PIERRE– Training Magazine recently unveiled the winners of its prestigious 2025 Training APEX Awards, honoring organizations that demonstrate excellence in employee training and development. Among the recipients was BankWest, who ranked 20thout of 95 companies. The Training APEX Awards recognizes organizations that excel in harnessing human capital. Winners are evaluated based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative criteria, including investment in employee development, program scope, alignment with business goals, and demonstrable impact on behavior and business outcomes.
“At BankWest, we believe that effective training isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about building relationships and empowering our team to create exceptional customer experiences,” stated Becky Burke, VP Learning & Strategic Development. “Through our CRM system conversion and programs like VAST, we’ve seen firsthand how strategic training initiatives directly impact our business goals while developing our people.”
BankWest’s Value-Added Sales Training (VAST) was specifically highlighted in the award. The VAST program supports BankWest’s culture of deepening customer relationships by offering services that help customers achieve financial success. Participants are immersed in a 2-day intensive workshop that includes role-play, instructor-led discussions, an interactive workbook, a networking dinner with senior leaders, and a discussion panel with the organization’s top sales leaders.
The Value-Added Sales Training program is led by Jennifer Baloun, VP Sales/Marketing Sales Manager for BankWest, who was recognized as a 2024 Emerging Training Leader by Training Magazine’s international training program. The program recognized 25 individuals as emerging leaders who provide exceptional leadership skills, communicate the scope of large initiatives, change behaviors, and measure outcomes.
Reflecting on the accolades, Baloun remarked, “This award reflects not just my efforts, but the dedication of our entire team which embraces learning with enthusiasm and applies these skills to strengthening customer connections every day. I’m grateful to work in an environment where innovation in training is valued as a cornerstone of our success.”
BankWest’s recognition at the 2025 Training APEX Awards reaffirms its commitment to excellence in employee training and development, underscoring its position as a leader in cultivating talent and driving organizational success.
“For the last 25 years, Training magazine has recognized organizations for their excellence in employee training and development,” said Lorri Freifeld, editor/publisher of Training magazine. “We are proud to honor this year’s winners for their inspiring achievements, innovation, and dedication to continuous learning and skill building.”
