WINNIPEG, June 23, 2011 – Canadian Western Bank (CWB or the “Bank”) today announced plans to
further expand its presence in the province of Manitoba, building on the strong momentum established with
the Bank’s 2010 acquisition of National Leasing Group Inc. (National Leasing) and ongoing growth in
CWB’s existing Winnipeg branch located at 230 Portage Avenue. CWB is now in the process of recruiting
additional commercial lenders who will initially be based in National Leasing’s 55,000 square foot
headquarters located at 1525 Buffalo Place in Winnipeg. The Bank is also actively working on plans to open
a second full-service commercial and personal banking centre in Winnipeg that will benefit both new and
existing customers.
“The Manitoba government’s budget announcement relating to provincial capital tax on financial institutions
has created an environment that supports our objectives to increase the Bank’s presence in this important
western Canadian market,” said Larry Pollock, President and CEO of Canadian Western Bank. “Manitoba
has a well diversified economy and we are committed to support ongoing economic growth here by helping
our clients meet their business and personal financial goals. Including National Leasing, the Canadian
Western Bank Group (CWB Group) currently employs almost 300 people in Manitoba and we expect to
further build our presence in this market as we continue to develop our growth plans.”
“We already have a great base of business in Manitoba and we plan to build on this by expanding our
capacity while also increasing convenience for our existing customers,” added Glen Eastwood, Vice
President and Regional Manager of CWB’s Prairie Region. “Our business plan is focused on building longterm
relationships. We partner with our clients to help them achieve their goals by offering relevant
products, personal expertise and our unique brand of western-based customer service.”
As part of CWB Group’s ongoing commitment to be highly active in the communities where its employees
and clients live and work, the Bank has confirmed its strategic planning sessions and second quarter 2012
meetings of the Board of Directors will be held in Winnipeg next June. CWB is also pleased to have recently
welcomed Mr. Sandy Riley, a longtime resident of Manitoba, to its Board of Directors.