Council Finance, Inc. held its 30th annual meeting at the West Central Texas Council of Governments in Abilene on December 19th.

The awards for the U. S. Small Business Administration 504 loan program for 2012 were announced during the event.

L.V. Coffee, Texas Bank-Brownwood, was recognized as the top volume lender, both in quantity and dollar amount.

Rick Waldraff of First Financial Bank-Abilene was recognized for participation in the program and his service as President of the Board of Directors.   Also recognized were Deborah Summers, Bank of San Angelo; Mike Rhea, First Bank Texas-Abilene and Lawrence Bertsch, Citizens Bank-Abilene, for participation in the program.

Vicki Myers, Texas Sport and Spine, gave the keynote address, and Dr. Jerry Marshall of Rotan was elected President for 2013.

Council Finance, Inc. works with banks and borrowers to secure low down-payment, long term (20 years) and low fixed interest rate financing. Borrowers can use the funds to start-up a business, buy a business or expand an existing business.  www.councilfinance.org.

Pictured at top are Rick Waldraff (left) and L.V. Coffee (right) during the annual meeting.