One Georgia Bank Receives Highest Lender Status for Small Business Loans

One Georgia Bank (www.onegeorgiabank.com), one of the best ranked banks for Atlanta small business owners, was named a Preferred Lender by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on December 3.

Preferred Lender status is granted only to those lenders who have demonstrated a proficiency in processing and servicing SBA-guaranteed loans. The newly awarded designation -- along with One Georgia Bank's status as an SBA Express lender -- will allow the Atlanta based community bank to process small-business loans faster and with greater simplicity.

The SBA (www.sba.gov) does not make loans directly to entrepreneurs, but rather provides a guarantee to a commercial bank that in the event of default by the borrower they will reimburse a percentage of the loan proceeds back to the bank. The SBA will guarantee 85 percent of loans $150,000 or less and 75 percent of loans over $150,000 up to $2,000,000 under the 7A program. These loans -- typically used to renovate, provide working capital or complete an acquisition of a business -- often offer a lower down payment, longer terms and amortizations, competitive fixed and variable rates and better cash flow than other lending vehicles.

As of November 30, 2008, One Georgia Bank ranked #7 of all 7(a) Georgia SBA lenders by volume. The businesses include a diverse mix including food franchises, retail and medical.

"Preferred Lender status is the highest lender status you can receive," said Willard "Chuck" Lewis, president and chief executive officer of One Georgia Bank. "During these challenging economic times and beyond, SBA loans are an excellent tool to provide small businesses with the necessary capital for growth. Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy, creating jobs and helping our country and our state return to a more stable economic environment."

One Georgia Bank has recruited a team of experienced and dedicated SBA professionals. The group is managed by Kevin Clingman, Vice President. He joined One Georgia Bank in December 2006 from Republic Bank, Michigan's No. 1 SBA lender. Also key to the department's success is Sherry Kinard, Assistant Vice President - Business Development Officer, who previously worked at Region's Bank.

About One Georgia Bank

Located at 1180 Peachtree Street, One Georgia Bank's objectives are to provide businesses and individuals with the highest standard of relationship banking in the market. The bank offers competitive state-of-the-art products and services designed to attract deposits and loans and provide an attractive rate of return to shareholders. The bank has recruited and is committed to a highly competent, motivated team dedicated to providing outstanding customer service. One Georgia Bank's assets are currently estimated at more than $233 million. The bank is a proud member of the FDIC and through its CDARS program customers can expand deposit insurance on CD's up to $50 million. For more information, visit http://www.onegeorgiabank.com.