Amegy Bank received the Small Business Lender of the Year award from the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The award was presented at the Bank’s 39th Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

Houston, Texas-based Amegy Bank has consistently been among Ex-Im Bank’s lending partners in the Working Capital Program by promoting guarantees and short-term insurance to qualified small businesses.

In FY 2013, Amegy Bank achieved a milestone in its participation in the program by reaching more than $100 million in authorizations, 76% of which were small business transactions. Over the past three fiscal years, Amegy Bank has closed 66 working capital guarantees, totaling more than $282.9 million. Of that total, $200 million has supported small business export sales.

“Amegy Bank’s strong support of U.S. exports demonstrates our shared commitment to making sure the backbone of our economy – American small businesses – can compete in the global economy and create jobs here at home,” said Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg. “I look forward to continuing our work with Amegy Bank to open more doors for small businesses.”

Amegy received Fast Track Lender Status in October 2013, a distinction awarded to lenders with demonstrated skills in asset based lending. With $14 billion in assets and more than 80 locations across Texas, Amegy Bank has been a key partner in working toward Ex-Im Bank’s mission of supporting small business exports across Texas and the entire country.

“As an active middle market lender in the largest exporting state, Amegy Bank relies heavily on the Working Capital Program to deliver needed export financing to our small business customers. The program helps our customers compete globally and grow revenue,” said T.J. Raguso, EVP of the International Division at Amegy Bank.