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WASHINGTON, April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Zions Bank has been named by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as "2006 Export Lender of the Year" for its efforts in financing small business exporters. The award will be presented this evening by the SBA at a reception in Washington, D.C. as part of National Small Business Week. Only one other bank in the nation will be honored as an "Export Lender of the Year."

"As commerce becomes increasingly global, Zions Bank is working to support its small business clients in Utah and Idaho as they expand into foreign markets. We're proud to receive this honor from the SBA because we're proud to help fund the international entrepreneurs who help build the economies of Idaho and Utah and create jobs," said Anderson.

Last year, Utah exports exceeded $6 billion, according to World Trade Center Utah. More than 2,100 Utah companies export their goods internationally, and 83 percent of those are small and medium-size businesses. In Idaho, 2005 exports exceeded $3.2 billion, according to Idaho Commerce and Labor, International Business Division. In addition, more than 50,000 Idaho jobs -- nearly 10 percent -- are linked to exports.

In addition to its national recognition as an export lender, Zions Bank will also be honored as "Lender of the Year" by the SBA's Utah District at an April 30 luncheon in Salt Lake City. Zions Bank has previously received several SBA recognitions, including Region VIII "Financial Services Champion of the Year" in 2005 and the designation as one of the top "Ten Outstanding SBA Lenders" from across the U.S. in 2004. Zions has also been the Utah District's top 7(a) SBA lender for the past 13 consecutive years, and has been the top SBA lender in Idaho's Boise District for the past five consecutive years.

As a resource to small businesses interested in exporting, Zions Bank will host its sixth annual International Trade and Business Conference on May 22 at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City. John R. Bolton, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, will be the keynote speaker. Business executives and entrepreneurs who attend the conference will learn about opportunities for expansion in dynamic foreign markets, particularly in India and Canada. The cost of the event is $30 and registration is online at www.tradeconference.zionsbank.com.

Zions Bank, a subsidiary of Zions Bancorporation (Nasdaq: ZION), operates 136 full-service branches and nearly 200 ATMs throughout Utah and Idaho. In addition to a wide range of traditional banking services, Zions offers a comprehensive array of investment, mortgage, and insurance services, and has a network of loan origination offices for small businesses nationwide. The company is also a leader in providing electronic banking services, including odd-lot electronic bond trading. Founded in 1873, Zions has been serving the communities of the Intermountain West for more than 130 years. Additional information on Zions Bank is available at www.zionsbank.com.

SOURCE Zions Bank