Sterling Financial

Spokane-based Sterling Financial Corp. reported dramatically improved results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year after the close of trading today.

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The last time Sterling Financial Corp. reported a profit was in October 2008. It’s taken more than two years, but Spokane-based Sterling Savings (traded as STSA) reported a first quarter profit of $5.4 million, or 9 cents per share. Massive losses starting in 2009 nearly swamped Sterling, but bank managers produced a $730 million recapitalization last summer. And the latest earnings reflect a fourfold focus on recovery, said Greg Seibly, CEO and president of Sterling Financial Corp.

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Local bank and credit union officials said last week they have no immediate plans to eliminate free checking, but pending Federal Reserve Bank regulations may force them to reconsider. Inland Northwest Bank President Randy Fewel said interchange fees generated by consumer debit card use are an important source of revenue for small and large banks alike.