Biological diagnostic testing company LuminUltra Technologies was a double winner at the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce's Business Excellence Awards, held last week for the first time in two years.

LuminUltra won the Large Business Award and its CEO Pat Whalen took home the Career Achievement Award. The company makes bacteria and virus tests for wastewater and industrial facilities and is also a COVID-19 clinical testing reagents supplier to the Government of Canada.

"The Business Excellence Awards is one of our community's signature events, and we were so pleased to be able to celebrate the successes and resiliency of our local businesses last night," said Chamber CEO Krista Ross. She added that the community enjoyed celebrating the awards after a two-year break brought about by COVID-19. "The enthusiasm of the business and community leaders gathered in the room to celebrate entrepreneurship was palpable."

The other winners were:

Small Business Award

Formula 4 Fitness  

Omar Ali, Owner and Founder

Personal trainer Omar Ali aims to help Fredericton residents lose weight, rehabilitate injuries, and compete in fitness competitions.

Medium Business Award

Rocket 

Scott Williams, CEO

Rocket is a multichannel marketing company that provides printing services for businesses.

New Business Award

Anessa

Amir Akbari, CEO

Anessa makes software for feasibility assessments of biogas plants, as well as an artificial intelligence system that models the best “recipes” for plants that have already been built. Biogas is created when organic materials, such as farm waste, are fermented to form fuel.

Charitable Organization Award

Greener Village

Dan Taylor, President

Greener Village is a food bank that distributes over $1.5 million in food to its community each year.

Community Impact Award

Educated Beards  

Alicia Phillips, CEO

Educated Beards sells a range of products designed for the upkeep of beards.

Not-For-Profit Organization Award

Liberty Lane  

Kelly Murray, CEO

Along with providing education and awareness initiatives, Liberty Lane operates housing and support programs for those affected by domestic violence.

Resilience Award

Red Rover Cider

Adam Clawson, Owner

Red Rover Cider was the first craft cider company in New Brunswick, selling ciders made especially for spring, summer and fall.