IRVINE, CA--(Marketwired - Jul 7, 2014) - Plaza Bank (OTCBB: PLZB) is enjoying another year of solid performance and expansion.

Industry Ratings Reflect Ongoing Excellence
 The Bank continues to be recognized for its outstanding performance and customer service. For the sixth consecutive quarter, Plaza Bank received the highest possible five-star "Superior" rating from Bauer Financial, Inc., indicating the Bank "is one of the strongest in the United States." Furthermore, Plaza Bank was awarded "Super Premier Performance" by The Findley Reports on Financial Institutions -- again, the highest rating possible -- for exceeding all of the criteria for such classification during 2013.

"Both of these honors, from highly prominent and objective bank rating services, reflect the dedication of our entire team," said Gene Galloway, President and CEO at Plaza Bank. "We have established a reputation for exceeding expectations, and we remain committed to upholding our high standards as a top-tier community bank."

New Lending Programs Serve Unique Customer Needs
 Reflecting its commitment to highly personalized business banking, Plaza Bank has launched three new lending programs to meet the unique and evolving needs of customers, including:

  • Fast Track Program--Providing expedited microloans to entrepreneurial small business owners in the markets that support job creation and growth.
  • Tenant Improvement Program--Offering commercial real estate loans to small businesses, now with the added benefit of providing funding for most minor improvement allowances as well.
  • Investor Real Estate Program--Delivering specialized loan solutions for investor-owned properties. The Investor CRE product addresses the underserved segment of the market.

"Our move into each of these areas addresses the increased demand of our customers for a broader range of lending options, as they seek to invest in and grow their businesses," said Todd Massas, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending Manager at Plaza Bank. "These tailored offerings allow Plaza Bank to continue to be a source of creative and valuable lending solutions to the clients and the markets we serve."

Imaging Program Demonstrates Environmental Stewardship
 Operationally, Plaza Bank has implemented a company-wide imaging program -- as part of its "Gone Green" initiative -- to help reduce the use of paper and preserve natural resources. Nearly all new and existing documentation, from account information to loan and deposit originations to employee files, have been or are being imaged into electronic files.

"In addition to enabling easier access to important information and creating more space for new personnel, this effort demonstrates Plaza Bank's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability," said Michael Vantrease, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Plaza Bank. "As we continue our growth as a premier community business bank, it's imperative that we develop more 'green' behaviors and habits that ultimately benefit our customers, our communities and our people."

About Plaza Bank
 Plaza Bank is full service community bank serving the business and professional communities in Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bank is committed to meeting the financial needs of small to middle market businesses and professional firms with loans for working capital, equipment and owner-occupied commercial real estate financing and a full array of cash management services. Our bankers are experienced, professional and knowledgeable. For more information, visit www.plazabank.com or call President and CEO Gene Galloway at (949) 502-4309 or (702) 277-2221.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are subject to the safe harbors created by that Act. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or "may." Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information, expectations, assumptions, projections, and management's judgment about the Bank, the banking industry and general economic conditions. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management's views as of any subsequent date. Future events are difficult to predict, and the expectations described above are necessarily subject to risk and uncertainty that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from those presented, either expressed or implied, in this press release. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to: the Bank's ability to successfully execute its business plans and achieve its objectives; changes in general economic, real estate and financial market conditions, either nationally or locally in areas in which the Bank conducts its operations; changes in interest rates; new litigation or claims or changes in existing litigation or claims; future credit loss experience; increased competitive challenges and expanding product and pricing pressures among financial institutions; legislation or regulatory changes which adversely affect the Bank's operations or business; loss of key personnel; changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies; and the ability to satisfy requirements related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other regulation on internal control.