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FINANCE: SBA programs, slim real estate portfolio key factors
A strong loan portfolio and several government-backed programs helped Irvine-based Pacific Enterprise Bank increase its revenue to $9.1 million for the 12 months through June.
That's more than double compared to two years ago - good enough for the No. 31 spot on the Business Journal's list of fastest-growing private companies based here (see related stories, pages 1, 3, 6; this section; list, beginning on page 41).
The commercial bank saw assets grow by about 50% over the year, to about $250 million, according to President Brian Halle.
Pacific Enterprise describes itself as having a "big-bank cash management system and community bank lending."
The big difference from big banks, according to Halle, is customers "have access to decision makers."
The state-chartered bank has a corporate office and a branch in Irvine, as well as a loan office in Los Angeles.
The bank employs 42 people, with most in sales...