Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

On February 12, 2009, Sterling Financial Corporation ("Sterling") issued a press release, a copy of which is included as Exhibit 99.1 to this report. The information in this report (including Exhibit 99.1) shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) The following exhibit is being furnished herewith:

Exhibit No. Exhibit Description

99.1 Sterling Financial Corporation press release.

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S I G N A T U R E

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 thereunto duly authorized.

STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION (Registrant)

February 12, 2009 By: /s/ Robert G. Butterfield Date Robert G. Butterfield Senior Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer