Dustin Brooks of the financial services firm Edward Jones in Ada recently won the firm's exclusive Spirit of Partnership Award for outstanding performance during 2011.

Jim Weddle, the firm's managing partner, calls Brooks a leader in the firm and an example of what a dedicated Edward Jones financial advisor can achieve.

"Dustin has demonstrated unyielding dedication and enthusiasm for his business of serving individual investors," Weddle said. "Dustin has reached a benchmark in his career that deserves recognition, and the Spirit of Partnership Award provides that recognition. I am proud to call him an Edward Jones financial advisor."

Brooks said he is honored to receive the award.

"Edward Jones is a partnership. That structure is not just financial, it's a philosophy," Brooks said. "We work together, help each other and all share in the rewards of working with long-term individual investors. That brings out the best in everyone."

Brooks was one of only 1,100 financial advisors out of the firm's more than 12,000 to receive the award.

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 more than 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 2012, for the 13th year, Edward Jones was named one of the best companies to work for by FORTUNE Magazine in its annual listing. The firm ranked No. 5 overall and No. 3 in Large Size Companies. These 13 FORTUNE rankings include top 10 finishes for nine years, 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 at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website is www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.