Item 8.01 Other Events

On February 26, 2009, Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. issued a press release announcing that the Board of Directors has reduced the company's quarterly common stock dividend to $0.12 from $0.24 per share, effective for the dividend payable March 12, 2009, to shareholders of record on March 2, 2009. A copy of the press release is included is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

Exhibits

Number Description

99.1 Press Release dated February 26, 2009

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