PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 21, 2006--More than 270 senior executives from HSBC - North America will partner with teachers and students from the William T. Sherman School of Excellence to enhance the school's facility today. HSBC is underwriting the day's activities, resulting in a contribution of $75,000 to the school.

The Sherman School, which serves approximately 600 students in grades PK-8 from Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, will benefit from the team's numerous enhancements, including building a new teacher resource center, developing literacy areas, painting and mural projects and several landscaping initiatives, including the planting of an education garden designed by the Chicago Botanic Garden. In total, 810 volunteer hours will be donated by HSBC senior leaders.

HSBC team members will kick off the event at 1 p.m. CT, joined by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White; State Senator Mattie Hunter; Eric Hudson, senior policy advisor for the office of Illinois Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn, Alderman Shirley Coleman; and Janet Knupp, president of The Chicago Public Education Fund. Arne Duncan, chief executive officer of Chicago Public Schools, will also visit the school during the activity.

"Quality educational opportunities are not only important for the students of this school--they are the cornerstone of success for each of us, our communities and our organizations worldwide," said Bobby Mehta, chief executive officer of HSBC North America Holdings. "We could not think of a better project to support than the transformation of this important school. The accomplishments attained by Sherman will serve as a model for this city and beyond."

"Sherman is off to a great start thanks to the wonderful partnerships organizations such as HSBC have formed with us," said Lionel Allen, principal of the William T. Sherman School of Excellence. "We have an ambitious transformation underway here and we know our goals can be achieved through collaboration with our partners."

About William T. Sherman School of Excellence

The William T. Sherman School of Excellence is the first No Child Left Behind Act Turn-Around School in the Chicago Public Schools system. The elementary school was reconstituted during the 2006 summer period under the turn-around model, allowing students to return to their home school for the start of the new school year. Turn-around schools are low performing schools that reopen under new management. The school is operated under the Academy for Urban School Leadership. Amongst its quality staff, Sherman has seven National Board Certified/Golden Apple Award-winning teachers.

About HSBC North America Holdings Inc.

HSBC - North America comprises all of HSBC's U.S. and Canadian businesses, including the former Household International businesses. The company's businesses serve nearly 60 million customers in five key areas: personal financial services, consumer finance, commercial banking, private banking and corporate investment banking and markets. Financial products and services are offered under the HSBC, HFC and Beneficial brands. For more information, visit: www.hsbcusa.com.

Copyright Business Wire 2006

HSBC -- North America

HSBC -- North America

HSBC North America comprises all of HSBC's U.S. and Canadian businesses, including the former Household International businesses. The company's businesses serve nearly 60 million customers in five key areas: personal financial services, consumer finance, commercial banking, private banking and corporate investment banking and markets. Financial products and services are offered under the HSBC, HFC and Beneficial brands. For more information, visit: www.hsbcusa.com.

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