Commerce Bank Lauds Gov. Rendell's Creation of New Office of Financial Education

[Commerce Bank/Harrisburg via BizWire]

CAMP HILL, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 2004--Commerce Bank
/Harrisburg, NA (NASDAQ:COBH), Chairman, President and CEO Gary L.
Nalbandian today lauded Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell's creation of the
Commonwealth's new Office of Financial Education. The office was
established today by Executive Order.
"There is an alarming lack of financial literacy in America,"
Nalbandian said. "Surveys show that too many Americans are uneducated
on concepts that are basic to financial well-being. Financial
education is imperative. And it should begin as early in life as
possible -- because lessons learned early are lessons that last.
"Commerce Bank applauds Gov. Rendell's creation of the new Office
of Financial Education. We look forward to exploring ways we can work
together to promote the improvement of financial literacy in the
Commonwealth."
Commerce Bank offers financial education through the
CommerceWOW!Zone, the bank's free program for K-12 students. Commerce
Bank instructors are available to provide classes throughout the
school year, and a variety of resources and activities also are
available on the bank's web site at commercepc.com.
CommerceWOW!Zone lesson plans, which meet National Council of
Teachers of Mathematics standards, are tailored to each grade level.
Elementary school lessons focus on basic principles of money, saving
and banking. The middle school curriculum teaches the importance of
saving and how to manage a checking account and plan a budget. The
high school program goes further, offering lessons such as how to use
credit responsibly.
In 2003, the bank's CommerceWOW!Zone program reached nearly 5,000
children through 111 classes in 70 schools.
The CommerceWOW!Zone web site, which is fully compliant with laws
outlining Internet safety for children, is a fun and interactive place
with resources for parents, children, teens and teachers. Parents can
find worksheets to help introduce the concept of money and principles
of saving, banking and investing. Young children can follow the
animated adventures of Penny Arcade and her friends as they play and
learn all about money. Teens can learn about the stock market by
investing fantasy money each month. Educators can download lesson
plans and other financial education tools.
CommerceWOW!Zone classes may be arranged by calling Commerce Bank
toll-free at 1-888-937-0004. To visit the CommerceWOW!Zone online,
connect to commercepc.com.
Commerce Bank/Harrisburg opened its first office in Camp Hill, PA,
in June of 1985. In the 19 years since, the bank has cultivated a
unique retail model that has produced dynamic growth. The bank has
doubled its number of branches in Pennsylvania in recent years,
growing a network of 23 stores in Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lebanon
and York counties.
Commerce's hallmark products and services include seven-day branch
banking, totally free checking, no-fee instant-issue ATM/Visa check
card, free interactive Penny Arcade coin-counting machines, America's
Best Online Banking and 24/7 Bank-by-Phone.
A subsidiary of Pennsylvania Commerce Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ:COBH),
Commerce Bank/Harrisburg currently has assets exceeding $1 billion and
is working toward an asset goal of $2 billion and a branch network of
36 offices by 2006. Pennsylvania Commerce Bancorp shares the Commerce
brand with the Commerce Bancorp Inc. (NYSE:CBH) network of banks
headquartered in Cherry Hill, NJ.
For more information about Commerce Bank/Harrisburg, visit the
bank's web site at commercepc.com.