Why do we do this? Because of our proud determination to share the successes of Atlantic Canadian innovation and creativity, to promote our regional work ethic and entrepreneurial prowess to an international audience.

They say 13 is an unlucky number. I beg to differ. This year marks the 13th anniversary of the Top 50 CEO awards — the corporate leadership recognition program we founded in 1998. The growth of the awards, and this magazine, since that time has been nothing short of phenomenal.

The Top 50 CEO awards program has grown in stature, number of nominees and even gala format (from a golf networking event to exclusive red carpet event). In the beginning, we were happy to receive the occasional pat on the back. Today, we are frequently greeted with an open-mouthed “wow.”

Not so long ago, one of our regular gala attendees described a similarly-themed event in Alberta. “I wish I could bring those event organizers to your event,” he said, “so you could show them how to do it the right way. Why is that we’re always so surprised here in Atlantic Canada when we do something better than the rest of the country?”

That last statement is particularly telling; it captures the essence of why we initiated this awards program in the first place. Why do we do this? Because of our proud determination to share the successes of Atlantic Canadian innovation and creativity, to promote our regional work ethic and entrepreneurial prowess to an international audience. With every magazine that gets picked up at a Maple Leaf executive lounge, with each edition that reaches business and leisure travelers in major hotels throughout the region, and with every person who attends the awards gala, we are sharing Atlantic Canada’s story with the world.

The contributing “we” in this instance refers to a broader contingent than our own hardworking staff (the best in the business, in my opinion). In addition to the months of in-house effort necessary to identify and recognize Atlantic Canada’s top corporate leaders, the Top 50 CEO awards also require the liberal assistance of our volunteer judging panel and the generous support of our corporate sponsors.

I invite you to keep them in mind as potential business partners. They are unwavering supporters of Atlantic Canada’s business community; they deserve our loyalty in return.

Hubert Hutton
Publisher