The SBA has named Alaska USA Federal Credit Union the state's number one lending institution in the agency's 504 loan program for 2011.

The $4.8 billion credit union in Anchorage received the honor through Evergreen Business Capital, a SBA 504 loan program provider.

Alaska USA said it also received the 2011 top community lender award in the state and the Pacific Northwest.

Bob Warthen, commercial loan officer at the credit union, was recognized as the top lending officer in the Pacific Northwest for loans processed through Evergreen, according to Alaska USA.

The SBA 504 loan program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing designed for small businesses. All Alaska community-lending institutions are eligible for the award and the recognition is given to the lender with the highest number of approved loans as of Sept. 30, 2011, according to the credit union.

Evergreen partners with lenders in Washington, Oregon, Alaska and northern Idaho to provide commercial real estate and equipment loans to businesses.

This is not the first time Alaska USA has received the SBA's top 504 lending award. The agency recognized its efforts in 2010.