TACOMA, Wash., April 22, 2026 — Columbia Bank, a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System (Nasdaq: COLB), today announced it has been recognized by Crisil Coalition Greenwich with two regional Best Bank Awards for excellence in middle market banking. More than 500 banks worldwide were evaluated across small business and middle market categories, with only 47 banks receiving honors.

Crisil Coalition Greenwich recognized Columbia Bank in the following middle market banking categories for the U.S. West region:

• Best Bank – Satisfaction in Cash Management for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)
• Best Bank – Satisfaction with Relationship Manager for Middle Market Banking in the U.S. (West)

Source: Coalition Greenwich Voice of Client - 2025 U.S. Commercial Banking Study

Best Bank Awards are based on extensive client feedback. The 2026 middle market recognitions draw from more than 11,000 interviews with U.S.-based businesses generating $10 million to $500 million in annual sales.

“Columbia Bank’s recognition by Crisil Coalition Greenwich as a 2026 Best Bank is especially meaningful since it’s the result of customer testimonials. It reflects the priority we place on supporting middle market companies, as well as the dedication and expertise our bankers bring to the table every day for our customers,” said Tory Nixon, Columbia Bank President. “It’s a privilege to support so many outstanding middle market enterprises across the West, and we will continue to earn their trust and confidence.”

Additional 2026 Accolades

The Coalition Greenwich awards add to a growing list of honors Columbia Bank has received this year, including:

• Forbes: America’s Best Banks
• Global Finance: Best Bank for Small and Midsize Enterprises, West
• Global Finance: Best Trade Finance Partner, West

About Columbia Bank
Columbia Bank is the largest bank headquartered in the Northwest and one of the largest banks headquartered in the West with offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Columbia Bank combines the resources, sophistication, and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver superior, personalized service. The bank supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking, Small Business Administration lending, institutional and corporate banking, and equipment leasing. Columbia Bank customers also have access to comprehensive investment and wealth management expertise as well as healthcare and private banking through Columbia Wealth Management. Columbia Bank is a subsidiary of Tacoma, Washington-based Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB).

Colorado Springs, Colo. Fifth grade students at Howbert Elementary School, a D11 Outdoor Education school on the West Side, are turning classroom learning into real-world impact through a partnership with Colorado Trout Unlimited and its Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program.

This hands-on environmental education program allows students to raise trout from eggs to fry while learning about ecosystems, conservation, and water stewardship. Since late October 2025, Howbert students, led by teacher Mrs. Green, have cared for their trout, building responsibility, scientific understanding, and a connection to the natural world.

The experience will culminate in a meaningful release event, where students will return the fish to a state-approved habitat.

Event Details:
Date: April 27, 2026
Time: 10:15 a.m.
Location: Manitou Springs Memorial Park

Students will release the trout into Fountain Creek, bringing their months of learning full circle in a real-world outdoor setting.

As an Outdoor Education school, Howbert Elementary emphasizes experiential, place-based learning that connects students to Colorado’s environment. Opportunities like Trout in the Classroom highlight how Colorado Springs School District 11 provides a diverse portfolio of schools and programs, ensuring families can find unique, engaging educational experiences that meet the needs and interests of every student.

“This is what learning looks like at Howbert,” said Mrs. Green. “Students aren’t just studying science, they’re experiencing it, taking ownership, and understanding their role in protecting our environment.”

Media are welcome to attend.

The Colorado Springs School Presents Mean Girls: The Musical,  Three Nights Only This April

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — April 20, 2026 — The Colorado Springs School is thrilled to announce its Spring Musical production of Mean Girls, the hit Broadway musical based on the iconic film, performed live at the Louisa Performing Arts Center on April 23, 24, and 25, 2026.

Featuring a cast and crew of talented CSS Upper School students, this production brings Tina Fey's sharp, hilarious, and heartfelt story to life on stage, complete with catchy pop anthems, dazzling choreography, and all the drama of navigating the halls of North Shore High School.

"This is an incredibly exciting show for our students to take on," said Jonanthan Andujar, the production's director and Middle and Upper School Theatre teacher. "The story is funny and relatable, but it also carries a powerful message about kindness, identity, and finding your place. We're so proud of everything our cast and crew have put into it."

Performance Schedule:

• Thursday, April 23,  7:00 p.m.

• Friday, April 24, 7:00 p.m.

• Saturday, April 25, 2:00 p.m. 

All performances will be held at the Louisa Performing Arts Center at The Colorado Springs School, located at 21 Broadmoor Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO. Concessions are provided and proceeds support the programs at CSS. 

FREE to attend, and accessibility parking and seating are available.

Mean Girls is recommended for audiences ages 13 and up. 

For press inquiries or interviews, please contact: Marie Newbrough, Director of Communications & Marketing at rough@css.org" style="text-decoration-line: none;">mnewbrough@css.org 

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About The Colorado Springs School (CSS)

The Colorado Springs School is an independent day school serving students from PreKindergarten through grade 12. Through experiential education and superior academics and mentoring, CSS prepares students to think independently and to meet the needs of a dynamic world through belonging, leadership, problem-solving skills, and personal integrity. Learn more at css.org. The school is located on a 28-acre historic estate property at 21 Broadmoor Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.