The $449 million Centris Federal Credit Union was among the toplenders recently recognized by the U.S. Small BusinessAdministration during National Small Business Week.

The agency put the spotlight on Centris FCU in Omaha, Neb.,which was named SBA's Community/Rural Lender of the Year. Threebanks, two certified development companies and two small businessinvestment companies were also honored during an awards ceremonytoday in Washington as part of National Small Business Week.

“As a community lender, Centris also has had a significantimpact on underserved markets in its area, as the number of loansapproved for this segment increased by 83% from 2009 to 2010 andthe gross dollar amount approved increased by 230.29%,” the SBAsaid.

The Large 7(a) Loan Lender of the Year Award went to Wells Fargoof Minneapolis. The Small 7(a) Lender of the Year Award winner wasPeoples Bank of Mendenhall, Miss.

The SBICs recognized were Main Street Capital of Houston andDiamond State Ventures of Little Rock, Ark. The SBA this year againrecognized SunTrust Bank in Atlanta with its Export Lender of theYear Award.

The CDCs receiving awards were Ohio Statewide Development Corp.of Columbus, Ohio, and Clay/Platte Development Corp. of KansasCity, Mo.