Similar reception for Vancouver clients and guests on Friday, February 15

    TORONTO, Feb. 12 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX;NYSE) - Last evening, CIBC held
its 17th annual celebration in honour of Chinese New Year with a client
reception at the Asian Gallery of the Royal Ontario Museum.
    This year's reception, attended by several hundred guests and community
dignitaries, was hosted by CIBC President and Chief Executive Officer, Gerry
McCaughey. Special guests included dignitaries from The Consulate General of
the People's Republic of China, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office and
the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.
    "Chinese New Year is a significant event in the Chinese calendar and CIBC
is proud to play host to many of our valued clients and community leaders at
this annual reception," said Gerry McCaughey. "This year we are especially
proud to host our clients in the Asian Gallery of the ROM, as part of our
inaugural season sponsorship of the museum."
    A similar Chinese New Year reception for Vancouver clients and guests
will be held Friday, February 15th.
    Every year, CIBC helps more than half a million Chinese-Canadian clients
achieve what matters most to them. CIBC has more than 110 branches across
Canada with Cantonese and Mandarin speaking staff and in January, CIBC
introduced Chinese language capabilities on its network of 3800 automated
banking machines. Additionally, CIBC also offers a Chinese language website
and interactive voice response Telephone Banking access. Clients also benefit
from CIBC representative offices in Shanghai and Beijing, China, along with
offices in Hong Kong and Singapore.
    CIBC has supported many Chinese events and charitable organizations,
including the Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation, the Mon Sheong
Foundation, the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto and the Centre for
Information and Community Services.
    The 15-day celebration of Chinese New Year began on February 7th, 2008.
This year marks the Year of the Rat, a highly respected animal that is
considered courageous and enterprising.

    CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with almost
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.
For more information about CIBC visit www.cibc.com.