PO Box 990
Manchester, NH 03105-0990
(603) 669-4600
1-888-786-2791 

PRESS RELEASE 
For immediate release:
December 14, 2012

Contact:          Elizabeth Stodolski
                        (603) 629-1430
                        estodolski@stmarysbank.com

St. Mary’s Bank Recognized by SBA
Nation’s first credit union is honored for small business lending and originating the most SBA loans of any credit union in New England

MANCHESTER, NH—December 14, 2012 – St. Mary’s Bank has been recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration for its outstanding achievement in small business lending, including the origination of the most SBA loans by any credit union in New England. 

The nation’s first credit union was named the recipient of a 2012 Outstanding Achievement Award for increased participation with a focus on much-needed smaller dollar amount business loans. The award was presented by the New Hampshire district office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

The award program recognizes SBA participating lender institutions for their commitment in assisting SBA with providing access to capital to small businesses throughout New Hampshire.

“We at St. Mary’s Bank recognize that small businesses are the key to a thriving economy,” said Don St. Germain, St. Mary’s Bank Chief Lending Officer. “We are pleased to be recognized for our efforts to provide the loans that help small businesses expand and innovate, hire local workers, and pump dollars back into the local economy.”

In remarks at a recent awards ceremony, Amy Bassett, NH Deputy District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration, lauded St. Mary’s Bank, noting, “Their efforts are critical to helping SBA address the need for smaller dollar financing here in New Hampshire.” 

St. Mary’s Bank increased its SBA participation by 131% (which represents a dollar increase of 177%) and originated the most SBA loans by any credit union in New England. 

Bassett also noted that 78% of all St. Mary’s business loans were under $50,000 and 50% were under $25,000 “which reflects our commitment to small businesses in the markets St. Mary’s serves,” said Leo Simard, Senior Vice President and Director of Business Development and Retail Sales at St. Mary’s.