Harris and BMO Capital Markets Celebrate Largest Volunteer Effort Yet

CHICAGO, June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, more than 2,100 Harris and BMO Capital Markets employees will take part in the company's 5th annual Employee Volunteer Day -- landscaping, teaching, and otherwise volunteering their way to healthier communities across the country.

"Employee Volunteer Day has become an embodiment of our customer-focused culture, and today, more than 70 projects in eight states will come alive with our employees' volunteer spirit," said Judy Rice, senior vice president of Community Affairs and Economic Development, Harris.

According to Independent Sector, a national leadership network for nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs, the 2010 estimate of the value of a volunteer hour is $21.36 -- making Harris and BMO Capital Markets' 2011 Employee Volunteer Day efforts estimated at worth more than $134,568.

"As a bank, we have a unique role in society -- and a special duty. Our employees understand that, which is why they're coming out in droves today to support our communities," Rice added. "We were recently ranked the most reputable bank in the nation by Reputation Institute and American Banker -- an honor that reflects our strong commitment to communities that we're demonstrating through efforts like Employee Volunteer Day."

Harris and BMO Capital Markets' Employee Volunteer Day was established in 2007 and participation has since grown steadily, with 1,600 employees taking part in 2009 and 2,100 in 2010. The event now complements an array of philanthropic work, including financial education seminars, charitable grants, nonprofit partnerships, and the annual United Way campaign, which was led by Harris President and CEO Ellen Costello in Metropolitan Chicago in 2010.

About Harris

Harris is an integrated financial service organization providing nearly 1.3 million personal, business and corporate clients with banking, lending, investing and wealth management solutions. The organization is a member of the BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), which also provides corporate and investment banking services in the U.S. under the BMO Capital Markets name.

Harris® is a trade name used by various financial service subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp. Banking products and services are provided by Harris N.A., The Harris Bank, N.A. and their bank affiliates, Members FDIC. Brokerage products are offered through Harris Investor Services, Inc. (HIS), a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and SEC-registered investment advisor. Insurance and annuities are offered through Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc. (HBIS). Investment banking services are provided by BMO Capital Markets Corp. (BMOCMC) and BMO Capital Markets GKST, Inc. (GKST), a Municipal Bond Dealer and member FINRA and SIPC. Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney, Inc. (HSBSB), an SEC registered investment advisor. Family Office Services are provided by Harris myCFO, Inc. Investment advisory services are offered by Harris myCFO Investment Advisory Services LLC (HmyCFO), a SEC-registered investment advisor and wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris myCFO, Inc. Stoker Ostler Wealth Advisors (SOWA) is an SEC-registered investment advisor. Investment advisory services to institutional clients are provided by Harris Investment Management (HIM), an SEC-registered investment advisor. Products offered by HIS, HBIS, BMOCM, HSBSB, HmyCFO and HIM, affiliated companies and are wholly owned subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp.,: Are Not Insured by the FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit of or guaranteed by Any Bank or Bank Affiliate, May lose Value. The purchase of insurance or an annuity is not a condition to any bank loan or service. Not all products and services are offered in every state and/or location.

SOURCE Harris