DELOITTE & TOUCHE SALUTES A.G. EDWARDS.(Benjamin F. Edwards III)

What transpired a few week ago happened without fanfare or trumpets blaring; it happened with dignity, quickly and reflectively; it meant the end of an era, but it also meant the beginning of an exciting journey. A.G. Edwards, one of Deloitte & Touche's oldest and most treasured clients, passed a milestone on March 1 - the retirement of Benjamin F. Edwards III. Because Ben's modest and selfless demeanor wouldn't allow for fanfare and trumpets blaring on his last day at the helm of the firm his great-grandfather founded, we decided to do it for him.

This tribute to Ben Edwards is brought to you, with honor, from the people of Deloitte & Touche.

A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

In 1956 Korean War was finding into memory and the Cold War was front and center; President Eisenhower was reelected suburbs were sprouting up across America and Benjamin E. Edwards III. Fresh from the Navy and Princeton University joined the firm his great-grandfather founded. The day was like any other at A.G. Edwards.

Forty-five years later, the world is embracing a new millennium; the Cold War is now a memory; a Republican is again in the White House; people are migrating into the cities with renewed spirit; and Benjamin F. Edwards III, reflective and proud, retires. He wanted that day, March 1, to be like all the other days at A.G. Edwards, but it wasn't. Cards, letters, faxes, flowers, e-mails, rears, hugs and good-byes filled his last official eight hours at the helm of the firm he grew up in and helped grow to one of the most respected brokerage firms in the country.

COMMITMENT TO PEOPLE

Persley W. Edwards, Ben's father and predecessor, developed the tradition of "client first" at A.G. Edwards. He thought the best way to serve clients was to open retail branches near them; he also thought the best way to encourage and support his employees was to lead by example and visit them in their offices. After his retirement in 1965, his son Ben became managing partner. The fourth generation of Edwards to run the firm, Ben not only continued his father's commitment to client service, he made it the philosophical cornerstone of what is now one of the nation's largest brokerage firms. …