GreenNexxus named most promising start-up
Going green has never been easier thanks to GreenNexxus.
The homegrown start-up company - co-founded by Fredericton's Peter Corbyn - is an online social networking platform dedicated to solving environmental issues and promoting eco-friendly technologies and lifestyles.
"It's a Facebook-style site to swap environmentally friendly tips," Corbyn said. "It's a place where members can post things that they're doing in their home life or businesses to be green."
On the heels of its success across the country, GreenNexxus won a KIRA Award Thursday night for most promising start-up.
"This kind of recognition from your peers is really appreciated," Corbyn said. "We've been fairly lucky this year and it's just really nice to be recognized."
For over a decade, the Knowledge Industry Recognition and Achievement Awards have recognized excellence in information and communication technology and learning and education innovation throughout New Brunswick.
The 11th annual gala at the Delta Fredericton was packed with the best and the brightest business leaders in the province. Following the clinking of drinks in the lobby and a five-course meal in the hotel's ballroom, the winners of seven categories - including best export product, technology advancement and industry person of the year - were announced.
"It's our way of shining the spotlight on these genuinely deserving organizations and individuals," said Doug Motty, CEO of Enterprise Fredericton, host of the annual event.
"I think it's important to recognize the companies in the province that are successful and celebrate their accomplishments," he said. "This event showcases what can done right here in our own backyard."
Accreon Inc., a Fredericton-based business consulting and information technology service provider, was the only company to win in two categories for export services and employment growth.
The other KIRA Award winners were Q1 Labs Inc. for best export product, Chalk Media Corp. for private technology advancement, the Saint John Zone Breast Health Program for public technology advancement and finally Ed Barrett won a KIRA for industry person of the year.
Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside said the accomplishments of these companies show that the province has the right climate for business.
"I couldn't think of a more wonderful place to do business than in New Brunswick," he said. "There is so much talent in this room and these people have worked hard to get here. And once a year we come together to applaud their work and encourage new businesses in the province."
The awards were hosted by Bette MacDonald, Gemini award winner for her CBC television performance in the Halifax Comedy Fest.
Premier Shawn Graham, who attended the event with his wife Roxanne Reeves, said the awards demonstrate the province's success over the past decade.
"Today information and communication technology is the second most important industry in the province," he said. "And it continues to grow at such an explosive rate - it's a testament to what the future holds for New Brunswick."
The KIRA Award is a harbinger of up-and-coming success for companies and GreenNexxus is ready to break out on a bigger stage.
The tech firm had one of its first breaks creating the online community forum behind Al Gore's Climate Project and more recently worked with CBC and Cisco Systems Inc. developing online tools for the One Millions Acts of Green campaign.
"There have been 1.6 million acts of green so far, saving 85,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emission," Corbyn said. "And we're now moving the project into the United States so we expect to see that number jump up."
GreenNexxus currently has six employees at its Fredericton headquarters. In addition to Corbyn the company has three other co-founders.
Ryan Groom and Paul Methot are both known as the "techies" and although his business card says "Chief Greennexxian," Ric Cuthbertson is known as the "money guy." Corbyn - with the official title of "Catalyst-" is known as the "green guy."
Brett Bundale
Telegraph-Journal