For three consecutive quarters, American National Bank in Rifle has received the highest rating as a Blue Ribbon Bank from VERIBANC, Inc. — and independent rating firm.

To qualify for the Blue Ribbon status, banks' must receive VERIBANC's highest Green Three Stars rating, including an evaluation of all six factors federal regulators utilize in determining the government's “CAMELS” ratings — capital strength, asset quality, management earnings, liquidity and sensitivity to master risk. In addition , it must satisfy additional safety-related criteria.

This Blue Ribbon Award is reserved for those highly rated financial institutions that exceptional attention to safety, soundness and financial strength and is the oldest national accolade present to banks by private sector analysts.

“It's always good to be recognized by outside financial analyst's, said Dennis Nathan, bank president and CEO. “We believe this designation reinforces our commitment to our customers and shareholders in maintaining our financial strength.”