SAN ANTONIO — The Small Business Administration recently designated Security Service Federal Credit Union as the first credit union in its San Antonio district to receive Preferred Lender status.

The $3.9 billion SSFCU was the first San Antonio CU to become an SBA lender in 2003 and has issued more than $4 million in loans to area small businesses, according to SBA's San Antonio office. The CU was also designated a SBAExpress Lender in 2005. Obtaining that designation allows SSFCU to offer small businesses revolving lines of credit.

The Preferred Lender designation "allows us to help our members obtain SBA loans in a much more timely and efficient manner, assisting them to meet their business needs," said John Worthington, SSFCU senior vice president.