Northwest Bancorporation, Inc. Subsidiary Invests in Legacy Landmark to Enhance Regional Performing Arts


SPOKANE, Wash., May 31, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northwest Bancorporation, Inc. (OTCBB:NBCT) President & CEO Randall L. Fewel announced its subsidiary company, Inland Northwest Bank, will invest a total of $1.5 million through a 10-year investment with the Spokane Public Facilities District (SPFD) to update and enhance the 32-year-old Spokane Opera House. As a result, the landmark facility will now be known as the INB Performing Arts Center.

With the unanimous approval of the INB's Board of Directors, Fewel signed an agreement with the SPFD to secure exclusive naming rights to the facility.

"As a growing regional bank, we are proud to invest in this legacy landmark," he said. "The INB Performing Arts Center brings together two Inland Northwest originals to enrich people's lives through the performing arts."

SPFD spokesman Kevin Twohig said the support of INB will allow the District to begin this summer on improvements, including remodeled, larger restrooms, a new marquee on Spokane Falls Boulevard, and extensive site work to make the facility more attractive and pedestrian-friendly.

"This is a tremendous time for this great facility," said SPFD Board Chair Rick LaFleur. "The gracious support of INB allows us to move on renovations to make the INB Performing Arts Center truly spectacular."

In making the announcement, Fewel noted that the investment embodies the Bank's core value of community, and demonstrates the Bank's support of the cultural and economic vitality of the region. The facility, built for the 1974 World's Fair, is a gathering place for residents and an important destination attraction that draws thousands of visitors and tourists to Spokane each year, he noted.

About INB:

Inland Northwest Bank is a Spokane, Wash.-based regional bank with 11 branches in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. INB specializes in personal banking for individuals and small- to medium-sized businesses by providing a full line of commercial, retail, mortgage and private banking products and services. Founded in 1989, INB invests primarily in the Inland Northwest. For more information on Inland Northwest Bank, visit www.inb.com.



            

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