The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Rockland Trust Co. the national 2010 Small 1st Mortgage Lender of the Year, recognizing the bank’s active participation in the SBA’s 504 loan program.

Later this month, Karen G. Mills, the administrator of the SBA, will present the award to Rockland Trust in Washington, D.C. in conjunction with the SBA sponsored National Small Business Week. Rockland Trust Executive Vice President Gerard F. Nadeau, who heads Rockland’s Trust commercial lending efforts, will accept the award.

"Consistently a top SBA lender in Massachusetts, Rockland Trust has made it a point to increase 504 lending in the state," said Bob Nelson, SBA’s Massachusetts director. "Rockland Trust’s dedication to the program has helped bring new jobs to the local community. It is because of this commitment to local businesses that they have been given this national recognition – a remarkable achievement for a community-based bank!"

"Rockland Trust is committed to strengthening the communities in which we work and live," said Mike Savage, vice president and SBA coordinator. "Over the past three years, Rockland Trust has made more SBA 504 loans than any bank in Massachusetts. We are very proud to be honored nationally by the SBA for our participation in the 504 loan program that is such a vital economic development tool and so important to job creation."