Banks’ improvement sign of continuing economic strength

Larimer and Weld county banks saw large jumps in both lending and income in the second quarter, even in such segments as commercial loans, which had been stagnant for years as a result of the recession.

Loveland-based Home State Bank saw a 66 percent increase in commercial lending year-over-year in the second quarter, rising from about $39 million to more than $65 million.

Commercial lending includes large and small business loans as well as construction financing.

Small-business lending has long been the focus at Home State, according to its chief financial officer, Mark Bower, but improvements in the economy have meant that more…