Greater Nevada Credit Union (GNCU) was recently named the 2016 National Lender of the Year by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) after GNCU obligated over $120 million in loans, all guaranteed by the agency’s Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program. The award was announced by Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Lisa Mensah on Oct. 28 at the National Rural Lender’s Association Conference in Washington, D.C., during part of USDA’s observance of National Cooperatives Month.
On Nov. 18, Nevada’s USDA Rural Development Business Programs Director Herb Shedd applauded the credit union’s efforts at a press announcement at Greater Nevada Field, of which Greater Nevada Credit Union is the title sponsor.
“They have a comprehensive lending portfolio around USDA programs. Not only have they obligated loan guarantees for 17 rural businesses this year, they are now participating in the Bio refinery Assistance program, and the Multi-Family Guaranteed Housing Program. Greater Nevada has a passion to help their credit union members and America’s rural communities to succeed. That is exciting to see, especially when you consider the rural impacts in these many communities,” Shedd said.
During the announcement, Shedd honored GNCU President and CEO Wally Murray, Vice President of Business Services Jeremy Gilpin, and the GNCU commercial lending team for their outstanding performance.
GNCU President/CEO Wally Murray said, “We received this recognition by doing exemplary work in providing access to much needed capital to rural companies in Nevada and throughout the nation. It came down to remaining true to a principle that has long been one of our hallmarks: cooperating with others to get the job done. As a financial cooperative, we recognize that the best way to help people and businesses is by finding the common ground to create the proverbial win-win scenario for everyone involved.”
In Nevada, $11.2 million in guaranteed loans were obligated with five rural businesses. Twelve rural businesses in Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Montana, South Dakota, and Virginia also received guaranteed loans from Greater Nevada Credit Union, in cooperation with credit unions and community banks in those states.
For more information about Greater Nevada Credit Union, visit gncu.org or call (775) 882-2060.
Greater Nevada Credit Union accepts the USDA Lender of the Year award on November 18. Pictured L to R: GNCU President/CEO Wally Murray, GNCU VP Business Services Jeremy Gilpin, GNCU EVP/COO Dean Altus, GNCU Business Services Small Business Administration Loan Officer Noah Elsfelder, GNCU Business Services Manager Holly Speir, GNCU Member Business Lending Relationship Officer Jesse Hartford, USDA Rural Development Business Programs Director Herb Shedd, and GNCU Member Business Services Loan Officer Jerry Murphy.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $215 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.
