2008-08-28 00:32:04 -

www.sterlingfinancialcorporation-spokane.com - Sterling Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:STSA), a leading community bank in the western region, today announced that Harold B. Gilkey, chairman and chief executive officer, and Daniel G. Byrne, executive vice president and chief financial officer, have been invited to participate in the FTN Midwest Securities Small and Mid Cap Bank Conference to be held in

New York City on Thursday, September 4, 2008.

Sterling's executive management team will present a corporate overview to institutional investors in a series of one-on-one meetings held throughout the day. A copy of Sterling's presentation used in meetings will be available on Sterling's website at www.sterlingfinancialcorporation-spokane.com.

About Sterling Financial Corporation

Sterling Financial Corporation of Spokane, Washington, is the bank holding company for Sterling Savings Bank, a commercial bank, and Golf Savings Bank, a savings bank focused on single-family mortgage originations. Both banks are state chartered and federally insured. Sterling offers banking products and services, mortgage lending, construction financing and investment products to individuals, small businesses, commercial organizations and corporations. As of June 30, 2008, Sterling Financial Corporation had assets of $12.70 billion and operated more than 175 depository branches throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and California. Visit Sterling's website at www.sterlingfinancialcorporation-spokane.com.

Investor Contact:
Sterling Financial Corporation
Daniel G. Byrne, EVP, Chief Financial Officer
509-458-3711
OR
Deborah L. Wardwell, CFA
VP, Investor Relations Director
509-354-8165