Top employers fall flat

I would like to comment on the Top Places to Work article that you printed last edition. My concern with your article stems from the differences between tax-funded companies and those that are not tax-funded, but tax-paying. My employees felt that four weeks vacation to start, and topped up pregnancy leaves, etc…, etc… were fabulous things till I pointed out to them that they are the ones that are actually paying for other people to have these luxuries. Companies like ours that are in competitive markets and do not have “sugar daddies” to fund them must watch every dollar if we hope to remain in business.

If you wish to hold this contest in the future may I suggest two categories, private and government? I think it a fairer way to judge but also will let the employees of private companies see where their tax dollars go.

Donald F. McCarthy, President
Braemar Pest Control Ltd.

I’ll support that

Upon reading Stephen Kimber’s insightful ref lection on greed and inequality related to CEOs and business (i.e. Explaining the “Occupy” Movement in 15 Minutes), my eye wandered to the top of Atlantic Business’ website screen and, lo and behold, what do I see: “Top 50 CEO Awards.”

Yes. We continue to reward and hero-ize (I know, it’s not a word) the very individuals we now like to vilify. It is quite the dilemma, one in which we’ve all been complicit.

An eternal optimist, I see that the pendulum of corporate greed has finally swung too far. As each of us recognizes his or her role, we will play our part in returning some sanity to business.

Thank you, Stephen Kimber, for your courage in speaking these un-Ivey words in the Ivey setting. My theme for myself and my clients in 2012 is: “Be the leader you want others to be.” You, Stephen Kimber, are a leader.

Sheila M. Kelly, Aegis Coaching Services RBC Woman of Influence 2011 Nominee Progress Club Woman of Excellence 2005 Finalist

Hurrah for bootstraps philosophy

Just wanted to say I applaud Mr. Risley’s approach to championing a healthier community. His “take the bull by the horns” suggestion for us all is right on the money. Waiting to be rescued by governments is not the solution.

Taking personal responsibility and old-fashioned pride in ourselves is fundamental to turning around our deplorable health outcomes. Mr. Risley’s wake-up call and challenge is timely for us all.

The health of our economy relies on the health of its citizens. As Franklin Roosevelt once stated, “The first wealth is health.”

Thanks, Mr. Risley, for challenging each citizen in Atlantic Canada.

Harold White
Halifax, N.S.