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Karen Collier of Edward Jones recently won the firm's coveted Zeke McIntyre Pioneer Award, which recognizes new financial advisors who achieve high levels of success early in their careers with the financial services firm. Collier was one of only 291 of the firm's more than 12,000 financial advisors to receive the award.

The award is named after Edward Jones legend Zeke McIntyre, who opened the firm's first branch office in 1957 in Mexico, Mo.

Jim Weddle, the firm's managing partner, said the award is a strong indicator of a financial advisor's future success.

"We recruit and hire our financial advisors from among the best, so we expect them to do well," Weddle said. "But to achieve such success early in her career with Edward Jones is outstanding, and I commendKaren for her performance and dedication."

Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the United States 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.

In January 2013, for the 14th year, Edward Jones was named one of the best companies to work for byFORTUNE Magazine in its annual listing. The firm ranked No. 8 overall. These 14 FORTUNE rankings include 10 top-10 finishes, consecutive No. 1 rankings in 2002 and 2003, and consecutive No. 2 rankings in 2009 and 2010. FORTUNE and Time Inc. are not affiliated with and do not endorse products or services of Edward Jones.

Edward Jones is headquartered in St. Louis. The Edward Jones website is located atwww.edwardjones.comlink, and its recruiting website is www.careers.edwardjones.comlink. Member SIPC.