Press Release

Brad Connors obtains the Certified Wealth Strategist® (CWS®) industry designation offered by Cannon Financial Institute

(Waseca, MN)  Brad Connors, Certified Wealth Strategist®, Investment Centers of America is one of the first 200 professionals obtaining the industry’s newest designation. The Certified Wealth Strategist® designation, administered by Cannon Financial Institute, recognizes those individuals completing thorough study of the issues surrounding effective wealth advising to comprehensively address clients’ wealth management needs.  The creation of the CWS® designation is in response to a need in the industry for a practical, application-based certification program for financial professionals. Upon completion of the CWS®, participants will have developed a comprehensive practice management blueprint for best practices.

Brad Connors joined Investment Centers of America in 1998 and established his practice at First National Bank. Today, he covers four branches and provides investment services for many households in the Waseca area. With more than 14 years of experience in the financial services industry, Brad offers a full range of financial planning services, including asset management and retirement planning.

To obtain Cannon’s CWS® certification, one must go through a comprehensive blended approach to learning.  The program consists of two (two-day) instructor led training courses, a directed study portion (including 10 issue specific study guides, two textbooks, e-learning lessons, four technical tests, various reading and audio series listening assignments) and completion of a final Capstone project. The entire study takes approximately six months to complete.  The designation is awarded upon the successful completion of the entire program and passing of the Capstone project.  Cannon Financial Institute owns the marks CWS® and Certified Wealth Strategist® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements.

With over 40 years of experience, Cannon Financial Institute is recognized as the leading provider of practical and relevant training for the financial services industry.  In addition to CWS® training, Cannon offers specialized schools at six locations across the country to obtain various industry designations, as well as customized educational programs, consulting, and coaching delivered in-house to hundreds of financial services firms internationally, including most major U.S.-based banks, brokerage firms, mutual fund companies, regional and community banking organizations.  For more info about the CWS® certification or Cannon Financial Institute please visit our website at www.certifiedwealthstrategist.com 

Investment Centers of America, Inc. (ICA) member FINRA, SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor, is not affiliated with First National Bank. Securities, advisory services and insurance products offered through ICA and affiliated insurance agencies are *not insured by the FDIC or any other Federal Government agency *not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by any bank or their affiliates *subject to risks including the possible loss of principal amount invested.

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Brad Connors Named to Bank Investment Consultant Magazine’s List of Top 50 Bank Advisers in the Nation

WASECA, Minn. – December 14, 2007 – Brad Connors, an investment representative with Investment Centers of America, Inc. (ICA) at First National Bank, has been recognized by Bank Investment Consultant magazine as one of the nation’s top 50 advisors based in financial institutions for 2007. Mr. Connors was featured in the magazine’s December 2007 issue for his outstanding performance and superior client service.

“I position myself as the ‘financial coach’ for people in the Waseca community, and I take great pride and satisfaction in helping individuals achieve greater financial security,” said Mr. Connors. “I strive to deliver a personalized level of service for each of my clients, and maintaining their trust is my number one priority.”

Mr. Connors joined ICA in 1994 and established his practice at First National Bank. Today, he covers four branches and provides investment services for many households in the Waseca area. With more than 13 years of experience in the financial services industry, Mr. Connors offers a full range of financial planning services, including asset management and retirement planning.

As past president of the Waseca Area Chamber Ambassadors and a member of the Waseca Rotary Club, Mr. Connors is an active member of the community. He also volunteers as a mentor for Waseca high school seniors each year. Mr. Connors received the “Distinguished Service Award” from the Waseca Area Chamber in 2005 and was selected as one of the “10 Young Outstanding Minneostans” later that year.

Brad Connors is located at the Northridge branch of First National Bank at 213 15^th Avenue in Waseca, Minn. He can be reached at (507) 835-9111.

Since 1985, Investment Centers of America, Inc. has been a leading provider of investment and insurance products through financial institutions and independent offices. For more information about Investment Centers of America, please visit www.investmentcenters.com.

Investment Centers of America, Inc. (ICA) member FINRA, SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor, is not affiliated with First National Bank. Securities, advisory services and insurance products offered through ICA and affiliated insurance agencies are *not insured by the FDIC or any other Federal Government agency *not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by any bank or their affiliates *subject to risks including the possible loss of principal amount invested.

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