Dalton—The Shaw Learning Academy, the training division of Shaw Industries, has again been recognized by Training magazine as a “Training Top 125” 
company. This marks the seventh consecutive year the Shaw Learning Academy has been named to the list, making Shaw the only flooring manufacturer to receive the honor this many years in succession.
In addition, Shaw moved from number 18 on the list to 13. Danny Crutchfield, Shaw’s director of corporate training and organizational development, said the improvement was a reflection of the company’s ongoing commitment to the training and development of its associates.
“We’re once again honored to be a member of the Top 125 training companies. We’re especially gratified to have our efforts rewarded with the highest ranking we’ve had since being recognized and also the highest ranking of any floor covering manufacturer.”
Training magazine recognized the 2011 winners with crystal awards and announced their rankings during a black-tie event held on Feb. 7 at the San Diego Convention Center. Other notables in the top 15 include Farmers Insurance, Verizon, and Microsoft.
To select the Top 125 companies, Training magazine reviews applications from hundreds of companies worldwide and each company is assessed based on a range of qualitative and quantitative factors, including financial investment in employee development, the type and scope of training and development programs provided to employees, the quality of these programs and how closely such development efforts are linked to business goals and objectives. A research and statistical data company, under the guidance of Training magazine, score companies on information supplied by applicants.
Crutchfield notes that Shaw’s senior leadership considers training and development of its associates and customers to be a strategic investment and competitive advantage. “Our culture of continuous improvement is not only about processes, it’s about continuously working to improve new knowledge, skills and abilities that provide business advantages,” he said. “In addition, we have essentially opened the doors of the Shaw Learning Academy, welcoming our customers to utilize our learning opportunities and training services to make their businesses better and their employees better informed. This move has strengthened customer relationships and led to more business opportunities for Shaw.”
The Shaw Learning Academy is also active in communities where the company has a presence. “We facilitate a variety of programs for organizations like the United Way and Chamber of Commerce, where we train volunteers and staff on presentation and selling skills,” Crutchfield finished. “We’ve also created training sessions for local high school students that covered topics that help them prepare for the work force, such as time management, interviewing skills, social networking and team building.”