AmericanWest Bancoporation Announces Its Inclusion in the New NASDAQ Global Select Market.

SPOKANE, Wash. -- AmericanWest Bancorporation (NASDAQ:AWBC) today announced that it is included in the new NASDAQ Global Select Market. The NASDAQ Global Select Market has the highest initial listing standards of any exchange in the world based on financial and liquidity requirements. Prior to the change, the company had been listed on the NASDAQ National Market.

Beginning July 3, NASDAQ-listed companies will be classified under three listing tiers-NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ Global Market, and NASDAQ Capital Market. NASDAQ also plans to launch indexes based on these new tiers.

"AmericanWest Bancorporation is an example of an industry leader that has achieved superior listing standards, which clearly defines the essence of the NASDAQ Global Select Market," said Bruce Aust, Executive Vice President, Corporate Client Group. "NASDAQ is focused on leading a race to the top in terms of listing qualifications. In recognizing these companies, we are highlighting their achievements in meeting the requirements to be included in the market with the highest listing standards in the world," added Mr. Aust.

NASDAQ announced the new three tier listing classification in February 2006. All three market tiers will maintain rigorous listing and corporate governance standards. For additional information about the NASDAQ Global Select Market, please go to: www.nasdaq.com/GlobalSelect.

About AmericanWest Bancorporation

AmericanWest Bancorporation is a community bank holding company with a single community bank subsidiary, AmericanWest Bank, with 44 locations in Eastern and Central Washington and Northern Idaho. For further information on the Company or to access Internet banking, please visit our web site at www.awbank.net.

About NASDAQ

NASDAQ is the largest U.S. electronic stock market. With approximately 3,200 companies, it lists more companies and, on average, trades more shares per day than any other U.S. market. It is home to companies that are leaders across all areas of business including technology, retail, communications, financial services, transportation, media and biotechnology. NASDAQ is the primary market for trading NASDAQ-listed stocks. For more information about NASDAQ, visit www.nasdaq.com or the NASDAQ Newsroom at http://www.nasdaq.com/newsroom/.