BSRR Sierra Bancorp

PORTERVILLE, Calif., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sierra Bancorp (NASDAQ:BSRR) today announced it was ranked as the 2nd best performing bank nationally, among mid-tier banks. The ranking is based on Return on Equity (ROE). According to the January 2008 Edition of U.S. Banker Magazine, Sierra Bancorp's ROE of 22.68% positions it 2nd among mid-tier banks and 6th overall. The rankings are part of the magazine's prestigious annual lists of the top-performing financial institutions in the country. "Each year we continue to deliver great numbers and exceptional performance. Our success is a tribute to our outstanding board, employees, and to the communities we serve," stated James C. Holly, President & C.E.O. "Bank of the Sierra has once again demonstrated the ability to provide an excellent return to shareholders." About Sierra Bancorp Sierra Bancorp is the holding company for Bank of the Sierra, now in its 31st year of operations. For more information please visit http://www.sierrabancorp.com/ or call (888) 454-BANK. About Bank of the Sierra With $1.2 billion in assets and strong performance ratios, Bank of the Sierra operates as the largest independent community bank headquartered in California's Heartland. The bank serves 14 different communities with 21 branches, an Agricultural Credit Center, an SBA Center and an online "virtual" branch. For more information visit http://www.bankofthesierra.com/ or call (888) 454-BANK. DATASOURCE: Sierra Bancorp CONTACT: Kenneth Taylor, Chief Financial Officer or Matthew Hessler, CFMP, Marketing Coordinator, both of Sierra Bancorp, +1-559-782-4900, or 1-888-454-BANK Web site: http://www.bankofthesierra.com/ http://www.sierrabancorp.com/

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