CHICAGO (September 20, 2006) The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon was joined by the City of Chicago today to announce the planting of more than 75 trees along the West Loop section of the race course as part of a new multi-year plan to "green" the Marathon.
In launching this effort, LaSalle Bank and The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon aim to further the Bank's commitment to being more sustainable by physically "greening" the course by planting additional trees, expanding recycling efforts, increasing the use of organic products and reducing waste at its annual premier event.
The tree-planting project is being organized in conjunction with the Chicago Department of Environment, Mayor Daley's GreenStreets, the Department of Streets and Sanitation and the Bureau of Forestry to mitigate existing Urban Heat Islands in the city. Urban Heat Islands are caused by dark colored or non-vegetated areas that absorb heat and raise temperatures during summer months thereby increasing energy costs and reducing air quality for nearby residents and businesses. By adding mature trees to the neighborhood landscapes, the City is increasing shade cover in the areas to offset high temperatures and reduce energy use.
LaSalle Bank, through The LaSalle Bank Sports Charitable Fund, financed the installation of trees along the 1400-2000 blocks of west Adams and Jackson streets and plans to work with the City in the years ahead to identify similar stretches that coincide with the 26.2-mile course.
"We're committed to making Chicago the most environmentally friendly city in the world," said Chicago's Mayor Richard M. Daley. "LaSalle Bank is a corporate leader in this area. Partnering with them to green an event annually attended by more than 1.5 million people is a significant step to further sustain Chicago."
Beginning with the Oct. 22 running of The 29th LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, event organizers will look to improve upon current practices to lessen the event's impact on the local environment. Plans include additional recycling procedures, use of recycled and organic products, decreased greenhouse gas emissions and reduced energy use.
"LaSalle Bank has deep ties to the communities in which we live and work. Our commitment to them includes ensuring a healthy environment," said David Rudis, president of Retail Banking at LaSalle Bank. "We plan to examine all of our operations and continue to identify opportunities to make this a green Marathon."
The LaSalle Bank Sports Charitable Fund was established in partnership with The Chicago Community Trust to support the needs of the communities served by the Bank. Monies for the Fund are generated through LaSalle Bank Sports events and sponsorships in the Bank's primary markets. The LaSalle Bank Sports Charitable Fund will support charitable organisations that assist in sustaining a healthy environment and encouraging children and adults to lead healthy lifestyles.
The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, Oct. 22, beginning and ending in Chicago's historic Grant Park. The Race will feature 40,000 registrants and expects more than 1.5 million spectators along its course. For more information, visit the Race website, chicagomarathon.com.
LaSalle Bank N.A.
LaSalle Bank N.A. is the largest bank headquartered in Chicago, with $72.2 billion in assets and $46.8 billion in deposits. LaSalle Bank serves individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies and institutions through 146 retail locations and 450 ATMs in Chicago and its suburbs, and online at lasallebank.com.
LaSalle Bank has retail and commercial operations in 20 states and 26 cities across the U.S. In addition, it offers specialty services through its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including LaSalle Financial Services, Inc., LaSalle National Leasing Corporation and LaSalle Business Credit, LLC.
Parent company LaSalle Bank Corporation, also headquartered in Chicago, has $116 billion in assets. It is an indirect subsidiary of Netherlands-based ABN AMRO Bank N.V., a leading international bank with total assets of EUR 986 bln. ABN AMRO operates more than 3,500 branches in 60-plus countries and territories, and has more than 105,000 full-time employees worldwide.
LaSalle Bank N.A., Member FDIC, Equal Opportunity Lender
© 2006 LaSalle Bank Corporation
www.chicagomarathon.com
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