PIKEVILLE, Ky. – For the 17th consecutive year, Community Trust Bank Inc. has earned the “Gold Lender Award” from the United States Small Business Administration as Kentucky’s top volume SBA 7(a) Community Bank lender in federal fiscal year 2024–25.
SBA approved 60 guaranteed 7(a) loans for Community Trust Bank customers in Kentucky totaling $12,596,200, in the fiscal year. CTBI was also one of the top lenders in West Virginia in 2024-25, with nine loans totaling $2,231,000.
In total, SBA authorized 74 guaranteed 7(a) loans providing access to $18,029,200 for Community Trust Bank customers in four states (Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Ohio) during the fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2025).
Additionally, Community Trust Bank and the SBA partnered to fund three 504 loan projects in Kentucky totaling $17,477,879.
Over the last 17 federal fiscal years, SBA has approved 1,406 SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, providing access to more than $345 million for Community Trust’s small business customers. Community Trust Bank had 26 loan officers who closed SBA loans in the fiscal year.
Zachary Thacker of the Tug Valley market was the top overall producer of SBA loans, with 11 loans totaling $1,135,700. Six of the loans were in West Virginia and five were in Kentucky.
Bob Watson of the Versailles/Georgetown, Kentucky market tied as the leading SBA producer for Community Trust in Kentucky. For the prior 16 fiscal years, Watson has led the bank in production of SBA loans in the Bluegrass State. Watson originated seven SBA loans for $899,800 in 2024-25.
Jody Thompson of Pikeville tied Watson as the leader of SBA production in Kentucky, with seven loans for $2,882,000.
“Once again we are pleased to receive this honor from the Small Business Administration,” said Mark A. Gooch, Chairman, President and CEO of Community Trust Bancorp, Inc. “Over the years, the relationship with the SBA has been an excellent one for both Community Trust Bank and our customer base, allowing us to offer competitive business loan products across our service area. I’m proud of our employees as we look forward to continued profitable growth in this business in 2026.”
