OAKDALE, CA--(Marketwire - December 10, 2009) - Oak Valley Community Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Oak Valley Bancorp (NASDAQ: OVLY), was recently recognized by Success Capital Expansion & Development Corporation as their "Most Active Lending Partner" for Success Capital's fiscal year-end September 30, 2009. Oak Valley Senior Vice President, Gary Stephens, was also recognized and received the award for "Most Active Loan Officer" during the same period.

Success Capital recently held their annual meeting in Modesto and presented the aforementioned awards. Guest speakers included Ron Truly, Deputy District Director of the Fresno District Office for the U.S. Small Business Administration, who reported that Success Capital was one of the top five Certified Development Companies (CDC's) in the Fresno District, which serves 15 Central California counties. CDC's provide low down payment, fixed rate financing via the SBA 504 Loan Program for business owners to purchase or build facilities for their businesses.

Oak Valley's Stephens has 25 years of commercial lending experience. He joined the Bank in 2004. In 2009, he began taking on additional credit administration responsibilities and has become more involved in both the oversight and credit quality of both the Commercial and Small Business loan portfolios of the bank.

"Working with Success Capital is the key to effectively delivering SBA 504 loans to our mutual clients. Success Capital serves as the bridge between banks and the 504 program; their specialized knowledge of SBA rules, forms and procedures expedites the loan process and facilitates a virtually seamless experience for both the Bank and our valued clients in the community," stated Stephens. "It's an honor for us to be recognized by them for our mutual efforts to make commercial real estate ownership possible for small businesses within our community," he concluded.

Oak Valley Bancorp operates Oak Valley Community Bank & Eastern Sierra Community Bank, through which it offers a variety of loan and deposit products to individuals and small businesses. The Company currently operates through 12 conveniently located branches: Oakdale, Sonora, Turlock, Stockton, Patterson, Ripon, Escalon, two branches in Modesto, and three branches in their Eastern Sierra Division, which includes Bridgeport, Mammoth Lakes and Bishop.

For more information call 1-866-844-7500 or visit us online at www.ovcb.com.

Contact Information: Contact: Ron Martin CEO Chris Courtney President (209) 848-BANK (2265) Toll Free (866) 844-7500 www.ovcb.com Susan Martin President & CEO Success Capital EDC (209) 521-9372 e-mail to