Banco Popular Celebrates 114 Years of Service With More Than Half a Million Dollars Awarded to Community Organizations

Banco Popular North America (BPNA), one of the nation’s premier community banks and a leading small business lender, today announced that it has raised more than $500,000 through the Banco Popular Foundation for more than 43 organizations across the United States. This is the third year of successful fundraising for the Foundation and marks the celebration of the Bank’s 114 years of dedication to giving back to the communities it serves.

The Banco Popular Foundation, which shares Banco Popular’s mission to strengthen the social and economic well-being of the communities it serves and Make Dreams Happen is a wholly employee-funded philanthropic organization. This year comes with a 25 percent increase from last year’s award. The Foundation has awarded a total of $1.1 million since the program started three years ago.

“It is extremely gratifying to experience the generosity of our employees and to deepen the partnerships with our communities through the Foundation,” said Roberto R. Herencia, President of Popular North America. “We have a mission to fulfill the dreams of others — which has been reinforced for 114 years — and that is to strongly support our communities both financially and with our time. Only then, have we fulfilled our commitment to make dreams happen.”

Over the last three years, the Banco Popular Foundation has seen a dramatic increase in employee contributions. More than 55 percent of the Banco Popular employee base contributed financially and each gift was matched by the Bank. Employees also receive 16 hours of paid time off for community work during each calendar year.

“Banco Popular’s culture has always been one that is truly engaged in community development and reinvestment,” continued Herencia. “Whether it is through countless volunteer hours or finding financial solutions for those in need, our employees strive to be positive catalysts within the markets we serve. We are proud of their contributions and salute their commitment.”

The application process took place during June and July and involved reviewing 76 submissions from Banco Popular employees who actively volunteer on an ongoing basis with the grant candidates. Regional review committees were established in California, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Illinois and Missouri to identify finalists.

The 2007 DreamMaker Grants will fund projects in the following areas: 50 percent in community development; 35 percent in education; 10 percent in affordable housing and; 5 percent in small business initiatives. The organizations that will receive these grants are:

California
Antelope Valley College Foundation
Boys & Girls Club of Whittier
East San Gabriel Valley Coalition for the Homeless
New Horizons Family Center

Central Florida
American Red Cross of Central Florida
Central Florida Police Athletic League, Inc.
Central Florida YMCA Achievers
Habitat for HumanityOrlando
Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Greater Florida, Inc.
Osceola Council on Aging, Inc.
The Russell Home for Atypical Children

Illinois
Adoption Link
A Silver Lining
Aspire of Illinois
Block Club Federation
Center for Economic Progress
Clearbrook
Creating an Environment of Success, Inc
Healthcare Alternative Systems
Junior Achievement of Chicago
Learning for Life
McCormick Tribune YMCA
New Moms
The Posse Foundation
Vital Bridges NFP, Inc.
Youth Service Project

Missouri – Popular Leasing USA
Rebuilding Together – St. Louis
Therapeutic Horsemanship

New York Metro
Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center, Inc.
Goodwill Rescue Mission, Inc.
International Institute of New Jersey

New York Blood Center
New York Industries for the Blind, Inc.
Operation Exodus Inner City, Inc.
116th Street Block Association, Inc.
Save Latin America, Inc.

South Florida
Junior Achievement of Greater Miami

Texas
Inner City Action Network, Inc.
Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas
La Rosa Family Services
The Rice Endowment Foundation
The Women’s Resource of Greater Houston

Special award ceremonies for recipients and employee advocates will take place locally throughout the United States during October and November 2007.

About Banco Popular

Banco Popular North America, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the leading community banks in the U.S. with 146 branches in California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Its core businesses include retail and commercial banking services, mortgage and consumer lending, and investment services. Banco Popular ranks among the top four Small Business Administration lenders in the country. Banco Popular North America is a subsidiary of Popular, Inc. . For more information about Banco Popular North America, visit the company’s Web site at www.bancopopular.com.

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