Connect Volunteer Program Benefits More Than 200 Community Organizations

(Portland, Oregon) -- Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation donated nearly 15,000 associate volunteer hours through its Connect Volunteer Network in 2006. The Connect Volunteer Network is an industry-leading volunteer program that provides each full-time associate with 40 hours of paid time off each year to serve organizations and schools committed to youth and community development in Oregon, Southwest Washington and Northern California. During the past year, 915 Umpqua associates volunteered at youth and community development programs. The hours volunteered in 2006 represent a 29 percent increase in volunteerism over 2005.

“Umpqua Bank is committed to serving our customers, associates and surrounding communities,” said Ray Davis, president and CEO of Umpqua Bank. “The Connect program has allowed our associates to become an integral part of many organizations and schools. We will continue to grow and evolve this program to meet the needs of communities, organizations and our associates.”

Three years after the program’s inception, the Connect Volunteer Network has donated a combined 33,058 volunteer hours and impacted more than 400 nonprofit organizations and schools. In 2006, the program was recognized as the recipient of the prestigious 2006 Oregon Governor’s Volunteer Award for Outstanding Employee Volunteer Program. The award recognizes employee volunteer programs that demonstrate dedication, commitment and determination in promoting and supporting volunteerism throughout Oregon. Additionally, Umpqua associates continually rank the Connect program as one of the most-valued employee benefits.

About the Connect Volunteer Network
The Connect Volunteer Network provides full-time Umpqua Bank associates with 40 hours of paid time off per year to volunteer at youth focused organizations, schools and community development programs, which often have a hard time filling their daytime volunteer positions.

Through the Connect Volunteer Network, Umpqua associates are given the opportunity to choose the organization they would like to be involved with. Associates engage in a variety of activities such as spending time in schools, engaging in mentoring projects or dedicating their time to local food banks – all during their regular working hours.