Three years after it started offering business loans, Members Choice Credit Union said it recently took the No. 9 spot on the list of top SBA lenders for the Houston market.

The Houston-based $457 million credit union, which previously held the 10th spot on the list, was recognized at a Houston Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders luncheon where Members Choice President/CEO Steve Gilman and staff were presented with a recognition plaque by Yolanda Garcia Olivarez, regional administrator of the SBA.

In June 2011, Members Choice said it earned a Preferred Lender designation by the SBA, which gives lenders the authority to streamline the process necessary to provide financial assistance to the small business community. The status has been granted to only eight other credit unions in Texas, according to Members Choice.

The credit union said it began offering business loans in 2009. Since 2010, Members Choice has made more than $42 million in business loans to a variety of small businesses.

“We are pleased to continue to provide small businesses with the opportunity to realize their dreams of owning a small business, brings jobs to our communities and helps to strengthen our economy,” Gilman said. “We are fortunate and proud to have a great team of individuals in our SBA lending department who have made this recognition possible.”

Members Choice's business lending group consists of Bruce Hurta, business lending manager; Pat Harris, business lending administrator; Regina Jenkins, business services officer, and Charmian Rosales, business services officer. Hurta also serves as the current president of the board of the Houston Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders.

Instant Insights /

Members Choice CU Takes No. 9 Spot in Houston SBA Market

Related Stories

Recommended For You