WCBO West Coast Bancorp (MM)

West Coast Bank's David Simons Receives Distinguished Master Certified Mortgage Banker Designation - the Highest for the Real Estate Finance Industry VANCOUVER, Wash., Nov. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- -West Coast Bank's (NASDAQ:WCBO) Senior Vice President-Residential Lending Manager Dave Simons recently received the distinguished Master Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation, the highest professional designation for the real estate finance industry. CMB candidates must amass 150 points earned through a combination of professional experience, secondary education, industry participation and continuing education through Mortgage Banker's Association (MBA)-sponsored events and Campus MBA courses, and participation in MBA at the local, state and/or national level. After accumulating the required points and passing a comprehensive written exam, candidates must demonstrate industry knowledge by passing an oral exam conducted by a panel of Certified Mortgage Bankers. Mortgage Bankers Association Chairman Robert M. Couch, CMB said, "The CMB designation is the pinnacle of dedication, excellence and integrity in the mortgage lending industry. Acquiring the designation is demanding, and requires a broad knowledge of real estate finance. These professionals are the leaders in the industry and not only create a higher standard of professionalism, but help to mold the industry's future." Designation candidates have the option of choosing among the Commercial CMB, Residential CMB or Master CMB designations. The Master CMB is a combination of both commercial and residential mortgage banking disciplines. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is the national association representing the real estate finance industry. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the association works to ensure the continued strength of the nation's residential and commercial real estate markets; to expand homeownership prospects through increased affordability; and to extend access to affordable housing to all Americans. MBA promotes fair and ethical lending practices and fosters excellence and technical know-how among real estate finance professionals through a wide range of educational programs and technical publications. Its membership of approximately 2,700 companies includes all elements of real estate finance: mortgage companies, mortgage brokers, commercial banks, thrifts, life insurance companies and others in the mortgage lending field. For additional information, visit MBA's Web site: http://www.mortgagebankers.org/. West Coast Bancorp, one of Oregon Business Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For, is a Northwest bank holding company with $1.7 billion in assets, operating 52 offices in Oregon and Washington. The company combines the sophisticated products and expertise of larger banks with the local decision making, market knowledge and customer service of a community bank. For more information, visit the Company web site at http://www.wcb.com/. DATASOURCE: West Coast Bancorp CONTACT: David Simons, Senior President, Residential Lending of West Coast Bancorp, +1-360-906-4287 Web site: http://www.mortgagebankers.org/ Web site: http://www.wcb.com/

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