News Releases

ABBOTSFORD, BC, June 3, 2010 - BMO Bank of Montreal invites customers and members of the community to celebrate the grand opening of its newest branch at 101-32988 South Fraser Way in Abbotsford on Saturday, June 5. The celebration will also include a cheque presentation for $1500 to the Abbotsford Hospice Society.

BMO is the foremost bank in the Agriculture sector in the Fraser Valley with Agribanking specialists on-site and "in the field" to discuss financing needs. Agri-producers are invited to come into the new branch and learn about the various services and products available including BMO AgriReadiline, which provides a single convenient financing solution to help manage credit.

"With more than 130 years of combined agricultural experience within BMO's Agri-banking team, we understand the cycles, the challenges and the opportunities that producers in the Fraser Valley's agricultural industry face," said Rob Serraglio, Senior Vice-President, BC & Yukon Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. "With the recent rise in interest rates BMO is encouraging farmers to come in and review their long-term strategies to avoid risks and leverage the opportunities."

Knowledgeable banking staff led by Branch Manager, Deborah Mohr, are prepared to help bring clarity to financial decisions for citizens in Abbotsford - the "city within the country." Mortgage specialists can assist with home financing decisions and discuss a variety of options including BMO's five-year low-rate fixed closed mortgage at 4.25 per cent to help become mortgage-free faster and pay less interest. Since being introduced earlier this year, BMO's low-rate mortgage has remained the best in the market.

WHAT: Abbotsford Branch Grand Opening Celebration

• Donation presentation to the Abbotsford Hospice Society
• Great giveaways and chances to win prizes including AIRMILES Reward Miles
• Children's entertainment, complimentary BBQ and refreshments

WHO:

• Rob Serraglio, Senior Vice President, BC & Yukon Division, BMO Bank of Montreal
• Derral Moriyama, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking, Greater Vancouver
• Joanne Gassman, Vice President, Personal Banking, Vancouver Suburban, BMO Bank of Montreal
• Councillor John Smith, Acting as Deputy Mayor, City of Abbotsford
• Councillor Lynne Harris, City of Abbotsford
• Councillor Les Barkman, City of Abbotsford
• Edward Fast, MP (Abbotsford)
• John van Dongen, MLA (Abbotsford)

WHEN: Saturday, June 5, 2010 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. PDT

• Speeches at noon
• Ribbon cutting ceremony, cheque presentation and photo opportunities at 12:15 p.m. PDT

WHERE:BMO Bank of Montreal Abbotsford Branch, 101-32988 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford