Date: February 28, 2005
BB Contact: Teresa Larson; 509-526-1241; larsont@bakerboyer.com
Subject: First Quarter 2005 Dividend
Release: Immediate
Earnings improved substantially for Baker Boyer Bank in 2004 due to successful measures to improve credit quality and manage costs. Confident that earnings are back on track, the board of directors increased the first quarter 2005 dividend to $0.63 per share at its February 2005 meeting. In going forward, bank management expects to continue periodically repurchasing shares in the open market.
Founded in 1869, Baker Boyer Bank is the oldest independently owned community bank in the state. It is headquartered in Walla Walla and has 9 branches, including business banking and trust offices in Kennewick and Yakima. It has 199 employees and $388 million in assets as of December 31, 2004. To learn more about Baker Boyer Bank, visit www.bakerboyer.com.
PO Box 1796
7 W Main
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(800) 234-7923