COLUMBIA, Md., January 22, 1998 -- Columbia Bancorp (Nasdaq: CBMD), parent
company of The Columbia Bank, today announced record earnings of $4,167,5 3 1,
or $1.82 per share, for the year ended December 31, 1997 and $1,111,414, or
$.48 per share for the quarter then ended. Earnings were $3,751,882, or $1.66
per share, and $967,870, or $.43 per share for the comparable periods of 1996,
respectively. Results for 1996, as previously reported, were affected by a
special one-time after-tax charge of $299,000 recorded during the third
quarter as a result of the recapitalization of the Savings Association
Insurance Fund of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The Company continued its aggressive expansion of core business during 1997.
As compared to 1996, deposits were up 23.1%, total assets grew 17.7% and
loans, inclusive of loans held for sale, increased 13.5%. Substantial
investments were made to support this growth and future expansion.
Specifically, the Company opened three full service branch facilities and two
mortgage banking offices. The Company also completed integration of its new
data processing system, which provides enhanced customer service capabilities
and operational efficiencies. Other comparable operating trends remained
essentially unchanged from those reported quarterly during 1997.

Columbia Bancorp, headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, is a bank holding
company and parent company of The Columbia Bank, a commercial bank. The
Columbia Bank operates thirteen banking offices and provides a full range of
financial services to consumers and businesses.