Edward Jones ranked No. 1 in survey

For the 17th consecutive year, Edward Jones ranked No. 1 in Registered Rep. magazine's annual survey of the nation's five largest financial service firms, according to local advisor Janice Rice.

The magazine randomly selects financial advisors nationwide and asks them to rank their firms in various categories.

Edward Jones' overall score was 9.4 out of 10 possible points. The overall average for all firms was 7.6. The firm scored highest in all of the 17 categories ranked, including overall work environment and compensation, senior management, overall ethics and public image.

"I am delighted that our financial advisors feel that good about the Edward Jones opportunity, that good about our firm and our values and the focus we place on individual investors and providing them with excellent client service," said Edward Jones Managing Partner Jim Weddle. "It is an honor that we earn every day."

Approximately 98 percent of the Edward Jones financial advisors surveyed said they work for the "best firm," while 97 percent said they'll be at Edward Jones two years from now, according to the trade magazine.

"Considering the extraordinary challenges we have faced in the economy and our industry, this ranking is especially meaningful to us this year," said Weddle. "We consider it a vote of confidence in the value of our business model and our core value of working together in partnership."

Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the U.S. and, through its affiliate, in Canada.

Every aspect of the firm's business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work.

The firm's 12,000-plus financial advisors work directly with nearly 7 million clients to understand their personal goals - from college savings to retirement - and create long-term investment solutions that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy. Edward Jones embraces the importance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options available today.

Edward Jones, which ranked No. 2 on Fortune magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work for 2009," is headquartered in St. Louis.

The firm's Web site is www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting Web site is www.careers.edwardjones.com.

For more information, call Janice Rice at 782-4020, Andy Rice at 782-8280, Ron Bankofier at 782-9102 or Chris Lamb at 265-1083.

Country Financial representative Sean Marler of the Carson Valley recently received the National Multiline Sales Award for helping clients secure the right insurance products to cover their financial risks.

The award is presented annually by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

Financial representatives who receive this award have excelled in serving clients by tailoring insurance products to meet customers' changing needs and helping them understand the importance of maintaining their policies. It also recognizes achievement in assisting customers with auto, home and commercial insurance.

This is the third time Marler has received this award since joining Country. He is affiliated with the Northern Nevada chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

Marler serves customers from the Country office at 1664 Highway 395, Suite 104, Minden. The office phone number is 782-8363. Country provides a full range of insurance and financial products and services from auto, home and life to estate planning and annuities.