UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 26, 2004

AMERICANWEST BANCORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Washington	0-18561	91-1259511
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

9506 North Newport Highway, Spokane, Washington	99218-1200
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (509) 467-6993

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers.

On October 27, 2004, AmericanWest Bancorporation (Nasdaq: AWBC) announced the retirement of Robert Gardner from the boards of directors of AmericanWest Bancorporation and its subsidiary, AmericanWest Bank, effective October 26, 2004. A copy of the press release announcing his retirement is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by this reference.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

(c) Exhibits.

Exhibit Number	Description
99.1	Press release dated October 27, 2004 announcing the retirement of Robert Gardner from the boards of directors of AmericanWest Bancorporation and AmericanWest Bank, effective October 26, 2004.

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Dated: October 29, 2004

AMERICANWEST BANCORPORATION
By:	/s/ C. Tim Cassels
	C. Tim Cassels
	Executive Vice President and CFO

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