premise: (b) Without the prior written consent of CMC (which may be withheld in CMC's sole discretion), for a period of two (2) years from and after the date hereof, neither Valco nor Brubaker shall, directly or indirectly, whether as a stockholder, individual, partner, agent, representative, employee, employer, director, officer, principal, consultant, advisor, or independent contractor, or through any of the foregoing, or in any other relation or capacity whatsoever, solicit employment of any of Valco's current or former Pueblo area employees who are retained by CMC or any of its subsidiaries in connection with the Pueblo operations, or encourage any such employees to leave the employ of CMC or any of its subsidiaries.