Celebrating 50 years of service in Smithers with a $5,000 donation to
    Bulkley Valley District Hospital

    SMITHERS, BC, May 29 /CNW/ - Today, CIBC is celebrating the grand opening
of its new 4,500 square-foot full-service branch at 3836 4th Avenue. The new
larger branch replaces CIBC's previous location at 1222 Main Street and will
incorporate the CIBC advisory team previously located at 1164 Main Street.
This year, CIBC is also celebrating 50 years of service in Smithers.
    "Our new branch provides CIBC clients in Smithers with a larger, modern,
full-service facility where they can access our full range of products and
advisory services," said Wendy Slavin, Senior Vice President of Western
Canada, CIBC Retail Markets. "CIBC is making a significant investment in this
vibrant community to provide clients with greater flexibility, access and
choice."
    The branch is fully accessible and features two Automated Banking
Machines (ABMs), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering a
convenient banking option for the community. One of these ABMs is at
wheelchair accessible height with headphone jacks for audio access. It also
has grab bars for persons with mobility impairments and improved lighting to
assist seniors and partially-sighted clients.
    The branch's architectural style compliments the Alpine theme of the
downtown area, featuring natural stone and solid timbers.The hours of operation are:

        Monday - Thursday: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
        Friday: 9:30 am - 5:00 pmThe branch is part of CIBC's strategic plan to build, relocate and expand
over 70 branches across Canada by 2011.
    CIBC clients have access to one of the largest physical distribution
networks of branches and ABMs in Canada. Its current branch network of
1,049 full service branches, combined with these new locations, ensures a
strong presence where clients live, work and shop.
    CIBC clients also benefit from access to more than 3,700 automated bank
machines, 24/7 service over the phone and on Canada's leading online banking
site, www.cibc.com.
    It was in November 1958 when the Canadian Bank of Commerce opened the
original branch on Main Street. Three years later, the Canadian Bank of
Commerce merged with the Imperial Bank of Canada to create the Canadian
Imperial Bank of Commerce. From those early beginnings, CIBC has forged a
strong history of meeting the financial needs of clients here in Smithers.
    To mark the opening and the 50th anniversary, CIBC is donating $5,000 to
the Bulkley Valley District Hospital's Operation Keyhole capital campaign
towards equipment to further enhance endoscopy services. This additional
equipment will provide timely access to all types of endoscopy procedures,
including colorectal cancer screening. The hospital has an excellent
reputation for providing quality health care to Smithers residents and
neighbouring communities.
    "This generous donation will bring improvements to our endoscopy services
for our hospital surgical programs," said Cormac Hikisch, Health Administrator
for Northern Health. "Our dedicated surgeons and staff perform over
1,400 surgical procedures per year, over 70% of which rely on this
state-of-the art endoscopy equipment. The funds will allow us to better
address the needs of patients locally by maintaining services closer to home,
and will enhance the program and improve patient care."

    CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with nearly
11 million personal banking and business clients. 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.