National Penn Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq: NPBC) announced today it is Lancaster County’s second largest agricultural business lender in total dollar volume, according to the most recent data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In the same report, the Boyertown-based financial institution ranked 25th nationally.

        National Penn’s agricultural loan portfolio approached $500 million at the end of the first quarter of 2013 and is well ahead of several of its regional competitors.

        “Agriculture is an integral part of Lancaster County’s economy and we are thankful for the recognition of our support of the agricultural community,” said Tom Jordan, president of National Penn’s Lancaster Region.

        National Penn’s agricultural team brings more than 130 years of industry experience and provides resources to help meet the needs of its customers in a variety of farming sectors, including dairy, poultry, hogs and crops.

        Director of National Penn’s agricultural lending Dale Hershey added, “This is a very exciting achievement for National Penn and we are pleased with the team’s accomplishments. We look forward to continuing to provide agricultural lending services to the Lancaster area.”

        National Penn Bancshares, Inc., with approximately $8.3 billion in assets, is a bank holding company based in Pennsylvania.  Headquartered in Boyertown, National Penn Bank operates 120 branch offices comprising 119 branches in Pennsylvania and one branch in Maryland.

        National Penn’s financial services affiliates are National Penn Wealth Management, N.A., including its National Penn Investors Trust Company division; National Penn Capital Advisors, Inc.; Institutional Advisors LLC; and National Penn Insurance Services Group, Inc., including its Higgins Insurance and Caruso Benefits Group divisions.

        National Penn Bancshares, Inc. common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “NPBC”. Please visit our Web site at www.nationalpennbancshares.com to see our regularly posted material information.