Leading up to its 10th annual recognition program, National Bank remains firmly committed to SMEs in Quebec

Montreal, 17 October 2003 - 

With the 10th edition of The SMEs of the National Bank recognition program coming up on October 24, the Bank reaffirms its commitment to SMEs.

"The National Bank has become the leading bank for small and medium-sized businesses in Quebec because it is a partner and ally of SMEs, the driving force behind the Quebec economy. This recognition program symbolizes our commitment to Quebec businesses," stated Tony Meti, Senior Vice-President, Commercial Banking and International at the National Bank.

Over the years, the National Bank has become the leading service provider to businesses by adopting an original approach for SMEs. Its goal is to become a one-stop financial centre for its commercial partners by offering them integrated, turnkey solutions. The National Bank has created an SME network to underscore the importance for business leaders to pool their resources and share information. The recognition program is the culmination of that network.

With its broad range of innovative products and services, combined with a personalized approach, the National Bank has been able to break new ground. It has created teams specializing in such sectors as film and television production, energy resources, agriculture and high technology that provide made-to-measure solutions to SMEs. The Bank was also the first to meet its clients' financial needs by offering integrated cash management, including payroll services and payment of accounts. Recognizing the importance of exports for SMEs, the National Bank has also set up a network of international business development managers who offer financing solutions with a view to facilitating international trade.

"The Bank's main asset in terms of services to SMEs is its personnel – hundreds of employees strive to help businesses become as successful as they can, because they know that if they do well, we will do well too.  Our Commercial Banking managers are, moreover, the ambassadors of the SMEs of the National Bank recognition program and a key factor in the decade of success this program has enjoyed," Tony Meti added.

Capping off the program, which has been successfully carried out across the province in recent months, the 10th anniversary celebrations will be held in a festive atmosphere. The four provincial winners chosen from among companies that distinguished themselves in the SME, Small Business and Agricultural SME categories in each region of Quebec, as well as one business in the Export SME category, will be unveiled during this event, to be held on October 24 at Le Centre Sheraton Montreal, starting at 5:30 p.m.

About National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada is an integrated group which provides comprehensive financial services to consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations in its core market, while offering specialized services to its customers elsewhere in the world. The National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including corporate and investment banking. It is an active player on international capital markets and, through its subsidiaries, is involved in securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management, as well as mutual fund and retirement plan management. The National Bank has more than $75 billion in assets and, together with its subsidiaries, employs over 17,000 people. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (NA: TSX). For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.nbc.ca.

Information (the telephone number and e-mail address provided below are for the exclusive use of journalists and other media representatives):

Denis Dubé
Director – Public Relations
National Bank of Canada
Tel.: (514) 394-8644
E-mail: denis.dube@nbc.ca