UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported):  September 20, 2016


Banner Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Washington 0-26584
91-1691604
(State or other jurisdiction  (Commission File  (I.R.S. Employer 
of incorporation)  Number)  Identification No.) 

10 S. First Avenue
Walla Walla, Washington  99362
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(509) 527-3636
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions.

[  ]  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[  ]  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[  ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
       240.14d-2(b))

[  ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
       240.13e-4(c))
 
 
 
 

 
 
Item 8.01  Other Events.

Banner Corporation (the “Company”) announced that the Company has adopted a pre-arranged stock trading plan, pursuant to its previously disclosed stock repurchase program, in accordance with guidelines specified under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Repurchases under the Company’s 10b5-1 plan will be administered through an independent broker. The plan will cover the repurchase of up to 1,300,000 shares of the Company’s stock. The plan will extend through March 12, 2017, unless completed sooner or otherwise extended or terminated.  Repurchases are subject to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Rule 10b-18, as well as certain price and other requirements specified in the plan.
 

 
 
 

 



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
 

 
  BANNER CORPORATION
   
   
Date: September 21, 2016       By: /s/ Lloyd W. Baker                            
 
            Lloyd W. Baker 
            Executive Vice President and
              Chief Financial Officer