The U.S. Small Business Administration has recognized First American Bank as the top lender in Iowa for fiscal year 2007. The bank approved 45 SBA loans worth more than $7.7 million to small Iowa businesses. This is the third year the SBA has recognized First American Bank’s performance. Overall, the SBA guaranteed 821 loans for $182.3 million in Iowa during fiscal 2007.

A.M. Best Co. has upgraded West Des Moines-based GuideOne Insurance’s outlook on GuideOne’s A- (excellent) rating to “positive” from “stable.” The upgrade reflects the company’s strong capitalization, continued improvement in operating and underwriting results and established market presence in its core niche market. GuideOne’s management team, conservative operating philosophy and sustainable competitive advantages given its position in its niche market were also cited as pluses.

Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) announced yesterday that its new D-Line shuttle, a free trolley bus line running through downtown Des Moines and the East Village, had 3,129 riders in its first week. The high point was 836 riders on Friday. Overall DART ridership was up 25 percent in April compared with April 2007, with its express routes from Ankeny, Altoona, Urbandale and West Des Moines among routes with a more than 20 percent increase. Vanpool ridership also rose 23 percent. DART’s 17 percent first-quarter 2008 growth was the eighth-highest increase among the 150 largest public transit systems in the United States.

A Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst has upgraded his rating on FBL Financial Group Inc. to “outperform” from “market perform,” the Associated Press reported. Analyst Jukka Lipponen said the life insurer’s stock is unusually cheap. The company’s shares fell last week after the West Des Moines-based company posted a lower profit for the first quarter. Lipponen lowered his target price to $29 per share from $35, but the company’s book value (assets minus liabilities) is $31.21 per share. The stock closed at $22.99 on Friday, or 74 percent of its book value.

Le Jardin, a French restaurant that will share space with La Mie bakery, has delayed its opening from May 14 to June. An exact date has not yet been set. La Mie, located in the Shops at Roosevelt, 841 42nd St., Des Moines, will continue to serve breakfast and lunch, and Le Jardin will serve dinner.

Deere & Co. will release its fiscal second quarter 2008 earnings results tomorrow. The company will host a conference call at 9 a.m. Iowa time. To access the call or for more information, go to www.deere.com.