UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported):  June 29, 2012


Banner Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Washington 0-26584   91-1691604 
(State or other jurisdiction  (Commission File   (I.R.S. Employer 
of incorporation)    Number)   Identification No.) 
                                                                                                                                                                                                              
10 S. First Avenue
Walla Walla, Washington  99362
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(509) 527-3636
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions.

[  ]  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[  ]  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
[  ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
[  ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))



 
 

 
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

(b) Banner Corporation (“Company”) has announced that Paul E. Folz, Executive Vice President Commercial Banking, will be leaving Banner Bank (“Bank”) to pursue other interests effective September 1, 2012.

Mark Grescovich, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank, said, “We appreciate the many contributions Paul has made to the Bank, and Paul will be assisting to ensure a smooth transition of his duties.”
 
 

 
 

 



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
BANNER CORPORATION
   
   
Date:  July 3, 2012   By:/s/Lloyd W. Baker                                
 
      Lloyd W. Baker
 
      Executive Vice President and
         Chief Financial Officer