CHERRY HILL, N.J., May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Once again Commerce Bank,'America's Most Convenient Bank,' is rewarding kids for keeping their readinglevels sharp this summer through its annual Summer Reading Program.

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Commerce Bank's Summer Reading Program encourages young people to read andadditionally provides a goal for them to learn the importance of saving andmoney. Commerce contributes $10 into a new or existing young savers accountfor each child who reads 10 books throughout the summer.

A longtime education proponent, Commerce Bank hopes its Summer ReadingProgram will help children keep their reading skills sharp and their boredomlevel low during the summer. According to educators, summer reading iscritical in continuing good academic performance and advancing literacyskills. Studies show that children who read several books throughout thesummer maintain or surpass the reading skills they achieved during theprevious school year.

'We believe that reading and financial literacy are key for futureeducation and economic success,' said Fred Graziano, regional bank president,Commerce Bank. 'The Summer Reading Program is a fun way to motivate childrento read and save.'

The Summer Reading Program runs May 5 through September 30, 2008. Formore information, visit us online at www.commerceonline.com/summerreading .Visit the nearest Commerce Bank store for a program brochure or call888-751-9000.

    SOME TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF SUMMER READING:    -- Read the story with your child    -- Encourage your child to say familiar words and phrases out loud    -- Practice sounding out words your child may have difficulty reading    -- Provide the word your child is struggling with so that he/she doesn't       become frustrated and lose the enjoyment of the experience.