Central Pacific Bank sweeps U.S. Small Business Administration awards in Hawaii for 2023

The Central Pacific Bank team received numerous awards at the U.S. Small Business Administration ceremony celebrating their exceptional work over the past year.

Photo courtesy: Central Pacific Bank

HONOLULU, HI (March 19, 2024) – Central Pacific Bank (CPB) today announced a dominant performance at the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Hawaii District awards ceremony, securing the most recognitions of any bank in the state for 2023. These top honors reflect CPB's unparalleled support for Hawaii's small businesses and unwavering commitment to the entrepreneurial spirit.

CPB outpaced all other Hawaii financial institutions combined in the number of SBA loans provided, solidifying its position as the champion for small business growth in the state. The bank's dedication was reflected in three prestigious SBA Lender of the Year awards:

• Lender of the Year (7(a) Category II):This award acknowledges CPB's exceptional performance in providing loans through the SBA's most common loan program, the 7(a) program. CPB provided 91 of these loans in 2023, which was more than all other financial institutions that provided lending in Hawaii combined.
• Lender of the Year (504 Category II):This award recognizes CPB's leadership in facilitating long-term fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets through the SBA's 504 loan program. CPB issued a total of nearly $6.3 million in loans in this category in 2023.
• Lender for Most Veteran Loans:CPB takes immense pride in supporting our island's veterans, and this award signifies the bank's significant contribution to veteran-owned businesses.

Beyond these top institutional honors, CPB's individual loan officers were also celebrated for their outstanding achievements. CPB is proud to have an extremely talented roster of Lending Officer award winners statewide. Congratulations to the following award winners:

• Oahu:Florelei Lopez (Gold), Amy Flores (Silver), Chasen Kim (Silver), Jessica Helsham (Bronze)
• Maui:Ryan Fukushima (Gold), Patrice Matsumoto (Silver)
• Kauai:Eliza Kobayashi (Gold)
• Hawaii Island:Alan Pak (Gold), Kalala Domingo (Silver)

CPB acknowledges the outstanding contributions of additional bankers who were awarded Honorable Mention for their commitment to serving Hawaii's small businesses.

Honorable Mention:

• Joy Agni, Pearl Highlands Branch Manager
• Jennifer Van, Universal Banker
• Jenny Kajioka, Commercial Banking Assistant Manager
• Sharlene Chae, Sr. Business Banking Officer

“At Central Pacific Bank, we understand the critical role small businesses play in driving our state's economy," said CPB President and CEO Arnold Martines. "We are incredibly proud of these SBA awards, which recognize not only the volume of loans we provide, but also the dedication and expertise of our team in empowering Hawaii's small business owners to achieve their goals."

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About Central Pacific Bank

Central Pacific Financial Corp. is a Hawaii-based bank holding company with approximately $7.64 billion in assets as of Dec. 31, 2023.Central Pacific Bank, its primary subsidiary, operates 27 branches and 58 ATMs in the State of Hawaii.Central Pacific Financial Corp. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol "CPF." For additional information, please visit: cpb.bank