Business

Columbia Sportswear opened its newest outlet retail location at Gilroy Premium Outlets Aug. 8. The new store is located at 8555 San Ysidro, Suite 135. For more information, visit columbia.com.

For the sixth year out of the past eight, financial-services firm Edward Jones ranks highest in investor satisfaction with full-service brokerage firms, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Full Service Investor Satisfaction Study. The study measures overall investor satisfaction with full-service investment firms based on seven factors: investment advisor; investment performance; account information; account offerings; commissions and fees; website and problem resolution. Edward Jones also received high marks in the "Account Information" category, an important factor in the study. Edward Jones' overall score climbed 15 points over last year, highest among the 14 largest firms rated, as well as 28 points above the industry average. The 2012 Full-Service Investor Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 4,378 investors who primarily invest with one of the 14 firms included in the study. The study was fielded in February 2012.

Kristi Ellington from Ellington Financial recently attended focus13, a financial services industry conference. Held in San Diego, Aug. 18-21, focus13 was one of the industry's premier sales and education events for financial professionals. More than 5,700 total attendees from around the country assembled to learn new strategies and skills, expand knowledge in numerous product areas and network with peers and industry experts. “Attending focus13 provided an exceptional opportunity for me to attend a number of business sessions, technology training sessions and continuing education classes to stay well-informed of financial trends and industry best practices,” Ellington said. “Most importantly, I also discovered strategies to continually improve my communication and engagement with my clients.”

Morgan Hill