CIBC and *SpongeBob SquarePants™ to celebrate the grand opening of new
six-day Airdrie branch

Guests can enter to win a Sony Bravia 46" LCD HDTV or a $1,000 GIC; $5,000 donation to the Airdrie Public Library to mark the occasion

AIRDRIE, AB, Sept. 24 /CNW/ - Tomorrow, Saturday, September 25^th, CIBC will celebrate the grand opening of its new six-day, 5,000 square-foot banking centre on Main Street just south of Centre Avenue in downtown Airdrie. To mark the occasion, CIBC will present a $5,000 donation to the Airdrie Public Library.

Kids at the event can have their photo taken with *SpongeBob SquarePants™ from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. while families can enjoy fun activities, including live entertainment by Katie Rox, a face painter, a clown and carnival games and prizes as well as a barbecue, snacks and refreshments. Guests can also enter to win great prizes like a Sony Bravia 46" LCD HDTV or a $1,000 GIC.

"We at CIBC are delighted to celebrate our investment in Airdrie's long-term growth and to provide our clients in the community with an exceptional banking experience," said Mike Stevenson, CIBC's Senior Vice-President of Retail Markets for Western Canada. "This new branch offers the convenience of six-day banking and evening hours, allowing our clients to do their banking and get the financial advice they need when it suits their schedules." 

The branch hours of operation are:

Monday - Wednesday:	9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday - Friday:	9:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday:	9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The new branch will feature large, modern, barrier-free banking facilities, including a sit-down teller station and two Automated Banking Machines (ABMs) installed at wheelchair accessible height with headphone jacks for audio access; grab bars for mobility assistance; and brighter lighting, plus a drive-thru ABM for added convenience.

CIBC has one of the largest branch networks in Canada and clients also benefit from access to more than 3,800 automated bank machines, and 24/7 service by phone, online and through mobile banking.

CIBC's $5,000 donation to the Airdrie Public Library will help provide support programs for young people at the library including a state-of-the-art video conferencing program, help fund improvements to the library's PA system and provide users with access to the library's online catalogue and e-resources via iPad™ technology.

"As a gathering place for the community where everyone is welcome regardless of age, race or social-economic status, we are grateful to CIBC for this wonderful donation and welcome them to the neighbourhood," said Janine Jevne, Director, Airdrie Public Library. "CIBC's support for our youth programming and video conferencing technology will help us to bring other cultures and new experiences to Airdrie's young people."

CIBC (CM: TSX;NYSE) 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, and has offices 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.

*Costumed character ©2010 Viacom International Inc.

For further information:

Media contact: Rod Cumming, Senior Director, Retail Markets & Wealth Management Communications, 416-304-5567 or [email protected].