TACOMA, Wash., Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbia Bank will celebrate its 10th Anniversary on August 15, and has planned a weeklong celebration beginning August 11 to mark the occasion. Every Columbia Bank branch will take part, with refreshments each day, a customer drawing with one winner at every branch, and culminating with cake and a party on Friday, August 15. Columbia has also launched a special loan promotion to celebrate, featuring up to $500 off all loan fees and closing costs for personal and new business loans through December 2003.

"Ten years ago, Columbia Bank had 4 branches and just under $150 million in assets. Today, we have 35 branches in 5 counties and assets of over $1.7 billion. The idea of providing a local, customer-focused, community bank proved to be a good one, and we remain committed to that idea -- serving our customers and our communities. We welcome this opportunity to thank our customers," said Columbia Bank President and CEO Melanie Dressel of the anniversary celebration.

Winners of the branch drawings can choose any one of ten different prizes, ranging from box seats to the Mariners or Seahawks, restaurant gift certificates, a season pass to the Summit at Snoqualmie or cash. Coupons for the Loan Offer will be available in print ads, at all Columbia Bank branches, and upon request.

"August 15 marks the 10th anniversary of opening our downtown Tacoma main office and beginning our rapid expansion in the Pierce County area. This Loan Offer is a great way to thank our customers for giving us the opportunity to serve them for the last 10 years. I like it because it ties in well with our Small Business Banking package as well as the needs of all of our customers," said Avery Johnson, Senior Vice President of Retail Banking, who spearheads the bank's Small Business Banking initiatives. "While our Small Business Banking packages are customized to each customer, and can provide any and all of the business-related services that the bank offers into one package, the new loan offer is singular -- significant cost savings on a loan. We feel like this is a nice way to say thank you," added Mr. Johnson.

Columbia Bank is a Washington state-chartered, full-service commercial bank providing products and services to individuals, business and the real estate community. A wholly owned subsidiary of Columbia Banking System Inc., (Nasdaq: COLB) Columbia Bank currently operates 35 branches in Pierce, King, Cowlitz, Kitsap and Thurston counties.

     Contact:  JoAnne Coy, Vice President, Marketing Director
               253-305-1965

               Columbia Bank
               1301 A Street
               Tacoma, WA 98402


SOURCE  Columbia Bank
    -0-                             08/08/2003
    /CONTACT:  JoAnne Coy, Vice President, Marketing Director of Columbia
Bank, +1-253-305-1965/
    /Web site:  http://www.columbiabank.com /
    (COLB)

CO:  Columbia Bank; Columbia Banking System Inc.
ST:  Washington
IN:  FIN
SU:



ND-UC 
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5808 08/08/200319:49 EDThttp://www.prnewswire.com