sterling bank & trust was originally chartered in 1984 as sterling savings and loan association with a focus on residential mortgage lending in the neighborhoods we serve. in 1990, our growth led to the development of the commercial real estate lending division. in 1992, we became sterling bank and trust, fsb, with the addition of the trust division. a key part of bay area neighborhoods and now los angeles, sterling has 18 neighborhood branches in the san francisco bay area, and one branch in alhambra, california. we continue to expand, and anticipate branches opening in cupertino and irvine, california in the near future. our mission is to create exceptional value for customers, employees, investors and the community through innovative and creative products, services and activities; and to profitably grow as an independent, national company by providing superior financial solutions that exceed customer expectations.