Plaza Bank Launches Unique Loan Program for Export Businesses

IRVINE, CA--(Marketwired - Dec 4, 2013) - Plaza Bank (OTCBB: PLZB) has launched a unique loan program this month aimed at small and midsize companies that export their products or services. This program is supported by the Export-Import Bank of the United States. It is highly complementary to the other loan products provided by Plaza Bank to the business community.

"We're offering support that is so often unavailable to small and midsize businesses," said Gene Galloway, President and CEO of Irvine-based Plaza Bank. "We believe this will help businesses in our community, and it will strengthen our economy. Exports create U.S. jobs. They bring dollars in from other countries. Small businesses have a role to play in trade and we can help."

Galloway said larger banks may not be interested in dealing with small and midsize businesses for loans of this type. And there are less than five California and Nevada-based community banks with the expertise to handle export-related loans.

"We've made the investment to have the talented, export-savvy people our clients will need," Galloway said. "And export businesses will find they'll get the same responsive, personalized service all our clients get from Plaza Bank."

The export loan program will be led by Vice President Eric Fenmore, who has more than 20 years of experience lending to exporters. Fenmore will work with his network, the business community and clients to provide a knowledge base in the market for these programs. He added that businesses that are direct exporters or that are contractors to other exporters will be eligible for the new financing and loans.

"Plaza Bank is an accomplished and acclaimed leader in SBA lending," Fenmore said. "This is a similar type of program and we have the high level people involved to offer support that is normally not available to small and midsize businesses. We see this as another key way we're helping out small businesses and our community."

About Plaza Bank

Plaza Bank (PLZB.OB) is a full service community bank serving the business and professional communities in Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bank is committed to meeting the financial needs of small to middle market businesses and professional firms with loans for working capital, equipment and owner-occupied commercial real estate financing and a full array of cash management services. Our bankers are experienced, professional and knowledgeable. For more information, visit www.plazabank.net or call President and CEO Gene Galloway at (949) 502-4309.

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