News Releases

SASKATOON, January 15, 2009 – BMO Financial Group is introducing BMO Power of Blue, a new customer rewards program, to the BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships taking place at the CUC in Saskatoon from January 14 to January 18.

“It's exciting to have the BMO Power of Blue program in Saskatoon at the BMO Canadian Championships since it aligns with the Bank's goal of delivering an exceptional customer experience and ensuring the customer is at the centre of BMO activities,” said Ken Segboer, Vice President, Saskatchewan District, BMO Bank of Montreal.

The unique and unexpected perks and privileges for BMO customers include:

• 200 BMO Power of Blue VIP parking spots close to the arena entrance, exclusively for BMO customers who flash their BMO debit cards or BMO MasterCard.
• BMO customers greeted on the “blue carpet” at the special BMO VIP arena entrance.
• Many chances to win great prizes when customers pay for merchandise at the Skate Canada Boutique with a BMO MasterCard. Prizes include $500 in cash, a 2009 BMO Canadians pin or a personalized autographed card sent to them by a National Skate Canada Team member.

More information on the random draw contests is available at the Skate Canada Boutique and at the BMO Fan Centre in the arena.

“In looking at our sponsorships we wanted to stretch ourselves beyond brand awareness and find ways to engage our customers with real and meaningful benefits,” said Sandy Bourne, Vice President Advertising, Corporate Sponsorship & Events, BMO Financial Group. “The key was to enhance their event experience and create unexpected, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.”

BMO's premier sponsorship property - Skate Canada - will receive the BMO Power of Blue treatment starting with the BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships in Saskatoon and continuing throughout the year with other skating events across Canada.

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