KNOXVILLE -- For the 78th consecutive quarter, Home Federal Bank has earned the Bauer Financial Five-Star stability rating, the highest possible rating. This accomplishment is shared by fewer than 10 percent of the nation's banks.

"We're proud to offer stability, security and a full range of banking services to East Tennessee families and businesses," said Home Federal Bank President Dale Keasling. "The Bauer Financial Five-Star rating is a good indicator to our customers that their bank is strong and stable."

Bauer Financial, an independent rating agency, has been analyzing and reporting on the financial condition of the nation's banking industry since 1983. Each quarter, the private rating firm collects data on banks and financial institutions and ranks them based on specific criteria centered on safety and soundness.

Consumers can check the strength of their bank, thrift or credit union at www.bauerfinancial.com.