8-K

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): January 14, 2011

AMERICANWEST BANCORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

41 W. Riverside Avenue, Suite 300 Spokane, WA	99201
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

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

N/A

(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 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure

As previously reported, on October 28, 2010, AmericanWest Bancorporation (the “Company”) filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington (the “Bankruptcy Court”). The Company is currently the “debtor-in-possession” of its limited business under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. Regardless of the outcome of the proceedings in the Bankruptcy Court, the Company does not expect that any assets will be available for distribution to the holders of the Company’s common stock.

On January 14, 2011, the Company filed with the Bankruptcy Court the Company’s Monthly Operating Report for the period from December 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010 (the “December Monthly Operating Report”). A copy of the December Monthly Operating Report is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by this reference. A complete copy of the December Monthly Operating Report is also publicly available on the internet and may be accessed at http://pacer.uspci.uscourts.gov.

Limitation on Incorporation by Reference

In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the information in this Item 7.01 shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall such information be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

Cautionary Statement Regarding the December Monthly Operating Report

The Company cautions investors and potential investors not to place undue reliance upon the information contained in the December Monthly Operating Report, which was not prepared for the purpose of providing the basis for an investment decision relating to any of the securities of the Company. The December Monthly Operating Report is limited in scope, covers a limited time period and has been prepared solely for the purpose of complying with the monthly reporting requirements of the Bankruptcy Court. The December Monthly Operating Report was not audited or reviewed by independent accountants, was not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, is in a format prescribed by applicable bankruptcy laws, and is subject to future adjustment and reconciliation. There can be no assurance that, from the perspective of an investor or potential investor in the Company’s securities, the December Monthly Operating Report is complete. The December Monthly Operating Report also contains information for periods which are shorter or otherwise different from those required in the Company’s reports pursuant to the Exchange Act, and such information might not be indicative of the Company’s financial condition or operating results for the period that would be reflected in the Company’s financial statements or in its reports pursuant to the Exchange Act. Results set forth in the December Monthly Operating Report should not be viewed as indicative of future results.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K includes forward-looking statements, and the Company intends for such statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company’s expectation that there will not be any assets available for distribution to the Company’s common shareholders, the Company’s beliefs concerning future business conditions, the Company’s outlook based on currently available information and the Company’s statements regarding its expectations concerning the bankruptcy process. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements include, without limitation: (i) the ability of the Company to develop, pursue, confirm and consummate one or more plans of liquidation or reorganization with respect to the Chapter 11 proceeding; (ii) the ability of the Company to obtain Bankruptcy Court approval of its motions in the Chapter 11 proceeding; (iii) risks associated with third parties seeking and obtaining Bankruptcy Court approval to (a) terminate or shorten the exclusivity period for the Company to propose and confirm one or more plans; (b) appoint a trustee; or (c) convert the case to a Chapter 7 proceeding; (iv) potential adverse developments with respect to the Company’s liquidity or results of operations; and (v) the risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or amend any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

99.1 Monthly Operating Report for the period from December 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010, filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington on January 14, 2011

SIGNATURES

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.

	AMERICANWEST BANCORPORATION,
	a Washington corporation
Date: January 21, 2011	By:	/s/ Patrick J. Rusnak
		Patrick J. Rusnak
		President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

UST–3 OFFICE OF THE U.S. TRUSTEE – REGION 18 3/23/90

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

MONTHLY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS CORPORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

All Chapter 11 debtors (other than individuals) must serve the U.S. Trustee with the documents and reports identified below no later than the 15th day of the month following the end of the month covered by the report.

Debtor Name: Americanwest Bancorporation

Case Number: 10.06097-PCW11 For the month of: December 2010

Required Documents Document Attached Previously Submitted Explanation Attached

1. Income Statement (profit and loss statement).

2. Comparative Balance Sheet.

3. Statement of Cash Receipts and Disbursements.

4. Statement of Aged Receivables.

5. Statement of Aged Payables.

6. Statement of Operations, Taxes, Insurance and Personnel.

7. Other documents/reports as required by the U.S. Trustee: None noted

The undersigned certifies under penalty of perjury (28 U.S.C. § 1746) that the information contained in this and accompanying reports is complete, true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.

By: Shelly L Krasselt Dated: 1/12/11 , 2011

Principal Accounting Officer

Title of Debtor Representative

Office of the US Trustee - Region 18

Seattle, Washington

Debtor Name: AmericanWest Bancorporation

Case Number: 10-06097-PCW11

For the period: Refer to dates below

Basis of Accounting: Accrual

	10/28-10/31			11/1-11/30			12/1-12/31
Income
Gain on sale of assets	$	—		$	—		$	37,020
Expenses
Payroll Expenses	$	1,909		$	3,215		$	1,970
Occupancy	$	—		$	971		$	595
Director Fees	$	—		$	—		$	750
Investor Relations	$	692		$	234		$	—
Service Contracts	$	—		$	89		$	—
On going Professional costs	$	—		$	1,646		$	2,334
Professionals	$	—		$	—		$	65,179
Interest Expense DIP loan	$	—		$	1,700		$	4,038
Loan Fee	$	—		$	100,000		$	—
Special Cousel	$	—		$	332,726		$	162,000
Debtor’s Counsel	$	—		$	75,540		$	50,854
Total Expenses	$	2,601		$	516,121		$	287,719
Net Loss	$	(2,601	)	$	(516,121	)	$	(250,699	)

Office of the US Trustee - Region 18

Seattle, Washington

Debtor Name: AmericanWest Bancorporation

Case Number: 10-06097-PCW11

Comparative Balance Sheet

	10/31/2010			Activity			11/30/2010			Activity			12/31/2010
Assets
Current Assets
Cash	$	97,345		$	6,891,453		$	6,988,798		$	(889,896	)	$	6,098,902
Investment in WIN Partners	$	100,000		$	—		$	100,000		$	(100,000	)	$	—
Total Current Assets	$	197,345		$	6,891,453		$	7,088,798		$	(989,896	)	$	6,098,902
Accounts/Dividend Receivable
Accrued Dividend Receivable - TRUPS prepetition	$	184,842		$	—		$	184,842					$	184,842
Accrued Dividend Receivable - TRUPS postpetition	$	—		$	—		$	—					$	—
Total Accounts Receivable	$	184,842		$	—		$	184,842		$	—		$	184,842
Other Assets
Dashiell Insurance Policy Assignment of Benefits	$	160,797		$	—		$	160,797		$	(160,797	)	$	—
Real Property - Prosser Building and Land	$	202,184		$	—		$	202,184		$	(202,184	)	$	—
Investment in AmericanWest Bank	$	6,000,000		$	—		$	6,000,000		$	(6,000,000	)	$	—
Investment in TRUPS	$	1,239,000		$	—		$	1,239,000					$	1,239,000
Total Other Assets	$	7,601,981		$	—		$	7,601,981		$	(6,362,980	)	$	1,239,000
Total Assets	$	7,984,167		$	6,891,453		$	14,875,621		$	(7,352,876	)	$	7,522,744
Liabilities
Postpetition Liabilities:
Accounts Payable	$	692		$	407,574		$	408,266		$	(102,177	)	$	306,089
Debtor in Possession Loan to SKBHC Hawks Nest	$	—		$	850,000		$	850,000		$	(850,000	)	$	—
Stalking Horse Bid Deposit	$	—		$	6,150,000		$	6,150,000		$	(6,150,000	)	$	—
Accrued Dividend Payable	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Total Postpetition Liabilities	$	692		$	7,407,574		$	7,408,266		$	(7,102,177	)	$	306,089
Prepetition Liabilities
Accounts Payable	$	1,337		$	—		$	1,337		$	—		$	1,337
Notes Payable	$	41,239,000		$	—		$	41,239,000		$	—		$	41,239,000
Accrued Dividend Payable	$	6,152,827		$	—		$	6,152,827		$	—		$	6,152,827
Total Prepetition Liabilities	$	47,393,164		$	—		$	47,393,164		$	—		$	47,393,164
Total Liabilities	$	47,393,856		$	7,407,574		$	54,801,430		$	(7,102,177	)	$	47,699,253
Owner Equity
Preferred Stock	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Common Stock	$	253,482,472		$	—		$	253,482,472		$	—		$	253,482,472
Retained Deficit	$	(292,892,160	)	$	(516,121	)	$	(293,408,281	)	$	(250,699	)	$	(293,658,981	)
Total Owner Equity	$	(39,409,689	)	$	(516,121	)	$	(39,925,809	)	$	(250,699	)	$	(40,176,509	)
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	7,984,167		$	6,891,453		$	14,875,621		$	(7,352,876	)	$	7,522,744

Office of the US Trustee - Region 18

Seattle, Washington

Debtor Name: AmericanWest Bancorporation

Case Number: 10-06097-PCW11

Statement of Cash Disbursements

Cash Disbursements

Date	Check No.	Payee	Description	Amount
12/10/2010	via wire	Hawks Nest Acquisition Corp	Net refund of incremental bid	$	500,000.00
12/17/2010	via wire	Hawks Nest Acquisition Corp	Interest on DIP loan		4,037.50
12/17/2010	1002	AmericanWest Bank	Operating expense allocations		4,404.25
12/28/2010	via wire	Morrison Foerester	Special Counsel Fees		267,958.85
12/28/2010	via wire	Foster Pepper	Debtor’s Counsel Fees		61,256.72
12/28/2010		AmericanWest Bank	Wire fees		40.00
12/31/2010	via wire	Sandler O’Neil	Financial Advisor Fees		52,178.70
12/31/2010		AmericanWest Bank	Wire fees		20.00
				$	889,896.02

Office of the US Trustee - Region 18

Seattle, Washington

Debtor Name: AmericanWest Bancorporation

Case Number: 10-06097-PCW11

Statement of Aged Payables

NOTE: Schedule only includes postpetition debts.

Account Name	Description	Total Due		Current		Past Due		Past Due		Past Due
				(0-30 Days)		(31-60 Days)		(61-90 Days)		(91 & Over)
	Foster Pepper	$	65,137	$	50,944	$	14,193	$	—	$	—
	Morrison Foerster	$	226,767	$	162,000	$	64,767	$	—	$	—
	Sandler O’Neil	$	13,000	$	13,000	$	—	$	—	$	—
	RR Donnelly	$	1,185	$	1,185	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Totals	$	306,089	$	227,129	$	78,960	$	—	$	—
	Accounts Payable Reconciliation
	Opening Balance	$	408,266
	Total New Indebtedness Incurred this Month	$	227,039
	Balance	$	635,305
	Amount paid on Prior Accounts Payable	$	329,216
	Closing Balance	$	306,089

UST–9 OFFICE OF THE U.S. TRUSTEE – REGION 18 3/23/90

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS. TAXES. INSURANCE AND PERSONNEL

For the Month Ending: December 31,2010

Debtor Name: Americanwest Bancorporation

Case Number: 10-06097-PCWll

1. What efforts have been made toward presentation of a plan to the creditors?

On December 9,2010, the bankruptcy court approved the sale of substantially all of the assets, of the estate for # 6.5 million, which is the net amount the debtor received. The sale closed on December 20,2010.

The debtor expects to file a

plan to distribute the sale proceeds by February 25,2011

2. Has the Debtor in Possession, subsequent to the filing of the petition, made any payments on its prepetition unsecured debt, except as have been authorized by the Court?

: Yes

X : No Identify amount, who was paid and date paid:

3. Provide a narrative report of significant events and events out of the ordinary course of business: (attach separate sheet if necessary)

refer to item1 above regarding the sale of substantially all assets

4. List any payments during this period on debt that has been personally guaranteed by any principal, partner or officer of the business.

none

UST–9 3/23/90

5. If assets have been sold in other than the ordinary course of business, please provide details as to the asset sold, date of sale, total sales price, deductions (i.e. commissions), and net amount received.

refer to item 1 above

6. STATUS OF TAXES none

FEDERAL TAXES AMOUNT WITHHELD OR ACCRUED AMOUNT PAID DATE PAID POSTPETITION TAXES PAST DUE

FICA

Withholding

Unemployment

Income

Other

STATE TAXES

Dept. of Labor and Industries

Income

Employment Sec.

Dept. of Revenue

B&O

Sales

Excise

OTHER TAXES

City Business/License

Personal Property

Real Property

Other (List)

Explain reason for any past due postpetition taxes:

n/a

UST–9 3/23/90

7. SCHEDULE OF SALARY AND OTHER PAYMENTS TO PRINCIPALS / EXECUTIVES / INSIDERS*

Payee Name Amount

Position

Nature of Payment

Americanwest Bank

Subsidiary

Operating Expenses /Board fees

$ 4,404.25

*List accrued salaries whether or not paid and any draws of any kind or perks such as car etc. made to or for the benefit of any proprietor, owner, partner, shareholder, officer, director or insider,

8. SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS TO ATTORNEYS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS

Appointment Date

Amount Paid This Month

Date of Court Approval

Aggregate Received

Estimated Balance

Due

Debtor’s Counsel

11/17/10

$61,257

*

$61,257

$14,193

Counsel For Unsecured Creditors’ Committee

$

$

$

Trustee’s Counsel

$

$

$

Accountant

$

$

$

Other:Special Counsel

11/12/10

$267,959

*

$267,959

$64,769

Financial Advisor

11/12/10

52,179

*

52,179

13,000

Identify fees accrued but not paid:

Debtor’s counsel $65,137; Special counsel $226,767, and Financial Advisor $ 13,000

* paid per 12/14/10 interim payment order

9. Please explain any changes in insurance coverage that took place this month,

none

10. PERSONNEL

Full Time

Part Time

Total number of employees at beginning of period Number hired during the period Number terminated or resigned during period Total number of employees on payroll at period end Total payroll for the period S

note: payroll expenses for the month of December on the

income statement are related to an allocation from Americanwest Bank through 12/19/2010.