LoyaltyOne named one of Canada's 50 Best Employers

- Loyalty leader and operator of Canada's premiere coalition program makes first appearance on Hewitt Associates list -

TORONTO , Jan. 4 /CNW/ - With a revitalized focus on employee engagement, LoyaltyOne, operators of the AIR MILES Reward Program(R) and other loyalty strategy, marketing and analytics businesses, has been awarded an inaugural placement on the Hewitt 50 Best Employers in Canada list. The national study by Hewitt Associates officially released on December 30, 2009 , measures an employee's degree of emotional and intellectual commitment to an organization which is scored directly by the organization's employees. LoyaltyOne is ranked 21 out of 50 organizations and the Hewitt study reveals that the Company's programs with respect to learning and development, recognition, human resources practices and corporate social responsibility, were especially instrumental in achieving high overall employee engagement. LoyaltyOne is the only loyalty strategy organization to make the 2010 list.

"An engaged and passionate workforce helps to build a lasting business and a strategic competitive advantage", said Bryan Pearson , president and CEO of LoyaltyOne Inc. "There's a positive energy you can feel when you walk through the LoyaltyOne doors; people are excited about being part of a company that has an exceptionally bright, growth-oriented future."

Through changing global market and economies, LoyaltyOne has remained focused on sustaining and growing the loyalty of their associates as well as developing an integrated corporate sustainability program. The Company has concentrated on building a culture of engaged associates with a people management program focused on the learning, relationship and development of associates at all levels - from training and recognition, onboarding programs, work from home, flex hours and e-learning to award-winning, improved work environments, a fitness centre, subsidized bistro, wellness and environmental initiatives.

LoyaltyOne senior leadership teams continue to deliver on their commitment to be fully accessible to all associates. From providing regular multi-channel and interactive communications to direct dialogue through President focus group sessions, town halls and learning sessions, the company's approach is based on open, transparent and growth-focused personal development and human resources best practices. This commitment has been the driving force behind the LoyaltyOne culture of ownership with associates who are passionate about their jobs, the people they work with, the locations they work from, and making a difference in their communities.

"LoyaltyOne has done an excellent job of attracting, retaining and engaging people with a shared passion and excitement for the work they do," said Neil Crawford , leader of Hewitt's Best Employers in Canada study. "Its human resources programs not only meet employee needs but are very meaningful to them - LoyaltyOne's corporate social responsibility initiatives are a perfect example."

About LoyaltyOne

LoyaltyOne is a global provider of loyalty strategy and programs, customer analytics andrelationship marketing services. Its roster of clients includes leading businesses and brands in multiple sectors such as retail, banking, manufacturing, government, natural resources and utilities. LoyaltyOne businesses include Canada's AIR MILES Reward Program - North America's premiere coalition loyalty program, COLLOQUY, Precima, LoyaltyOne Consulting and Direct Antidote. LoyaltyOne's industry-leading Associates, practical experience and proven capabilities today set the benchmark of thought leadership in the loyalty marketplace. Toronto-based LoyaltyOne is an Alliance Data company. For more than 30 years, Alliance Data has helped its clients build more profitable, more loyal relationships with their customers. For more information, visit www.loyalty.com.

About Hewitt Associates

Hewitt Associates (NYSE: HEW) provides leading organizations around the world with expert human resources consulting and outsourcing solutions to help them anticipate and solve their most complex benefits, talent, and related financial challenges. Hewitt works with companies to design, implement, communicate, and administer a wide range of human resources, retirement, investment management, health care, compensation, and talent management strategies. With a history of exceptional client service since 1940, Hewitt has offices in more than 30 countries, including Canadian offices in Calgary , Montreal , Regina, Toronto and Vancouver , and employs approximately 23,000 associates who are helping make the world a better place to work. For more information, please visit www.hewitt.com/canada.

For further information: or to arrange an interview with a LoyaltyOne spokesperson, please contact the LoyaltyOne media desk at [phone]