biz briefs 11-2

Bank of Hawaii honored by SBA

The Hawaii District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration has released the performance results for its guaranteed loan programs for the fiscal year 2006, ended on Sept. 30. The SBA’s statistics indicate that 18 lenders and two certified development companies provided SBA financing to 413 borrowers for more than $40 million dollars.

For an unprecedented fourth year in a row, Bank of Hawaii was named the top SBA Lender of the Year, ranking No. 1 among lenders in Category 1. Bank of Hawaii made 143 loans valued at $9.4 million. Central Pacific Bank claimed first place for Category 2 banks by providing funding of $3.1 million to 50 small business owners.

In the annual competition for the SBA Lender of the Year award, banks are recognized for their SBA lending in two separate size categories based on total volume of their small business loan portfolio.

Kealakekua center hosts Country Fair

Kealakekua Ranch Center hosts its Country Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Country music by Dave Toland, line dancing instruction by Rena Rainbow and the Rainbow Dancers and free horse and pony rides, as well as a critter corale by Aka Ranch are offered. The corn husking competition also offers prizes. Free popcorn and lemonade will be served.

The event is a benefit for Aka Ranch Critter Corale and sponsored by the Kealakekua Ranch Center Association.