On February 21, 2007, Sterling Financial Corporation ("Sterling") (Nasdaq: STSA) and Northern Empire Bancshares ("Northern Empire") (Nasdaq: NREB) announced that shareholders of both Sterling and Northern Empire approved the proposed acquisition of Northern Empire by Sterling.

Sonoma Bank (parent company Northern Empire Bancshares) thanks you for your business and looks forward to serving you in the future as Sterling Savings Bank. We are happy that we are going to be part of Sterling, and we know you will be too.

Click here to read the full press release on this approved merger.

Deborah A. Meekins,
President and CEO of the Bank 

As President and Chief Executive Officer of Sonoma Bank, Deborah A. Meekins oversees a staff of over 160 including the branch locations, and loan production offices.

Ms. Meekins has been Sonoma Bank President and Chief Executive Officer since 1991. Her experience in banking spans three decades. Debbie was the first woman Bank President in Sonoma County, and is one of less than ten women Bank Presidents in the State of California.

Debbie is actively involved and recognized in Santa Rosa's business community as follows:

• Board member of Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation
• Board member of Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital Foundation
• Board Member of United Way
• Board Member of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce 

David F. Titus,
Executive Vice President,
Chief Lending Officer

David F. Titus, Chief Loan Officer for Sonoma Bank, reviews all Bank credit decisions for the branches, and loan production offices as well as residential and construction lending. Mr. Titus is responsible for a loan staff of over 50.

SONOMA BANK Executive Officers and Directors Deborah A. Meekins President and Chief Executive Officer, Director David F. Titus Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer, Director Jane M. Baker Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer JoAnn Barton Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer James B. Keegan, Jr. Director, Chairman of the Board Dennis R. Hunter Director, Vice Chairman of the Board Clement C. Carinalli Director Patrick R. Gallaher Director William E. Geary Director Michael J. Wright Director Kevin A. Carinalli Director