LOMA Canada presented Empire Life and Assumption Life with the 2007 National Corporate Awards for Best Practices in Learning and Development at LOMA Canada’s Annual Conference at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Thursday.

The awards are dedicated to the memory of André Mailhot, 1942-1994, who was vp and general manager, human resources, Industrial-Alliance Life Insurance Company.

Timo Hytonen, vp human resources and community relations, Empire Life, Kingston, Ont., was presented the award in the large company category for Empire’s corporate orientation program. The program is a year long process including presentations, workshops, training programs and appropriate follow-up in which all new employees participate. Improvements in key employee measurements demonstrated the effectiveness of the program.

Andrea LeBlanc of Assumption Life, Moncton, N.B., accepted the award for Rachelle Gagnon, human resources director in the small company category for the firm’s Introduction à Assomption Vie program. In the form of an e-Learning training module, new employees have the flexibility in choosing how, when and where to complete the education portion of the program. Retention of key information is verified by completing one of three tests. Program content can easily be revised when necessary.

“LOMA Canada is pleased to recognize Empire Life and Assumption Life with this important national award for their innovative employee development programs which not only ensure that employees retain key business and company information but do so in a flexible and cost effective manner,” said George Mohacsi, president and CEO of Foresters and Chairman of the LOMA Canada Council.