New business initiatives targeting diverse client groups and major
    cultural sponsorships underpin CIBC's month-long celebration of employee
    diversity

    TORONTO, June 1 /CNW/ - CIBC today kicked-off its 15th annual employee
Diversity Month celebration with the recognition that its employees' diversity
and deep community ties have played a significant role in its business success
throughout its 140 year history.
    CIBC is committed to creating a fair and inclusive workplace where
diversity is recognized and respected every day. In support of this
commitment, each June CIBC employees celebrate diversity and the individual
differences each employee brings to the workplace.
    "We are proud to celebrate a diverse and inclusive workforce," said Gerry
McCaughey, President and CEO of CIBC. "Focusing on diversity and equal
employment opportunities for all employees allows CIBC to continue to build a
workforce that is representative of the clients we serve and the communities
in which we live."
    This year's CIBC Diversity Month celebrations tie in to a number of CIBC
client and community initiatives that focus on diversity and culture, as well
as a celebration of the bank's 140th anniversary.
    Reflecting the important role that a diverse employee base plays in
providing financial services to clients, CIBC continues to enhance its long-
standing commitment to serve clients from diverse backgrounds with the
introduction of a number of new banking initiatives directed at new Canadians.
    New initiatives being introduced by CIBC in June include an information
website for newcomers to Canada, expanding language capability signage at
targeted branches, and enhanced accessibility to lending products for new
Canadians.
    Additionally, CIBC is major sponsor of Luminato, Toronto's 10 day arts
and creative festival, as well being the Inaugural Season Sponsor of the
Michael Lee-Chin Crystal at the Royal Ontario Museum, both of which begin on
June 1st.

    CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with more than
11 million personal banking and business customers. CIBC offers a full range
of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network,
branches and offices across Canada, in the United States and around the world.
You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Press
Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.