COLUMBIA, Md., November 6, 1997 -- The Columbia Bank received the William
T. Manning Business Award from the Mid-Maryland Private Industry Council, in
recognition for its long-time involvement in workforce development in Howard
County. Deerfield Senior Services in Carroll County was also honored with this
"Business of the Year" distinction at a recent ceremony.

The Columbia Bank operates thirteen branch banking offices and provides a full
range of financial services to consumers and businesses. The Columbia Bank is
the banking subsidiary of Columbia Bancorp, a bank holding company
headquartered in Columbia, Maryland and founded in 1987.

The Mid-Maryland Private Industry Council (PIC) is a volunteer-based, non-
profit organization that matches job seekers with companies and firms. The
group, which oversees employment and training activities as empowered by the
Job Training Partnership Act, provided services to approximately 1500 youth
and adults in Carroll and Howard Counties last year.

The Columbia Bank was honored for its work with PIC, including the offering of
work experiences to those entering the job market for the first time. The
financial institution also provides job opportunities to PIC's Employment and
Training customers and to Howard County students in the Maryland's Tomorrow
Program.

"The Columbia Bank is the model for companies committed to helping qualified
employees find meaningful and rewarding jobs in the Howard County area,"
stated Dorothy Lehman, Administrator for Howard County Employment and
Training.

"They not only deeply believe in the PIC program, but demonstrate their
commitment by consistently offering job opportunities available at the Bank.
Both Robert Dael, Senior Vice President and Sheryl Bruff, Vice President of
Human Resources have become active to ensure our success," she added.

"It is important to note that the PIC helps qualified employees, who may have
lost their jobs due to no fault of their own," Robert Dael explained. "We have
had a wonderful experience working with the PIC, and received motivated,
enthusiastic workers that contribute significantly to The Columbia Bank. When
something works as smoothly as this program, you keep going back," he added.

The PIC supports the skill assessment and skill enhancement programs to both
adults and students. The organization is active in job training for displaced
workers, as well as the under-employed.

The Mid-Maryland Private Industry Council is active in Carroll and Howard
Counties.
Columbia Bancorp's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market System
under the symbol "CBMD."