One may be the loneliest number, but Verizon isn't complaining. After appearing five times in the Top 10 over the last six years, the telecommunications company captured the No. 1 spot on the Training Top 125 for the first time in 2012. Despite a relatively flat training budget and a work stoppage that resulted from the expiration of union collective bargaining agreements, Verizon remained steadfast in its commitment to effective training tied to corporate strategic goals--and had the results to show for it. Verizon's three main business goals for 2011 were: (1) To build a business and workforce as good as its networks; (2) To lead in shareholder value creation; and (3) To be recognized as an iconic technology company.