LOMA Canada presented AEGON Canada Inc. and Assumption Mutual Life Insurance Company with the 2006 National Corporate Awards for Best Practices in Learning and Development at LOMA Canada’s Annual Conference at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre today.

“Both of our winners this year presented successful programs that satisfied the criteria of our award in terms of effectively meeting an educational need,” said Debbie Cole-Gauer, executive director of LOMA Canada, in a news release. “It is apparent these organizations recognize what is required to enhance employee development creatively and cost effectively. I congratulate our winners.”

AEGON Canada of Toronto. won in the large company category for its “Respect in the Workplace” program. Through interactive workshops and intense follow-through they produced measurable positive change in their organization. This effort has resulted in a higher awareness for individuals and a change in behaviour.

Assumption Life of Moncton, N.B. received the award in the small size company category for its effective use of the LOMA Associate Customer Service (ACS100) CD-ROM for their company employee orientation program. Introduced as a refresher of customer service techniques, including examples specific to the insurance industry, all new employees learn the importance of proper internal and external customer service from day one.

“By looking outside the box, the company found a cost-effective way to meet an important learning need,” said David McFarlane, vice president and chief operations officer, Wawanesa Life and chairman of the LOMA Canada Council. “This is an example of how a small company with limited resources can meet a key learning need.”