Bank of the Sierra Installs Advanced Fiber Network.

PORTERVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 11, 1999--

Bank of the Sierra is installing an advanced fiber optic communications network to link all of its branches with Corporate headquarters in Porterville. The Bank is the first business in the Porterville area to take advantage of new, high speed fiber-optic network services provided by Pacific Bell that connect Porterville to the main Pacific Bell switching center in Visalia. Fiber-optic cables use glass fibers to transmit information using light energy. Fiber-optic technology is more reliable, provides greater transmission speed, and is less costly over time than conventional copper cabling.

The use of fiber optics is the latest activity in a series of applied technology advancements made by the Bank in recent years. Over the past two years Bank of the Sierra has completely redesigned systems, updated applications, and replaced computing equipment in preparation for the Year 2000, and to offer advanced customer services like PC Banking and electronic bill payment services.

"The Bank will use fiber optics to carry both telephone and computer traffic," noted Ronald Pope, Vice President of Information Services. "Because of increased speed and reliability, fiber connections will allow us to provide higher levels of customer service throughout our branch network. And in using the newest technologies, like with the rest of our systems, Year 2000 compliance is not an issue."

Bank of the Sierra is the largest independent bank headquartered in the South Valley, and operates eleven branch offices as well as five real estate centers, three ag credit centers and a bank card center. The Bank will open its twelfth branch, located in Fresno, during Summer 1999. More information about Bank of the Sierra is available on the Bank's web site, www.bankofthesierra.com.