OLYMPIA, Wash., July 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- HERITAGE FINANCIAL
CORPORATION (Nasdaq: HFWA) today announced that it is included in the new
NASDAQ Global Select Market. The NASDAQ Global Select Market has the highest
initial listing standards of any exchange in the world based on financial and
liquidity requirements. Prior to the change, the company had been listed on
the NASDAQ National Market. Beginning July 3, NASDAQ-listed companies will be
classified under three listing tiers -- NASDAQ Global Select Market, NASDAQ
Global Market, and NASDAQ Capital Market. NASDAQ also plans to launch indexes
based on these new tiers.
"Heritage Financial Corporation is an example of an industry leader that
has achieved superior listing standards, which clearly defines the essence of
the NASDAQ Global Select Market," said Bruce Aust, Executive Vice President,
Corporate Client Group. "NASDAQ is focused on leading a race to the top in
terms of listing qualifications. In recognizing these companies, we are
highlighting their achievement in meeting the requirements to be included in
the market with the highest listing standards in the world," added Mr. Aust.
NASDAQ announced the new three tier listing classification in February
2006. All three market tiers will maintain rigorous listing and corporate
governance standards. For additional information about the NASDAQ Global
Select Market, please go to: www.nasdaq.com/GlobalSelect.
About NASDAQ
NASDAQ is the largest U.S. electronic stock market. With approximately
3,200 companies, it lists more companies and, on average, trades more shares
per day than any other U.S. market. It is home to companies that are leaders
across all areas of business including technology, retail, communications,
financial services, transportation, media and biotechnology. NASDAQ is the
primary market for trading NASDAQ-listed stocks. For more information about
NASDAQ, visit www.nasdaq.com or the NASDAQ Newsroom at
http://www.nasdaq.com/newsroom/.
About Heritage Financial Corporation
Heritage Financial Corporation is an $820 million bank holding company
headquartered in Olympia, Washington. The Company operates two community
banks, Heritage Bank and Central Valley Bank. Heritage Bank serves Pierce,
Thurston, Mason and South King Counties in the South Puget Sound region of
Washington through its fourteen full service banking offices and its Online
Banking Website www.HeritageBankWA.com. Central Valley Bank serves Yakima and
Kittitas Counties in central Washington through its six full service banking
offices and its Online Banking Website www.CVBankWa.com. Additional
information about Heritage Financial Corporation is available on its Internet
website www.HF-WA.com.
SOURCE Heritage Financial Corporation