CIBC Memorial Branch Completely Renovated In 2 Weeks
by Scott A. Sumner
You may not have even noticed all the work going on the CIBC Memorial and Harbourview Expressway branch but in a period of only two weeks it was completely gutted and a brand new branch completed ready to serve the customer.
“ We completely renovated the CIBC Memorial and Harbourview Expressway branch and should have some more of our branches being renovated as well in the upcoming years. This is a CIBC state of the art of the branch and a major change for us. It took the employees a little time to get used to the new set up because it is so different but it is more professional, employee and customer friendly.” said Gunter Langle, Associate Vice President of CIBC, Thunder Bay to the Manitoba border with 16 branches in total including 6 in Thunder Bay. CIBC has over 200 employees in the region.
“ We also have this branch approach at our Arthur Marketstreet location which was renovated a few years a go. It has been a good change.” said Jason Bociurko General Manager for CIBC Imperial Service and Small Business.
The CIBC Memorial and Harbourview Expressway branch was gutted and the only thing that remained were the kiosk bank machines. “ The contractor, Rossdale Renovations of Thunder Bay did an amazing job. We closed on Friday night and 2 weeks later we had the keys to the new branch. We look at it as a new building. It was a hub of activity and amazing to see how they could get everything done at the same time, it was just impressive,” said Langle. “ We have a national team that does nothing but new builds and renovations of this sort. All of the office
furniture comes in a container placed at the front of the branch and there are lots of different people working on the different things. It is well timed and coordinated. We used all local trades people.”
The CIBC also moved their regional office into the branch to get closer to the clients and the staff. “ The thing I have enjoyed the most is being back in the branch and seeing many of the faces I had come to know when I was the manager here,” said Bociurko who grew up in Thunder Bay, went to Lakehead University and has worked his entire life in the city except for a short time period in Red Rock. “ I manage the financial services with our high value offer clients with our 10 financial advisors and their teams as well as our small business offer for Thunder Bay.”
“ Thunder Bay is a great place to live and a great place to do business. The people are extremely friendly. I think we have lots of opportunities here and we love being here,” said Gunter Langle, who overlooks CIBC’s business in NW Ontario including the branches, the
small business area and financial advisors. He came here from Barrie, Ontario and is originally from Austria.
A person walking into the new CIBC branch can get everything from a bank account to a full fledged retirement plan and everything in between including mortgages or credit cards. Any kind of financial product is available to clients at this location, according to Langle.
“We have Kevin Adams here at this branch who manages many of our small business connections in Thunder Bay. There is also a financial advisor, 4 financial service representatives and a great team of customer service representatives who will give you a smile as soon as you walk in the door.” said Bociurko
“ Our employees were happy with the new branch and our clients feel it is a more friendly and welcoming atmosphere. They find it a better layout with a much better flow and for employees it is more efficient. The customers can’t believe what was done here in 2 weeks.” smiles Gunter Langle.
