This Financial Institution is Committed to Vancouver’s Economy and Community

Knowledge of the local economic landscape and passion for supporting female entrepreneurs makes BMO a unique banking option.

BMO Bank of Montreal was first established over 200 years ago and the first to establish a permanent bank in British Columbia back in 1887. Over the years they’ve grown substantially and now offer banking services at 120 branches throughout the province, servicing nearly 22,000 local businesses.While it is possible for large corporations to lose sight of what’s important to their customers, with the current landscape of social connection, many big business like BMO Bank of Montreal are shifting their efforts to focus on local markets to make a difference in their community. What truly sets BMO apart is their localized approach, particularly in B.C., where their business bankers and relationship managers utilize their intimate knowledge of the regional market to make lending decisions at the local level.As a market leader, BMO’s significant growth is attributed to how they’ve used their strengths and assets to truly support the communities they serve with more than just financial services. Their highly engaged employees are committed to knowing what matters in the local community and ensuring that BMO gives back where their customers live and work. BMO supports Whitecaps Community Clinics all over the mainlandCurrently, BMO Bank of Montreal has $10 million in donations allocated to local communities from now until 2027. These funds support hospitals, the healthcare sector, arts and culture and education, all of which create meaningful community partnerships.In addition to their philanthropic efforts, and as an example of staying current, this financial institution has created an award ceremony, “BMO Celebrating Women,” dedicated to recognizing Canadian women entrepreneurs, including this year’s recipients: Shannon Rogers, President and General Counsel for Global Relay, Jacqui Cohen, President and CEO of Army and Navy, Dionne Laslo-Baker, founder and owner of DeeBee’s Organics and Jing Wen, owner of Columbia Academy Inc. These four business leaders were recognized in the categories of Innovation and Global Growth, Community and Charitable Giving and Expansion and Growth in Small Business, respectively, with two honorees in the third category.What began as a single event in Vancouver in 2012, has grown to become a nationwide celebration of remarkable women in business, expanding to 12 Canadian cities and 2 in the US, in the hopes of raising awareness about the amazing female leaders BMO works with daily. By the end of this year, BMO will have recognized 120 women across Canada.So how does a 200-year-old bank stay connected? Understanding your customers, pushing for social change and supporting your communities with the best team in the business.With Vancouver magazine’s 2018 Power 50 celebration on November 5th, BMO Bank of Montreal would like to congratulate all of the influential Vancouverites being recognized for their contributions to the community that they value and support.