Ellis attends Edward Jones advanced training program

Jacqui Ellis of the financial services firm Edward Jones recently traveled to St. Louis to attend a "Business Development Workshop" and training session, which brings together Edward Jones financial advisors who have achieved a certain level of success in the financial services business.

The program is designed to sharpen the financial advisors' business management skills and to expand their knowledge of more complex investments. The program also examines, in depth, technological tools they can use to improve client service and the efficiency with which their offices are run.

"This class has been invaluable," Ellis said. "The information I gained will help me improve the efficiency of my office and allow me to better serve my clients."

Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company, 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 13,000-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, diversified portfolio. 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.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Edward Jones ranked No. 4 overall in FORTUNE magazine's 2014 100 Best Companies to Work For ranking.