PORTERVILLE, Calif., June 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sierra Bancorp (Nasdaq: BSRR) today announced it has been ranked as the 4th best performing community bank in the nation with assets over $1 billion, based on three-year average Return on Equity (ROE). The rankings were published in U.S. Banker magazine's June 2009 edition as part of an annual listing of the top-performing financial institutions in the country.

'Since our beginning in 1977, we have endeavored to provide superior service and innovative products within a positive, constructive work environment,' stated James C. Holly, President & C.E.O. 'This focus has helped us as we strive to fulfill our fundamental mission, which in large part consists of being responsible stewards for our shareholders by providing a superior return on equity,' Holly added.

About Sierra Bancorp

Sierra Bancorp is the holding company for Bank of the Sierra, now in its 32nd year of operations. For more information please visit www.sierrabancorp.com or call (888) 454-BANK.

About Bank of the Sierra

With $1.3 billion in assets and strong performance ratios, Bank of the Sierra operates as the largest independent community bank headquartered in California's Heartland. The bank serves 15 different communities with 23 branches, an Agricultural Credit Center, an SBA Center and an online 'virtual' branch. For more information visit www.bankofthesierra.com or call (888) 454-BANK.

SOURCE Sierra Bancorp