Bank of the Sierra Reports Increased Earnings.

PORTERVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 1998--Bank of the Sierra announced net income of $3,370,000 for the nine month period ending September 30, 1998.

This compares to net income of $3,192,000 for the nine months ending September 30, 1997, or an increase of 5.6%. Total assets also increased to $396,635,000 at September 30, 1998, compared to $351,172,000 at September 30, 1997.

Bank of the Sierra President Jim Holly commented that "the increased income at September 30, 1998 was indicative of increased productivity bankwide, as well as a continuing increase in the customer base at our new office in Tulare."

President Holly added that he would expect to close 1998 with continued growth, and that a base is being laid for a successful 1999. "There is abundant opportunity for Bank of the Sierra in all our existing markets," notes Holly.

Bank of the Sierra, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary as a locally owned independent bank, is the largest independent bank headquartered in the South Valley, and operates ten branch offices as well as four real estate centers, three ag credit centers and a bank card center. The Bank will be opening its eleventh branch in Hanford in January 1999. More information about Bank of the Sierra is available on the Bank's web site, www.bankofthesierra.com.