Western-Star.com

The Mason Check n' Go operation is on the go.

The payday lending firm CNG Financial Corp. plans to move its corporate headquarters from its current location on Financial Way to a business park under construction in Kenwood.

According to spokesman John Rabenold, about 200 employees will be moving to the smaller location in Kenwood next summer. The company's lease is up in Mason, and he said they don't need all the space they currently have because they have eliminated some staff and plan to make some more reductions in force.

When asked if the company was in trouble, Rabenold said no. "These are more strategic moves," he said. "I don't think we're in trouble, but it is a very competitive business world out there so we're always trying to find cost savings."

The Kenwood location is more centrally located for Check n' Go employees, many of whom live in Cincinnati and find the traffic and the distance to Mason inconvenient, Rabenold said. Plus, by moving to Sycamore Twp., the staff will actually realize a 1-percent raise since they won't have to pay the 1-percent income tax to Mason anymore.

Mason City Manager Eric Hansen said the city hates to see any business leave, "But we are confident we'll be able to bring a similarly situated employer in."

The payday lender operates 1,450 Check 'n Go stores in 34 states and Washington, D.C.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4525 or dcallahan@coxohio.com.