Can banks/have banks ever publicized their results, i.e. esp. if they get an outstanding rating? Little article in the local newspaper or on the home page of an internet site?

Yes they can. CRA results are public so there is no prohibition.

See this prior thread -

http://www.bankersonline.com/forum/ubbth...rue#Post1470959

Only caveat is - you may be painting a target on your back.

But many banks do publicize this and do it well - usually banks that are very involved in their community and with community groups. The groups already know what a great job the bank does.