The World Trade Center Association Los Angeles-Long Beach will recognize
Imperial Bank Chairman and Co-founder George L. Graziadio with the World
Trade Hall of Fame Award on May 9, 2000. Imperial Bank will be presented
with the President’s “E” Award for excellence in export service, which
is given to U.S. companies or organizations that have demonstrated
outstanding contributions to the increase of U.S. exports.
Imperial is the first bank in the nation to receive the “E” Award since
1995. Imperial’s team of international banking experts has helped
hundreds of importers and exporters compete in the global marketplace,
in turn creating jobs and revenue that build the local economy.
The World Trade Hall of Fame Award is given to as many as four
outstanding leaders in multinational corporations for their significant
contributions to the growth of international trade while directly
supporting the development of the Los Angeles regional economy. The
11th-annual World Trade Hall of Fame Awards Dinner will take place at
the Wilshire Grand Hotel in Los Angeles and is expected to draw an
audience of approximately 500 business, government and civic leaders.
Presented by the Department of Commerce in the name of the President of
the United States, the “E” Award was created by President John F.
Kennedy in 1961 as America’s highest award to honour U.S. manufacturers
and organizations that demonstrate superior performance in increasing
and promoting exports.
With $7 billion in assets, Imperial Bank is one of the leading
independent business banks headquartered in California and offers a wide
range of financial services tailored to corporate customers,
entrepreneurs and professionals. Founded in 1963 by California
entrepreneurs, Imperial Bank is the principal subsidiary of Imperial
Bancorp (NYSE – IMP), with 15 regional banking offices: 12 located
throughout California; in Phoenix, Arizona; in Denver, Colorado; and in
Kirkland, Washington.