Chase Named Top SBA Lender in Illinois with $53 Million in Loans.

CHICAGO -- Chase has earned the top ranking for Small Business Administration (SBA) lending in Illinois for 2006, lending more than $53 million to Illinois small businesses.

That was a 99% increase from fiscal year 2005. Chase made 822 SBA loans statewide in 2006, an increase of 244%.

Small businesses create more jobs than any other market segment, according to the SBA.

"Small businesses are critical to the Illinois economy, and working in partnership with the SBA, we are helping provide innovative ways for small businesses to access capital," said Wendy Coyne, Business Banking Regional Manager for Chase.

The SBA's guarantees allow banks to make loans to small businesses that lack the collateral banks traditionally require from borrowers.

"We can say yes more often and be even more resourceful in meeting clients' needs," Coyne said. "We can offer our customers more options - extended terms and a lower down payment."

Nationally, Chase ranks among the top lenders and originated 5,800 loans through the SBA's 7a loan program, totaling $387 million in 2006.

About Chase

Chase, the U.S. consumer and commercial banking brand of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), serves Illinois consumers and businesses through a network of more than 340 branches and 1,300 ATMs statewide. Nationwide, Chase serves consumers and small businesses through more than 3,000 bank branches, 8,300 ATMs and 280 mortgage offices as well as through relationships with 15,600 auto dealerships and 2,500 schools and universities. It also serves more than 25,000 commercial banking clients including corporations, municipalities, financial institutions and not-for-profit entities. More information about Chase is available at www.chase.com.