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Ahura Corporation's FirstDefender(TM) Named as Finalist in 2006 American Business Awards(SM)

4th Annual Stevie(R) Awards Will Be Presented on June 12 in New York City

Ahura Corporation's FirstDefender(TM) Handheld Chemical Identification System was named a Finalist this week in the Best New Product or Service category for Manufacturing in the 2006 American Business Awards.

Ahura's flagship product, FirstDefender, is a rugged, waterproof handheld instrument for the identification of unknown liquids and solids. It is used by military and civilian first responders around the globe for accurate and instant identification of potentially dangerous substances, including chemical weapons, explosives, toxic substances, hazardous waste and narcotics. FirstDefender delivers reliable results in all weather conditions and environments. Customers include: FBI explosives lab, British Ministry of Defense, US Army, US Customs and Immigration, FDNY, City of Seattle FD, Washington DC Fire Dept, NJ State Police and more than 100 other agencies in the US.

Hailed as "the business world's own Oscars" by the New York Post (April 27, 2005), The American Business Awards are the only national, all-encompassing business awards program honoring great performances in the workplace. Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word "crowned," winners will be announced during the annual gala on Monday, June 12, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. More than 800 executives from across the U.S.A. are expected to attend. The ceremonies will be videocast on the Internet and broadcast on radio.

"Our product will save money, time, and most importantly, lives. We're honored to be recognized by the American Business Awards for the critical work FirstDefender does on the front lines in the effort to identify and contain potentially dangerous situations," said Douglas Kahn, Ahura Corporation's CEO. "It is an honor to be among the finalists, representing America's top businesses and products."

Over 1,500 entries from companies of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories, including Best Overall Company, Best Executive, Best New Product or Service, and Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program. Members of the Awards' Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors and their staffs will select Stevie Award winners this week from among the Finalists. Finalists were chosen by business professionals nationwide during preliminary judging in March through early May.

"Being named a Finalist in The American Business Awards is an important achievement," said Michael Gallagher, founder and president of The Stevie Awards. "It means that independent business executives have agreed that the nominee is worthy of national recognition. We congratulate all of the Finalists on their achievement and wish them well in the competition."

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba.

About Ahura Corporation

Ahura Corporation has been recognized by Red Herring, Frost & Sullivan and Instrument Business Outlook as an innovative company with award-winning products. Ahura's OpticalEngine™ technology and is leading the realization of portable optical systems for homeland security, life sciences, industrial, and communications markets offering superior performance at disruptive prices. The company is collaborating with OEM customers and government agencies on medical, industrial and security applications. Visit www.ahuracorp.com for more information.

About The Stevie Awards

Hailed as "the business world's own Oscars" by the New York Post (April 27, 2005), Stevie Awards are conferred in three programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, and The Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs. Honoring companies of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.

Newswire by Market Wire