Tag Archives: BMO Bank of Montreal

BMO Applauds the Federal Government for Designating 2011 as ‘The Year of The Entrepreneur’

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TORONTO, January 27, 2011 – BMO Bank of Montreal today offered its strong support of the Federal Government’s decision to designate 2011 as the Year of the Entrepreneur. BMO encourages any new initiatives that will help unleash the Canadian entrepreneurial spirit and make it easier for small businesses to invest and create jobs.

“Looking ahead, we see the economy gaining strength after slowing recently, growing by a projected 2.7 per cent in 2011, as high commodity prices and an upturn in U.S. demand should bolster business confidence and investment, supporting small and medium-sized businesses,” said Sal Guatieri, Senior Economist, BMO Economics.

More than one million small businesses make-up the backbone of communities across Canada accounting for nearly 98 per cent of the total of all private businesses and over the last decade and creating more than one-third of all new private sector jobs.

“Entrepreneurs are the pioneers who push the boundaries of discovery, drive growth and innovation. During the most challenging days of the recession, these small business owners showed their resilience, kept their focus on their customers, and now they are the ones who are poised to grow and lead their companies through this emerging economic recovery,” said Gail Cocker, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking, BMO Bank of Montreal.

For news media enquiries:
Paul Cunliffe, Toronto, paul.cunliffe@bmo.com, (416) 867-3996
Laurie Grant, Vancouver, laurie.grant@bmo.com, (604) 665-7596
Ron Monet, Montreal, ronald.monet@bmo.com, (514) 877-1873

BMO Harris Private Banking Announces British Columbia Executive Appointments

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VANCOUVER, January 27, 2011 – BMO Harris Private Banking announced the appointment of Janine Guenther as Vice President & Managing Director for British Columbia. Diana Reid, who held the position since 2000, has moved to a national role as Vice President, National Managing Director and Head of Private Wealth Group and remains based in Vancouver.

Prior to joining BMO, Ms. Guenther was the regional head of a Canadian bank’s discretionary money management business for British Columbia.

“Both Diana and Janine bring significant expertise and leadership experience to their respective roles,” said Andrew Auerbach, Senior Vice President and Head of BMO Harris Private Banking. “Diana’s proven track record of success is reflected in our growth in British Columbia. Janine’s familiarity with the British Columbia market, coupled with her knowledge of the wealth management business, will build on our success and reinforces our commitment to providing optimal solutions to our clients and exceeding their needs.”

Ms. Guenther completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Manitoba, is a CFA Charterholder and has also completed the Chartered Market Technician program. She is also the President’s Council Representative for Canada to the Global Board of Governors for the CFA Institute.

Ms. Reid obtained her B.Sc. and L.L.B. from Dalhousie University. She has been an active member of the community and currently serves as a Governor of the B.C.’s Children’s Hospital Foundation.

BMO in British Columbia
Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified North American financial services organization. In British Columbia, BMO has more than 3,000 employees and serves customers from 118 BMO Bank of Montreal branches, six BMO Nesbitt Burns offices and six BMO Harris Private Banking locations.

BMO is an active corporate citizen in British Columbia. Recent major donations have been given to BC Children’s Hospital, the VGH Grandview Woodlands Health Centre in East Vancouver, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice in Abbotsford and the Arts Club Theatre Granville Island Stage renovation. The Bank also has title sponsor for several major community events such as the BMO Vancouver Marathon, the BMO Okanagan Marathon, the BMO Grouse Grind Run and BMO Family Day at the Surrey Children’s Festival.

BMO and its employees generously support the United Ways throughout the province and BC Children’s Hospital.

Media Contact:

Laurie Grant, Vancouver, laurie.grant@bmo.com, (604) 665-7596

BMO’s Gift to the Skate Canada Athlete Fund Tops $1.5 Million

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VICTORIA, January 26, 2011 – Diana Reid (right) Vice-President, National Managing Director & Head, Private Wealth Group, BMO Harris Private Banking presented a cheque on behalf of BMO Financial Group for $100,000 to the Skate Canada Athlete Fund at the 2011 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships in Victoria this past weekend. Over the last 15 years, BMO has donated a total of $1.5 million to provide young competitive skaters with financial support for training, education and travel. On hand for the presentation were William Thompson, CEO of Skate Canada (left) with Vanessa Crone and Paul Poirier, newly crowned Canadian ice dance champions.

For media enquiries:
Laurie Grant, BMO Financial Group, 604-665-7596, laurie.grant@bmo.com

Canadian Dollar to Stay Above Parity Through 2011, Says BMO Economics

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TORONTO, January 20, 2011 – The Canadian dollar flew above parity in the waning days of 2010, and is predicted to rise a few cents above the U.S. dollar by the end of 2011, according to Douglas Porter, Deputy Chief Economist, BMO Capital Markets.

“We believe that the Canadian dollar is likely to remain firm through 2011, with further gains still possible if commodity prices continue to forge ahead,” said Mr. Porter.

The strong dollar’s impact will vary across regions in Canada, and depending on the sector, will present some challenges and opportunities. Porter noted that manufacturing, tourism and some resource industries could face some difficulties as the loonie remains firm while utilities, broadcasters, sport teams and some retailers could benefit from a stronger currency.

“Parity with the U.S. dollar could represent a significant opportunity for Canadian entrepreneurs to enhance their productivity by upgrading or refreshing their equipment,” said Cathy Pin, Vice President, BMO Commercial Banking. “A strong Canadian dollar provides additional purchasing power when importing this equipment and purchasing supplies and inventory from the global market.”

For media enquiries:
Peter Scott, Toronto, PeterE.Scott@bmo.com, (416) 867-3996
Sarah Bensadoun, Montreal, sarah.bensadoun@bmo.com, (514) 877-8224
Laurie Grant, Vancouver, laurie.grant@bmo.com, (604) 665-7596