CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report on Form 10-K may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions that are not historical facts, and other statements identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “should,” “projects,” “seeks,” “estimates” or words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. In addition to the factors set forth in the sections titled “Risk Factors,” “Business” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-K, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results:
You should take into account that forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report. Given the described uncertainties and risks, we cannot guarantee our future performance or results of operations and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under federal securities laws.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
Columbia Banking System, Inc. (referred to in this report as “we,” “our,” and “the Company”) is a registered bank holding company whose wholly owned banking subsidiary, Columbia State Bank (“Columbia Bank” or “the Bank”) also does business under the Bank of Astoria name and conducts full-service commercial banking business in the states of Washington and Oregon. Headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, we provide a full range of banking services to small and medium-sized businesses, professionals and individuals.
Columbia Bank was established in 1993 to take advantage of commercial banking business opportunities in our principal market area. The opportunities to capture commercial banking market share were due to increased consolidations of banks, primarily through acquisitions by out-of-state bank holding companies, which created dislocation of customers.
At December 31, 2011 Columbia Bank had 102 branch locations in Washington and Oregon. Included in these branch locations are six Columbia Bank branches doing business in Oregon under the Bank of Astoria name in Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside and Cannon Beach in Clatsop County and in Manzanita and Tillamook in Tillamook County. Substantially all of Columbia Bank’s loans, loan commitments and core deposits are within its service areas. Columbia Bank is a Washington state-chartered commercial bank, the deposits of which are insured in whole or in part by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Columbia Bank is subject to regulation by the FDIC and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Division of Banks. Although Columbia Bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System has certain supervisory authority over the Company, which can also affect Columbia Bank.
Business Overview
Our goal is to be a leading Pacific Northwest regional community banking company while consistently increasing shareholder value. We continue to build on our reputation for excellent customer service in order to be recognized as the bank of choice for retail deposit customers, small to medium-sized businesses and affluent households in all markets we serve.
We have established a network of 102 branches in Washington and Oregon as of December 31, 2011 from which we intend to grow market share. We operate 62 branches in western Washington, 15 branches in eastern Washington, 15 branches in western Oregon, and 10 branches in eastern Oregon. Washington counties include: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Franklin, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Klickitat, Mason, Pierce, Snohomish, Skagit, Spokane, Thurston, Walla Walla, Whatcom, Whitman and Yakima. Oregon counties include Clackamas, Clatsop, Deschutes, Hood River, Jefferson, Marion, Multnomah, Tillamook, Umatilla, Wasco and Yamhill.
In order to fund our lending activities and to allow for increased contact with customers, we utilize a branch system to better serve both retail and business depositors. We believe this approach will enable us to expand lending activities while attracting a stable core deposit base. To support our strategy of market penetration and increased profitability while continuing our personalized banking approach, we have invested in experienced banking and administrative personnel and have incurred related costs in the creation of our branch network.
Business Strategy
Our business strategy is to provide our customers with the financial sophistication and product depth of a regional banking company while retaining the appeal and service level of a community bank. We continually evaluate our existing business processes while focusing on maintaining asset quality and balanced loan and deposit portfolios, building our strong core deposit base, expanding total revenue and controlling expenses in an effort to increase our return on average equity and gain operational efficiencies. We believe that, as a result of our strong commitment to highly personalized, relationship-oriented customer service, our varied products, our strategic branch locations and the long-standing community presence of our managers, banking officers and branch personnel, we are well positioned to attract and retain new customers and to increase our market share of loans, deposits, investments, and other financial services. We are committed to increasing market share in the communities we serve by continuing to leverage our existing branch network, adding new branch locations and considering business combinations that are consistent with our expansion strategy throughout the Pacific Northwest.