American Express Selects From Top 50 Project Ideas Submitted for 'The Members Project'

American Express today picked from the top 50 project ideas selected as semi-finalists for The Members Project, the unique online initiative that brought American Express(R) Cardmembers together to submit, discuss and rate ideas to make a positive impact in the world.

Cardmembers from across the country and The Members Project Advisory Panel of thought-leaders helped determine the top 50 project ideas from the thousands that were submitted. Project ideas ranged from local community-based projects throughout the United States to international aid projects in Africa and Asia.

In the next phase of The Members Project, American Express is calling for Cardmembers to register and vote for their favorite project ideas to support the list of ideas about which Cardmembers are most passionate. For every Cardmember that registers, American Express will contribute $1 toward the winning idea. American Express has committed at least $1 million and up to $5 million to bring the winning idea to life.

"Our Cardmembers are passionate about making a difference, expressing their ideas and supporting causes that are important to them, which was clear from the more than 7,000 project ideas submitted to The Members Project," said Jud Linville, president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Consumer Business, American Express. "We are encouraging all Cardmembers to make their voices heard by voting for the idea they want American Express to make a reality -- the power is in their hands."

Areas selected include "Children's Safe Drinking Water." The Project is designed to provide safe water to communities in India, Africa and impoverished areas worldwide.

American Express worked with an Advisory Panel of renowned thought-leaders in a variety of fields to review the top-rated projects, as rated by the Cardmembers, and select the top 50 project ideas. Based on popular Cardmember vote, the winning idea will be announced on August 7 and Cardmembers can register on http://www.membersproject.com through August 5.

Advisory Panelists include: -- Geoff Canada - President and CEO, Harlem Children's Zone -- Ellen DeGeneres - Comedian and Talk Show Host -- Dr. Jane Goodall - Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace -- Dr. Sanjay Gupta - CNN Chief Medical Correspondent and Neurosurgeon -- Rosabeth Moss Kanter - Harvard Business School Professor -- Dr. Michael Lomax - President and CEO, United Negro College Fund -- Wynton Marsalis - Artistic Director, Jazz at Lincoln Center -- Gabrielle Reece - Professional Volleyball Player and Sports/Fitness Expert.

The Members Project, which is a part of American Express' new brand campaign, "Are You a Cardmember?", highlights the value of being part of the American Express Cardmember community.