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Columbia Bank Opens New Branch in Everett, Washington

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbia Bank announces the opening of its 85th retail branch, which opened January 31, 2011, in Everett, Wash. The new branch, located at 11102 Evergreen Way, will be led by Vice President and Branch Manager Marci Miller.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110204/SF43111)

The retail branch expands the full line of services to the recently opened Commercial Banking Center in Everett including personal banking, commercial banking, treasury management, wealth management and private banking.

"Marci Miller has a demonstrated track record in serving the region as a banker and as a volunteer," said Dennis Joines, senior vice president and Retail Banking Group manager. "She is an invaluable resource for our customers, our business partners and the entire community."

Miller has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry in the Everett area, having held numerous management-level roles. Most recently, she was assistant vice president and branch manager at Washington Federal Savings in Marysville. Previously, Miller was a commercial lender at the Lake Stevens branch of North County Bank and she has 10 years of experience with Frontier Bank, where she held numerous positions.

"I look forward to building lifelong relationships in our community by helping people and their businesses achieve their goals," said Miller. "Additionally, I look forward to working with our team to provide exceptional service to our customers."

Miller lives near Lake Stevens with her husband of 21 years and their two children. As a family they enjoy camping and riding ATVs. She also enjoys volunteering her time in the community. Marci is a member of the Lake Stevens Chamber, the Lake Stevens Education Foundation board, and the Everett Chamber of Commerce. She is also the president of the Lake Stevens Kiwanis Club and a graduate from The Leadership Snohomish County program.

About Columbia

Columbia State Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB) is a Washington state-chartered full-service commercial bank headquartered in Tacoma, Washington. Columbia Bank was awarded third place in the large employer category by Seattle Business Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For 2010 and was designated one of Puget Sound Business Journal's "Washington's Best Workplaces 2010".

With the January, 2010 FDIC-assisted acquisitions of Columbia River Bank and American Marine Bank, Columbia State Bank has 85 banking offices, including 60 branches in Washington State and 25 branches in Oregon. Columbia State Bank does business under the Bank of Astoria name at the Bank of Astoria's former branches located in Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita and Tillamook. More information about Columbia can be found on its website at www.columbiabank.com.

    Contact: David Devine
    Vice President and Marketing Director
    253-305-1965

SOURCE Columbia Bank