Re: ‘Effem shift nixes Bates’ in the March 6 issue

The purpose of this letter is not to whine about the actions and egos of a few or complain about how the Saatchi and Mars split has affected the lives of so many hundreds of people at agencies around the world, including Bates Canada..

Rather, it is to celebrate the humanity that exists in those individuals whose involvement in the craft of advertising reminds us why we chose this profession.

It comes as no surprise that when the tragedy of losing business hits, it inevitably means that some employees will lose their jobs. This is the ultimate ‘downside’ of this complex, exciting, exhilarating, and yet fickle, business.

Events such as the Mars and Saatchi debacle continue to adversely affect hundreds of good people in faraway countries.

But despite this rather damning indictment, we at Bates Canada have witnessed some very positive signs that contradict this assessment.

Specifically, we are strengthened by the outpouring of support and understanding from clients as well as our fellow advertising competitors and media representatives.

Their spontaneous gestures are a rarity and must be savored and celebrated for their integrity and humanity in an increasingly ‘human-less’ industry.

We at Bates Canada would like to express our sincere appreciation to those true ‘human beings’ who have contacted us to express their support and offers of jobs for our staff members.

In these very difficult times, these honest gestures are truly inspiring and greatly appreciated. We are confident of finding employment for our valuable people and the calls confirm that belief.

Thank you.

The Bates Canada team