CIBC "Spirit of Leadership" Community Award Program

Giving back to the communities in which we do business is an important part of the CIBC culture. The CIBC "Spirit of Leadership" Community Award program recognizes and celebrates our Commercial Banking clients' efforts to give back to the communities in which they do business. Each year, the CIBC "Spirit of Leadership" Community Awards are presented to CIBC Commercial Banking clients that demonstrate unique corporate giving and community spirit initiatives.

An adjudication panel of community and business leaders determines the CIBC "Spirit of Leadership" Community award nominees and award recipients. Client initiatives from across the country are evaluated on their integration into their corporate culture, the overall employee engagement and the impact to the nonprofit or charitable organization.

CIBC Commercial Banking is proud to partner with the recipients and nominees of the 2006 CIBC "Spirit of Leadership" Community Award program:

$20,000 Donation Recipient - Spruceland Millworks Inc.

Spruceland Millworks, an Alberta-based softwood lumber manufacturer has been awarded $20,000 for their international charitable activities through the Ben Sawatzky Foundation. Through the leadership of the company founder, Ben Sawatzky, over $10 million has been spent on charitable activities in the last 10 years. Most of the staff of 180 employees participates in monthly payroll deductions to the Foundation, which are then matched by the company. Spruceland Millwork's unassuming approach to giving back has not only led to the construction and sponsorship of homes for orphans in Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uganda and Kenya, it has instilled an incredible sense of pride and a spirit of giving among staff.

$8,000 Donation Recipient - Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP

Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP has been awarded $8,000 for their comprehensive approach to giving back to the communities in which they do business. Leveraging their geographic reach and large national organization, Gowlings has created an extremely comprehensive and well-orchestrated giving program that is continuing to grow.

$5,000 Donation Recipient - Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP has been awarded $5,000 for their numerous corporate giving initiatives across Canada. The "Spirit of Leadership" award donation will be used to enhance their annual Volunteers of Distinction Award program, whereby Blake employees are recognized for their community service and charitable work through a donation to their charity of choice.

$5,000 Donation Recipient - Running Room Ltd.

Running Room has been awarded $5,000 for their commitment to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for The Cure. By leveraging their store locations, employee spirit and new product introductions, Running Room continues to take on a national leadership role with a contagious entrepreneurial spirit.

This year, there are 11 finalist nominee award recipients who will also receive a $1,000 donation toward their charity initiatives. In alphabetical order by company, the 2006 finalist nominees are:

For more information about the CIBC "Spirit of Leadership" Community Award program, please contact your CIBC Commercial Banking Relationship Manager.