COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. — Earnings Release 2011

Oct 28, 2011

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 (Date of earliest event reported):

10/27/11

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Washington	0-20288	91-1422237
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)
1301 A Street Tacoma, WA		98402
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (253) 305-1900

(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 (see General Instruction A.2. below):

¨ 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))

Items to be Included in this Report

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On October 27, 2011, Columbia Banking System, Inc. issued a press release reporting its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2011. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference. This information is being furnished under Item 2.02 (Results of Operations and Financial Condition) of Form 8-K.

Item 8.01 Other Events

On October 27, 2011, Columbia Banking System, Inc. issued a press release announcing a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per common share and a special, one-time cash dividend of $0.05 per common share. The dividends will be paid on November 23, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 9, 2011. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) The following exhibits are being furnished herewith:

99.1	Press Release dated October 27, 2011 reporting the third quarter ended September 30, 2011 financial results.
99.2	Press Release dated October 27, 2011 announcing a regular quarterly and a special, one-time dividend.

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.

	COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC.
Date: October 27, 2011	/s/ Melanie J. Dressel
	Melanie J. Dressel
	President and Chief Executive Officer

EXHIBIT INDEX

99.1	Press Release dated October 27, 2011 announcing third quarter ended September 30, 2011 financial results.
99.2	Press Release dated October 27, 2011 announcing a regular quarterly and a special, one-time dividend.