Columbia Bank Hires Valli Millard to Lead Agriculture Banking Team in Eastern Washington and Idaho (Photo)Columbia Bank has hired Valli Millard, SVP of Commercial Banking, to lead the bank’s growing agriculture banking team in Eastern Washington and Idaho.
Millard brings more than 30 years of experience in commercial banking and proven expertise supporting a diverse range of agriculture enterprises across the region. Prior to joining Columbia Bank, she served in commercial and agriculture focused leadership roles at several financial institutions including First Interstate Bank, Banner Bank, and US Bank.
Millard’s addition strengthens Columbia Bank's longstanding commitment to supporting local farmers and further expands its expertise in agriculture banking. Since launching the team nearly 30 years ago, Columbia Bank has become one of the leading agriculture lenders in the U.S., with a focus on customized financing for crops, livestock and agribusiness.
To learn more about Columbia Bank's Agriculture Banking team and financial solutions, please visit https:/www.columbiabank.com/commercial/industries/agriculture/
TACOMA, Wash., April 22, 2026 — Columbia Bank, a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System (Nasdaq: COLB), today announced it has been recognized by Crisil Coalition Greenwich with two regional Best Bank Awards for excellence in middle market banking. More than 500 banks worldwide were evaluated across small business and middle market categories, with only 47 banks receiving honors.
Crisil Coalition Greenwich recognized Columbia Bank in the following middle market banking categories for the U.S. West region:
Source: Coalition Greenwich Voice of Client - 2025 U.S. Commercial Banking Study
Best Bank Awards are based on extensive client feedback. The 2026 middle market recognitions draw from more than 11,000 interviews with U.S.-based businesses generating $10 million to $500 million in annual sales.
“Columbia Bank’s recognition by Crisil Coalition Greenwich as a 2026 Best Bank is especially meaningful since it’s the result of customer testimonials. It reflects the priority we place on supporting middle market companies, as well as the dedication and expertise our bankers bring to the table every day for our customers,” said Tory Nixon, Columbia Bank President. “It’s a privilege to support so many outstanding middle market enterprises across the West, and we will continue to earn their trust and confidence.”
Additional 2026 Accolades
The Coalition Greenwich awards add to a growing list of honors Columbia Bank has received this year, including:
About Columbia Bank
Columbia Bank is the largest bank headquartered in the Northwest and one of the largest banks headquartered in the West with offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Columbia Bank combines the resources, sophistication, and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver superior, personalized service. The bank supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking, Small Business Administration lending, institutional and corporate banking, and equipment leasing. Columbia Bank customers also have access to comprehensive investment and wealth management expertise as well as healthcare and private banking through Columbia Wealth Management. Columbia Bank is a subsidiary of Tacoma, Washington-based Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB).
BAKER CITY, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to explore Oregon’s living cultural traditions through a new interpretive folklife series at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center beginning this week.
The series aligns with America’s 250th anniversary by highlighting the people, traditions, and cultural knowledge that have shaped the nation over time. Visitors can experience firsthand how traditional arts connect past and present while supporting the BLM’s mission.
From April through October, visitors will have interactive opportunities that represent Native American, ranching, and rural lifeways. Presentations will take place daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Pacific Time, offering deeper insight into each artist’s craft and cultural background.
April 23-25, Sara Barton, traditional basket maker of Mono Lake Paiute and Yosemite Miwuk ancestry works closely with Burns Paiute weavers
May 7-9, Kathy Moss, cowboy poet, buckaroo, horse trainer, and rancher from Prairie City
June 18-20, Roberta Kirk, regalia maker, food gatherer, and bead and dentalium artist from Warm Springs, Tenino and Wasq’u
July 9-11, Cheryl Newhouse, spinner and weaver from Richland
August 13-15, Mildred Quaempts, dentalium artist from the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla
September 24-26, Clair Kehrberg, saddle and gear maker and leatherworker from John Day
October 15-17, Katie Harris Murphy and Mary Harris, regalia and beadwork artists from the Wallowa Band Nimiipuu, Cayuse, Umatilla, and Karuk Tribes
“This interpretive outreach brings people face-to-face with the traditions that continue to shape communities across Oregon,” said Robert Reis, acting manager for the Interpretive Center. “These demonstrations create a meaningful connection to the past through the skills and knowledge that are still practiced today.”
This series is designed to build long-term, high-quality cultural programming at the Interpretive Center, ensuring visitors can engage with authentic traditions and perspectives for years to come.
The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located at 22267 Highway 86 in Baker City and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT. Admission fees apply. For more information, visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center website or call 541-523-1843.
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The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
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