DEFA14A

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.     )

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    Preliminary Proxy Statement    ¨    Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

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    Definitive Proxy Statement      

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    Definitive Additional Materials      

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    Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-11(c) or §240.14a-12      

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

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*** Exercise Your Right to Vote ***

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the

Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on April 27, 2016

 

          

 

Meeting Information            

 

    
           Meeting Type: Annual Meeting       

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC.

         For holders as of: March 07, 2016    
          

 

Date: April 27, 2016

  

 

      Time: 1:00 PM PDT

    
          

 

Location: Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center

    
                            1500 Broadway    
       

                 Tacoma, Washington 98402

 

    
            

LOGO

 

Columbia Banking System, Inc

c/o Broadridge

PO Box 1342

Brentwood, NY 11717

    

 

You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in the above named company.

   

 

This is not a ballot. You cannot use this notice to vote these shares. This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. You may view the proxy materials online at www.proxyvote.com or easily request a paper copy (see reverse side).

   

 

We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting.

 

     

 

See the reverse side of this notice to obtain proxy materials and voting instructions.

 

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Before You Vote  

     
            
        

How to Access the Proxy Materials

 

               
        Proxy Materials Available to VIEW or RECEIVE:    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

        

 

1. Notice & Proxy Statement         2. AR/10K

 

How to View Online:

Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow LOGO (located on the following page) and visit: www.proxyvote.com.

 

How to Request and Receive a PAPER or E-MAIL Copy:

If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. Please choose one of the following methods to make your request:

 

                               1) BY INTERNET:         www.proxyvote.com

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*  If requesting materials by e-mail, please send a blank e-mail with the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow LOGO (located on the following page) in the subject line.

 

Requests, instructions and other inquiries sent to this e-mail address will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor. Please make the request as instructed above on or before April 13, 2016 to facilitate timely delivery.

 

    
       
   

 

How To Vote  

     
            
        

Please Choose One of the Following Voting Methods

 

               
       

Vote In Person: Many shareholder meetings have attendance requirements including, but not limited to, the possession of an attendance ticket issued by the entity holding the meeting. Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance. At the meeting, you will need to request a ballot to vote these shares.

 

Vote By Internet: To vote now by Internet, go to www.proxyvote.com. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow LOGO available and follow the instructions.

 

Vote By Mail: You can vote by mail by requesting a paper copy of the materials, which will include a proxy card.

 

    
       

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Voting items                   

 

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following:

    

 

 

1. Election of Directors

Nominees

1a David A. Dietzler

 

1b Melanie J. Dressel

 

1c Craig D. Eerkes

 

1d Ford Elsaesser

 

1e Mark A. Finkelstein

 

1f John P. Folsom

 

1g Thomas M. Hulbert

 

1h Michelle M. Lantow

 

1i Mae Fujita Numata

 

1j Elizabeth Seaton

 

1k William T. Weyerhaeuser

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3.

 

2. To vote on an advisory (non-binding) resolution to approve the compensation of Columbia’s executive officers.
3. To vote on an advisory (non-binding) resolution to appoint Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year ending 2016.

NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

 

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