEx, AmEx’s employee became abusive. He then retaliated against me. Big mistake.
“We have now been back and forth in federal court and state courts and we are heading shortly for the Federal Reserve Board now that AmEx is a bank holding company.
“Why would any company abuse its customers this way? In an editorial column later today, I believe I will provide the answer: Kenneth Chenault has destroyed American Express. Chenault and his management team should be removed. Any bunch of corporate employees who take on a battle with a substantial customer over $20, and then get needlessly embroiled in federal and state courts, spending tens of thousands of dollars with Jack Abramoff’s corrupt law firm, is mismanaging the company’s and the shareholders’ business.
“American express has also been devastated by media reports that it is paying is customers to ‘go away.’ What kind of a business is that? ‘I’m from American Express customer service, and I’m here to ask you to get lost.’ AmEx is on the verge of becoming a laughingstock. Maybe they should merge with AIG.
“It is time for Kenneth Chenault to be removed by either the AmEx board, or by the shareholders.
“Tuesday I will ask the state court judge to enter a default. Most likely, he will give AmEx more time. AmEx’s besieged lawyers have filed the same motion over and over again three times.
“I am fighting for consumer justice, and for fair treatment for AmEx customers,” Martin states.
The dispute, as well as other customer complaints that Martin is collecting, can be followed at:
http://boycottamericanexpress.blogspot.com/
http://boycotttheplumcard.blogspot.com/
NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO:
Internet Powerhouse and Author/Editor/Columnist Andy Martin
WHAT:
Andy Martin calls for the ouster of Kenneth Chenault and the American Express management team
WHERE:
Southeast corner of Huron and Wabash Streets, Chicago
WHEN: Tuesday, March 17, 2009; 2:00 P. M.
MEDIA CONTACT: (866) 706-2639; CELL (917) 664-9329
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Andy Martin is a legendary Chicago muckraker, author, Internet columnist, radio talk show host, broadcaster and media critic. He has over forty years of broadcasting experience in radio and television and is the dean of Illinois media and communications. He is currently promoting his best-selling book, Obama: The Man Behind The Mask. Andy is the Executive Editor and publisher of www.ContrarianCommentary.com.
Martin comments on regional, national and world events with over four decades of experience. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law and is a former adjunct professor of law at the City University of New York. He is an announced candidate for Barack Obama’s former U. S. Senate seat in 2010, www.AndyforUSSenator.com.
His columns are also posted at ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com.
Updates: www.twitter.com/AndyMartinUSA
MEDIA CONTACT: (866) 706-2639 or CELL (917) 664-9329 (not always on)
E-MAIL: AndyMart20@aol.com [NOTE: We frequently correct typographical errors and additions/subtractions on our blogs, where you can find the latest edition of this release.]
© Copyright by Andy Martin 2009.
