May 10, 2023, FREDERICTON (GNB) – Opportunities NB will pay tribute to the importance of the province’s exporting industries at its 55th annual gala to be held on June 1 in Fredericton.

The annual celebration recognizes companies that have achieved recent or ongoing success in various export markets and this year a record number of companies have applied.

“New Brunswick is home to some of Canada’s most dynamic exporters,” said Arlene Dunn, minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “Strong, globally competitive exporters are vital to the current and future economic prosperity of our province. This event will celebrate companies that have achieved extraordinary results in international markets and, in doing so, have elevated New Brunswick’s brand on the world stage.”

Awards will be presented in seven categories:

  • Exporter of the Year Award – over $5 million in export sales;
  • Exporter of the Year Award – under $5 million in export sales;
  • Global Diversification Award;
  • Innovative Exporter of the Year Award;
  • The Yves Maillet Emerging Exporter of the Year Award;
  • Opportunities NB Impact Award; and
  • Sustainable Exporter of the Year Award.

The gala will take place at the Fredericton Convention Centre at 5:30 p.m. followed by a formal dinner with local food and beverages, and the awards ceremony. Premier Blaine Higgs will deliver the keynote address. Tickets are available online.

On the afternoon before the event, a free Opportunities NB training session focused on how sustainability can drive new export growth will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Panelists will include Natasha Dhayagude, CEO of Chinova Bioworks; Andrew McLaughlin, Opportunities NB board member and vice-president of legal affairs, general counsel and ESG Lead, Major Drilling Group; and Brian McCain, director of environment and resource efficient operations, McCain Foods. Also, Pierre Michaud, general manager of Waska, will speak at a sustainable exporter spotlight, followed by a fireside chat with local and American-based trade commissioners. Registration is available online.

The 39 companies vying for the awards are:

  • Abundant by Design Inc.
  • Area 52 Ltd.
  • AV Group NB Inc.
  • Boise Cascade Alljoist
  • Bouctouche Bay Industries
  • Bulletproof
  • Chinova Bioworks
  • Climative
  • Coastal Metals
  • Corey Nutrition Company Inc.
  • Corruven
  • Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company
  • Crosby Molasses Company Ltd.
  • DEW Engineering and Development ULC
  • Educated Beards
  • Hiskiel Group Canada Inc.
  • Italic Inc.
  • JB Atlantic Engineering Inc.
  • JMN Enterprises
  • Kognitiv Spark
  • Lamtrac Global
  • McDonough Manufacturing Canada
  • Moose Bell Products Inc.
  • Mrs Dunster’s (1996) Inc.
  • NorthTaste Flavourings Ltd.
  • Nurturing Technologies Ltd.
  • Passiv Inc.
  • Razor Contract Manufacturing
  • Rise
  • Saeplast Americas Inc.
  • SHIFT Energy Inc.
  • Skretting Canada
  • Smart Galley Designs
  • Sparta Manufacturing
  • The Farmers’ Truck
  • The Porter O’Brien Agency
  • ThermalWood Canada Inc.
  • Waska
  • WeyMedia Inc.

Opportunities NB is a Crown corporation and the lead economic development agency for the province. It seeks to attract and support opportunities to stimulate economic growth and create jobs by providing support services for businesses.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Michel LeBlanc, communications, Opportunities NB, michel.leblanc@onbcanada.ca