CHICAGO, July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Popular Small Business Capital (PSBC), a division of Banco Popular North America (BPNA), one of the nation's premier community banks and a leading U.S. Small Business Administration Lender, today announced adding nine Business Development Officers and four additional team members for operational support. Additionally, PSBC appointed Nancy O. Watt, as a SBA Regional Sales Manager, Mid-America region.
The expansion follows Banco Popular's continued growth of its U.S. SBA lending business. As of June 30, 2007, Banco Popular, through its 146 branch network and the efforts of PSBC, ranks in the top five in Los Angeles, New York and New Jersey for U.S. SBA Loan volume. In the U.S. SBA's South Florida District, Banco Popular ranked 3rd for number of loans and number one for dollar volume. Banco Popular also ranked 3rd in the U.S. SBA North Florida District and in the U.S. SBA Illinois District for dollar volume.
"In this highly competitive market, we continue to achieve significant traction as a premier SBA Lender and true partner to our small business customers," said Javier Ubarri, SVP, Head of Commercial Banking, Banco Popular North America. "We challenge our team members to come with innovative solutions and to maintain a hands-on approach, always with the goal of delivering superior service."
Christopher Kwiatkowski, Senior Vice President, Manager, Popular Small Business Capital Division, added, "Our ability to attract some of the most seasoned professionals is testament to the customer focused attitude we have and adds to the value proposition we offer our clients - experienced, caring relationship managers who help them access financing quickly. I am thrilled to have Nancy Watt and all of our new team members join us."
Ms. Watt, an industry veteran with over two decades of experience, joins Popular Small Business Capital from Wachovia Small Business Capital, formerly First Union Small Business Capital, and The Money Store Investment Corporation where she managed over 30 employees and in six states. She supported general training and one-on-one coaching for loan structuring, eligibility, pricing and negotiating exceptions and developed new programs for loan origination growth.
PSBC's new team members are located throughout the U.S. and will assist in underwriting and coordination efforts.
PSBC was launched in February of 2006 in order to enhance small business lending through the SBA's various loan programs. As of June 30, 2007, PSBC has 49 BDOs and is active in all SBA districts nationwide. The division supports small business efforts by offering an array of financial solutions ranging from $150,000 - $5,000,000. For more information about Popular Small Business Capital, call 1-800-250-6968 or visit http://www.popularsmallbiz.com/
About Banco Popular
Banco Popular North America, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the leading community banks in the U.S. with 146 branches in California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Its core businesses include retail and commercial banking services, mortgage and consumer lending, and investment services. Banco Popular ranks among the top four Small Business Administration lenders in the country. Banco Popular North America is a subsidiary of Popular, Inc. . For more information about Banco Popular North America, visit the company's Web site at http://www.bancopopular.com/
Contact:
Juan Carlos Cruz Frances Del Valle
VP, Public Relations and Media 212-717-5499
847-994-6442 917-922-5653
