FREDERICTON, NB, June 3, 2022 – LuminUltra Technologies Ltd. took home two awards at the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards for 2021, held Thursday at the Delta Fredericton.
CEO Pat Whalen was recognized with the OpportunitiesNB Career Achievement Award and spoke about taking over LuminUltra after the passing of his father, Phil Whalen.
“I owe an enormous debt to my father, who unfortunately passed away in 2009. I had to take over the business a lot earlier than any of us anticipated.” Pat said in accepting the award. “But it all worked out in the end, I would say, and hopefully Dad’s watching down from somewhere.”
Pat thanked the team at LuminUltra and his wife Jill for her years of support.
“Last but not least, I want to thank the person who matters the most, and who’s had the biggest impact on my life, and that is my mother Dolores,” he said. “She is the person responsible for the man I am today.”
The OpportunitiesNB Career Achievement Award recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of a businessperson that has succeeded through innovation, risk-taking and a commitment to the community, or who has introduced new products and services or grown an existing product or service through a new approach.
LuminUltra was also named winner of the CBDC Large Business category, which was open to businesses with more than 51 employees who have demonstrated professional integrity, excellence in customer service, success through innovation and a commitment to the community.
“There are a lot of incredible companies in this city that are doing incredible things all around the world,” Pat said. “And I think it’s been difficult over the past couple of years for all of us to have that perspective. My encouragement to all of you is just keep thinking big, dreaming big, and putting your best big thought to task and just chasing it. Do not ever be satisfied with the status quo. Sometimes you’ve just got to take a chance.”
