President and CEO returns home to his first branch to reminisce with employees and customers

WINNIPEG, June 29, 2011 /CNW/ - Scotiabank is celebrating the 50^th anniversary this year of its Windsor Park Branch in Winnipeg. President and CEO Rick Waugh reminisced with employees and customers at the branch today, where his Scotiabank career began as a front line service representative forty years ago.

"I've travelled the world as a Scotiabanker and am very proud of our operations in every market we serve, but Winnipeg's Windsor Park branch will always have a special significance for me," said Mr. Waugh. "It was here that I first understood how special Scotiabank is, where I learned the values and culture that shape this organization and where I embarked on a lifelong career. I thank all of the customers and congratulate all of the employees who have made this branch and its service to the community so successful for the past fifty years."

The Windsor Park Scotiabank branch first opened its doors on April 4, 1961. Scotiabank has had a presence in Winnipeg since 1882 when it opened on Main Street during a local land boom. Since that time, Scotiabank has grown in the area and now has 19 branches across Winnipeg. Like its counterparts across Canada and around the world, the Windsor Park branch has been active in supporting the community. The branch has supported many charities over the years; both those with a national focus, and those within the local community. The branch has been a big supporter of the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion campaign through bake sales and barbecues, as well as the Manitoba Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and they have helped to build toy mountains with the Salvation Army during the holidays.

"This is a great year for us and we are very proud to have served the Windsor Park area for the past fifty years," said Terry Bjornson, Vice-President, Winnipeg District.  "Five decades have seen tremendous change in our business, but this branch has remained a constant and important part of our service to the community around us."

Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 70,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve some 18.6 million customers in more than 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With assets above $571 billion (as at April 30, 2011), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.