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CENTENNIAL GARDEN & CONVENTION CENTER
TO BE RENAMED ‘RABOBANK ARENA, THEATER, AND CONVENTION CENTER’

Bakersfield, CA and El Centro, CA -- February 1, 2005 -- Rabobank International is pleased to announce a new marketing partnership with the City of Bakersfield, California that will grant Rabobank the naming rights to Bakersfield’s multi-purpose entertainment facility and convention center. Under the terms of the agreement, the Bakersfield Centennial Garden and Convention Center will be renamed the ‘Rabobank Arena, Theater and Convention Center.’

The naming rights agreement will be officially approved by the Bakersfield City Council on Wednesday, February 9, 2005, and will grant Rabobank the naming and signage rights to the arena and convention center for ten years, for a fee of $2.5 million. The agreement was negotiated and secured by SMG, the firm that manages the facility for the City. The name change to Rabobank Arena, Theater and Convention Center will become effective on February 14, 2005 and will extend until February 2015.

The new collaboration between Rabobank and the City of Bakersfield represents a very positive opportunity for both parties. Rabobank owns Valley Independent Bank (VIB), which provides retail and commercial banking services throughout central and southern California, and which is in the process of changing its name to Rabobank. Since being acquired by Rabobank in 2002, VIB has increased its network to 25 branches located in numerous central and southern valley communities. The purchase of the arena and convention center naming rights will further solidify VIB and Rabobank’s commitment to Bakersfield and the surrounding region. The City will benefit from a new revenue source that will further strengthen the financial health of the complex.

Dan Woerner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Valley Independent Bank, said, “This investment is a tangible sign of our long-term commitment to our customers and to the local community. Rabobank Arena, Theater and Convention Center will provide an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the cultural and civic fabric of the area and will strengthen our tie with the communities where we, VIB and Rabobank, have our roots.”

Cor Broekhuyse, head of the Americas for Rabobank International, said, “Rabobank’s century-old heritage of community involvement continues to be one of the guiding principles for our global organization today, in every local market where we do business.

We are pleased to affirm our commitment to Bakersfield, a growing and vital community with a healthy business climate. The arena and convention center is a world class facility, and we are proud that it will continue to serve all central valley residents under the Rabobank name. “We began pursuing a naming rights agreement when the arena was being constructed, so we are very pleased that Rabobank has partnered with us to finally make it a reality”, said Alan Tandy, Bakersfield City Manager. “They have made a significant investment and commitment in our community, and we look forward to a very successful relationship with them.”

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