UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 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):  February 26, 2009

SANDY SPRING BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Maryland
000-19065
52-1532952
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 
17801 Georgia Avenue, Olney, Maryland  20832
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (301) 774-6400

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 8.01   Other Events

On February 26, 2009, Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. issued a press release announcing that the Board of Directors has reduced the company’s quarterly common stock dividend to $0.12 from $0.24 per share, effective for the dividend payable March 12, 2009, to shareholders of record on March 2, 2009.  A copy of the press release is included is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 9.01   Financial Statements and Exhibits
 
Exhibits
  
   
Number
Description
   
99.1
Press Release dated February 26, 2009

 
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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.



 
SANDY SPRING BANCORP, INC.
 
(Registrant)
     
     
     
Date: February 26, 2009
By:
/s/ Daniel J. Schrider                               
 
Daniel J. Schrider
 
President and Chief Executive Officer

 
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