Northwestern Mutual honored Joe B. Jones, of RPS Financial Group, based in Lawrence, with its 2009 Southern Region Leader Award.

The honor recognizes the managing director and financial representative for an outstanding year of performance with the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. Jones ranked ninth over all Southern Region Northwestern Mutual Financial Network representatives.

Through the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, the marketing name for the company’s nationwide sales distribution arm, the company and its affiliates offer insurance and investment solutions to help clients achieve financial security. These solutions include life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, annuities, mutual funds and employee-benefit services.