Bank of the Northwest Employees to Contribute to Relief Efforts.

Business Editors

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 14, 2001

Daniel J. Durkin, chairman and CEO of Bank of the Northwest (Nasdaq:BKNW) announced today that the Bank's employees had elected to forgo their 5th anniversary gala and instead contribute the funding designated for the gala to aid the victims of the attacks on the East Coast.

The celebration was scheduled in October 2001, commemorating the Bank's five-year history.

"Our employees voted overwhelmingly to make this contribution," said Durkin. "We commend them for their thoughtful gesture, and have decided to match their gift with a corporate donation."

In total, $15,000 will be donated to the American Red Cross disaster relief fund on behalf of the employees of Bank of the Northwest. This is the largest donation made in the history of the Company and represents approximately 1% of the Banks's pre-tax profits in 2000, or approximately $200 per employee.

The Bank has also opened an account for Bank customers and friends that are interested in making private donations to the American Red Cross disaster relief fund. Donations can be made at any of the Bank's five branches located throughout the Portland metropolitan area.

Bank of the Northwest is a locally owned and managed full-service commercial bank that opened for business in October of 1996. The Bank is headquartered in Downtown Portland and serves the needs of both businesses and individuals throughout the Portland metropolitan area. Bank of the Northwest operates five branches: Downtown Portland in the Pioneer Tower Building; Northwest Portland at 21st and Burnside; Raleigh Hills; Lake Oswego in the Lake Grove District; and Tualatin. The Bank has grown to over $291 million in total assets since its founding. Its stock currently trades on the NASDAQ SmallCap Market under the ticker symbol BKNW, and its web site can be found at www.bknw.com.