CONFIRMING STATEMENT

This Statement confirms that the undersigned
has authorized and designated C. TIM CASSELS
and R. BLAIR REYNOLDS, or either of them,
to execute and file on behalf of the
undersigned all Forms 3, 4 and 5 (including
any amendments thereto) that the undersigned
may be required to file with the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission as a result
of the undersigned's ownership of, or
transactions in, securities of AMERICANWEST
BANCORPORATION.  Unless earlier revoked by
the undersigned in writing, the authority
granted pursuant to this Statement shall
continue until such time as the undersigned
is no longer required to file Forms 3, 4
or 5 with regard to securities of AMERICANWEST
BANCORPORATION.  The undersigned understands
and acknowledges that neither of the authorized
persons set forth above nor AMERICANWEST
BANCORPORATION is assuming any responsibility
of the undersigned to comply with Section 16
of the Securities Excahnge Act of 1934.

Dated this 23rd day of March, 2005.

/s/Nicole Sherman