Brett Brooks, a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Westfield, recently was named Reader's Choice Favorite Investment Broker in Hamilton County by The Times.

"I am honored to receive this award," Brooks said. "I enjoy my work helping the people of Hamilton County plan for their financial futures, but it gives me an extra boost to receive special recognition for my work."

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.

Edward Jones, which ranked No. 2 on FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" in 2010, is headquartered in St. Louis. The Edward Jones Web site is located at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting Web site is www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.