U.S. Small Business Administration Alaska District Office Names APB Community Based Lender of the Year for 2008

Anchorage – The U.S. Small Business Administration Alaska District Office presented its 2008 lender awards at the Alaska Lenders’ Symposium held in Anchorage on November 6, 2008. For the second consecutive year, Alaska Pacific Bank was selected as the Alaska SBA Community Based Lender of the Year. This award recognizes the Alaska-based SBA lender that achieves the highest volume of SBA loan approvals to businesses located in Alaska during the federal fiscal year, and demonstrates its ongoing commitment to the small business community through support of SBA programs and services. Any type of financial institution that has its headquarters in the state of Alaska and primarily serves the Alaskan market may be considered for this award.

“As a community bank serving Southeast Alaska, we pride ourselves in working with the small business customers of our region who face the challenges of operating in this unique environment. Our ability to serve these customers has been enhanced by working with the people and programs of the Small Business Administration. This award recognizes the work of our lending officers and our commitment as a bank to people and businesses of Southeast Alaska,” said Craig E. Dahl, President and CEO.

During the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, Alaska Pacific Bank, which is headquartered in Juneau and serves all of Southeast Alaska, had 22 loan approvals totaling $2,132,500. Alaska Pacific Bank also recently received SBA’s Preferred Lender Program (PLP) status, which provides delegated lending authority to SBA lenders that demonstrate proficiency in processing and servicing SBA-guaranteed loans.

“We are proud to recognize Alaska Pacific Bank for their ongoing commitment to providing businesses in Southeast Alaska with access to the capital they need to start, grow, and succeed,” said Sam Dickey, SBA deputy district director. “Alaska Pacific Bank understands the challenges and opportunities involved with doing business in Southeast Alaska, and we appreciate their partnership.”

For more information, please contact Sam Dickey in the U.S. Small Business Administration Alaska District Office, 907-271-4844.

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