Sterling Bank Declares Cash Dividend

Sterling Bank Declares Cash Dividend 


MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., July 28  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sterling Bank
(NASDAQ:STNJ), today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a cash
dividend of $0.02 per common share.  This dividend is payable on August 26,
2004, to shareholders of record as of August 12, 2004.

Robert H. King, President and CEO commented concerning this action by the Board
of Directors, "The introduction, during 2004, of quarterly cash dividends is a
significant step forward in the progressive development of Sterling Bank.  This
is the third quarterly cash dividend declared this year, and validates the
continuing positive progress of the organization."

Sterling Bank is a community bank headquartered in Burlington County, New
Jersey, with assets of $283 million as of June 30, 2004.  Sterling Bank's main
office is located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey and its five other Community
Banking Centers are located in Burlington and Camden Counties in New Jersey.
Sterling Bank began operations in December 1990 with the purpose of serving
consumers and small- to medium-sized businesses in its market area.  The Bank's
deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to the
applicable regulatory limits per depositor.  Sterling Bank is a member of the
Federal Reserve System.  The common stock of Sterling Bank is traded on the
NASDAQ Small Cap Market under the symbol "STNJ."  For additional information
about Sterling Bank visit our website at http://www.sterlingnj.com/.

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements; either
expressed or implied, which are provided to assist the reader in understanding
anticipated future financial performance.  These statements involve certain
risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions made by management, which are
subject to factors beyond the company's control and could impede its ability to
achieve these goals.  These factors include general economic conditions, trends
in interest rates, the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, and
results of regulatory examination, among other factors. 

DATASOURCE: Sterling Bank



CONTACT:  Robert H. King, President, [phone],

; or R. Scott Horner, Executive Vice President,

[phone], , both of Sterling Bank



Web site:  http://www.sterlingnj.com/ 

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