UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549




FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of report: May 24, 2010
(Date of earliest event reported)



STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Washington

001-34696

91-1572822

(State or other jurisdiction

(Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer

of incorporation or organization)

Identification Number)

111 North Wall Street, Spokane, Washington 99201
(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code)

(509) 458-3711
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))


Item 8.01  Other Events.

On May 24, 2010, Sterling Financial Corporation (“Sterling”) issued a press release, a copy of which is included as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 
(d)

Exhibits.

 
 

Exhibit No.

Description
 
99.1 Press release text of Sterling Financial Corporation dated May 24, 2010.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

   

STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

Date:

May 24, 2010

 

By:

/s/    Daniel G. Byrne

 

Name:

 

Daniel G. Byrne

Title:

Executive Vice President, Assistant

Secretary and Principal Financial Officer


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

 
 
99.1

Press release text of Sterling Financial Corporation dated May 24, 2010.