About the Survey

As was the case in compiling the previous three rankings, Training magazine conducted extensive research for this year's Top 100 through a multi-tiered nomination, application and interview process. Peers, employees or training suppliers nominated many participating companies; others responded to mass mailings and marketing initiatives targeted at Training magazine's circulation base.

Any company hoping to be evaluated had to fill out a detailed questionnaire providing quantitative and qualitative answers to more than 40 questions. Our editorial staff evaluated the applications, using a point-based scale for the statistical information provided, and conducted follow-up interviews when necessary to ensure that companies, both large and small, were evaluated on more than just numbers.

Every year we conduct this ranking the bar goes a little higher, and this year is certainly no exception. For some who might have dropped in their ranking or disappeared from the list altogether, the decrease doesn't necessarily indicate any change in their training and development efforts. Every year, newcomers and improved applications shake up the ranking. This year, there were 23 newcomers to the Top 100, and a total of eight newcomers to the Top 50 (including two companies that made substantial gains in their ranking).

To be included or considered for the Top 100, providing training and development services must not be a company's core business. For those that do offer such services as a part of their business, those services must represent less than 5 percent of the company's annual revenue.

WHERE WAS YOUR COMPANY?

If you would like to be considered for the 2006 Top 100, please visit our Web site at www.trainingmag.com and click on the Top 100 logo, or send an e-mail with "2006 Top 100" in the subject line to edit@trainingmag.com.

WANT REPRINTS OF THE TOP 100?

For reprints of any section in this issue, contact Valeo Intellectual Property; training@ValeoIP.com;

651-582-3800.

CONTRIBUTORS:

Chris Lee, Gail Johnson, Holly Dolezalek, Michele Schmidt, Melissa Anderson, Mike Keegan, and Deb Michurski.