Press Releases
Winthrop, March 14 - Seventeen students from Central High School in Norwood Young America toured Heartland Corn Products on March 10 to learn about ethanol production.
During the tour, the students learned about the different stages of the ethanol production process including incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production / storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
The students who participated in the tour were from grades 9 to 12 and were from the school’s small engines class.
“We were pleased to once again welcome students from Central High School Norwood to our plant and explain to them how ethanol is produced. These tours allow us to highlight locally produced, clean, renewable energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, while bolstering the economy in Winthrop and in other parts of rural Minnesota,” said Gary Anderson, CEO of Heartland Corn Products.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). Heartland Corn Products is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
“As gas prices increase due to the war in Ukraine, tours like this are important to highlight the importance of how ethanol makes us more energy independent and reduces prices at the pump,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of MN Bio-Fuels.
Jim Mesik, agriculture teacher at Central High School, accompanied his students during the tour.
“Central’s students benefited greatly from this tour in several ways. For one thing, they are now more informed consumers of fuel when the time comes to drive up to the pump. They also now have a much greater appreciation for the role biofuels play in our agricultural economy in rural Minnesota. Buying ethanol is good for us on a local level. Lastly, the students now understand how ethanol can serve as a great source of octane for today’s fuel needs,” he said.
Benson, April 5 - Eleven students from Ridgewater College toured Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) on April 1 to get a better understanding of the ethanol production process.
“We were pleased to welcome students from Ridgewater College and provide them with a first-hand look at the ethanol production process, as well as an opportunity to learn about the benefits ethanol brings to our community, consumers and the environment,” said Chad Friese, CEO of CVEC.
The students that participated in the tour were from the college’s Animal Nutrition class.
During the tour, they learned about the different stages of the ethanol production process including incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production / storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). CVEC is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
“Ethanol boosts the economy in Minnesota, reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions, provides relief at the pump and makes us more energy independent,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
Kari Slinden, agriculture instructor at Ridgewater College, accompanied her students during the tour.
“My Animal Nutrition students learned more about the ethanol process and production of by-products they can use to feed their livestock. Many of my students feed distillers products and raise corn, so it is great to see the process from whole corn off a semi to products that can fuel their vehicles and feed their animals,” he said.
Minneapolis, April 6 - Carbon capture and storage solutions provider, Navigator CO2 Ventures LLC, has joined the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association as a vendor member.
“We are pleased to welcome Navigator CO2 Ventures as our latest member,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
Navigator CO2 Ventures is a company developed and managed by the Navigator Energy Services management team. Founded in 2012, the management team has safely constructed and operated over 1,300 miles of midstream infrastructure.
The company is currently developing a carbon capture and sequestration system, Heartland Greenway, that will provide ethanol producers and other industrial emitters long-term and cost-effective solutions to reduce their carbon footprint.
“Our system will capture carbon from ethanol producers that is emitted during the manufacturing process, liquefy it, and transport it via pipeline to be safely and permanently stored underground,” said Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, VP of Government and Public Affairs at Navigator CO2 Ventures.
She said the carbon capture and storage system will have a project footprint that will cross Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota.
The project comprises of a 1,300-mile liquid-CO2 pipeline with permanent storage in Illinois. In Minnesota, the pipeline will go through Martin County at the state’s southern border.
“We are excited to join forces with the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association in advancing its mission to support the renewable fuels industry in Minnesota. The association’s reputation along with its vast network of ethanol producers will be a valuable partnership as we collectively put forward economic means of reducing the carbon footprint of homegrown biofuels and enable producers to create a green fuel in an increasingly greener fashion,” said Burns-Thompson.
Learn more about Navigator CO2 Ventures here.
Picture caption: The Heartland Greenway carbon capture and sequestration system.
Janesville, April 8 - Sixteen students from the University of Minnesota toured Guardian Energy on April 5 to get a closer look at the ethanol production process.
During the tour, the students learned about incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production / storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
The students were from two classes at the university - renewable energy and food engineering.
“We are always happy to provide tours of our manufacturing plant and appreciate the University of Minnesota bringing their students on-site to learn more about the ethanol production process, co-products and the role ethanol plays as a clean, renewable feedstock in our nation’s fuel supply chain. The ethanol industry is a vital economic driver in Janesville and in rural communities throughout Minnesota,” said Jeanne McCaherty, CEO of Guardian Energy.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). Guardian Energy is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
“As energy prices rise, it’s important to highlight the role ethanol plays in lowering prices at the pump and making America more energy independent,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of MN Bio-Fuels.
Min Addy, department of bioproducts and biosystems professor at the University of Minnesota, accompanied her students during the tour.
“Our tour of Guardian Energy provided students with real world experience which they would not receive in the classroom. During our tour, students were able to learn about the production process and related mass and energy balance,” she said.
Lamberton, April 13 - Students from Wabasso High School’s crop science class toured Highwater Ethanol on April 7 to learn more about ethanol production.
“We are always happy to share our story with students. These tours give us an opportunity to explain to them how ethanol is produced and the vital role it plays in creating jobs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy independence and boosting rural economies throughout Minnesota,” said Brian Kletscher, CEO of Highwater Ethanol.
During the tour, the students learned about incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production / storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
The students were from grades 12. The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). Highwater Ethanol is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
“Tours like these also highlight how ethanol is reducing prices at the pump,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
Lisa Roker, agriculture teacher at Wabasso High School, accompanied her students for the tour at Highwater Ethanol.
“Students learn best when they can experience things. It was great for students to see a process in real life, that had been discussed in class. Touring businesses also helps students learn what opportunities are available after high school,” she said.
Benson, April 20 - Seven students from Morris Area Secondary School toured Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) yesterday to learn about ethanol production.
“We were delighted to host students from Morris Area Secondary. Ethanol production plays a vital role in Minnesota’s rural economy. Tours like this provide students the opportunity to learn about the aptitudes and skills required to work in the ethanol industry,” said Chad Friese, CEO of CVEC.
During the tour, the students - from grades 10 to 12 - learned about the different stages of the ethanol production process such as income grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). CVEC is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
“Ethanol reduces prices at the pump, cuts greenhouse gas emissions and makes America more energy independent,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
Jennah Trefz, agriculture teacher at Morris Area Secondary, accompanied her students during the tour.
“I believe my students gained useful insight towards the production and use of ethanol in fuel and other products to aid in consumer knowledge of product production. Along with this, students received information of potential job opportunities that would keep them in our rural communities with viable options for a successful career,” she said.
Lamberton, April 21 - Twenty-two students from Sleepy Eye High School toured Highwater Ethanol on April 20 to get a closer look at the ethanol production process.
During the tour, the students learned about the different stages of the ethanol production process such as income grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
“It’s important for students to learn about the clean, locally grown, renewable energy being produced in Lamberton and in other parts of Minnesota. By sharing our knowledge, we hope students walk away with a better understanding of career opportunities, in addition to our industry’s contributions to rural economies, the environment and energy independence,” said Brian Kletscher, CEO of Highwater Ethanol.
The students - from grades 9 to 12 - were from the school’s Natural Resources class.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) and sponsored by Novozymes, a global microbe and enzyme provider, and supporter of Minnesota’s ethanol industry. Both Highwater Ethanol and Novozymes are members of MN Bio-Fuels.
“These tours are important in highlighting to students the role ethanol plays in reducing prices at the pump,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of MN Bio-Fuels.
Mary Hoffmann, agriculture teacher at Sleepy Eye High School, said the tour provided her students with a better understanding of ethanol production as well as the benefits of using ethanol.
“I believe any time students can see something in person or “hands-on,” they learn so much more,” she said.
Minneapolis, April 22 - Over the next five months, the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) and KS95 FM will team up at various gas stations in the Twin Cities metro area to reward drivers who fuel up with E15.
Kicking off the campaign was an hour-long promotion at a Holiday station on County Road 24 in Plymouth on April 21.
“These promotional events are aimed at educating drivers on the various benefits of fueling up with E15,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
He said dates and locations of the upcoming promotional events will be posted on MN Bio-Fuels’ website and social media channels.
During the promotion at the Holiday station in Plymouth, drivers who fueled up with E15 (Unleaded 88) were rewarded with prizes such as $20 in cash, tickets to the Minnesota Twins, tickets to Minnesota United, gift cards to Red Cow and Red Rabbit and KS95 merchandise.
KS95’s personality, Carissa Sherman, was with MN Bio-Fuels staff at the station during the promotion educating drivers on the benefits of using E15.
MN Bio-Fuels and KS95 will next be at the Holiday station on 4540 Centerville Road in St Paul on April 28 from 12 pm to 1 pm.
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Minneapolis, April 29 - The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) and KS95 FM teamed up yesterday to educate drivers on the benefits of using E15 during an hour-long promotion at a Holiday station in St Paul.
Drivers who fueled up with E15 during the promotion were rewarded with prizes such as $20 in cash, tickets to the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota United, gift cards to Red Cow and Red Rabbit and KS95 merchandise.
KS95’s personality, Greg “Hutch” Hutchinson, was a the station with MN Bio-Fuels staff during the promotion educating drivers on the many benefits of fueling up with E15.
“We’ll be teaming up with KS95 several more times over the course of the next five months at various gas stations in the Twin Cities metro to reward drivers who fuel up with E15,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
Yesterday’s promotion was held at the Holiday station on 4540 Centerville Road in St Paul.
Janesville, May 2 - Twelve students from Minnesota New Country School in Henderson toured Guardian Energy on April 29 to learn about ethanol production.
“We were pleased to welcome students from Minnesota New Country School. Tours like these give students a first-hand look at how clean, Minnesota-grown, renewable ethanol is produced. Students also walk away with a better understanding of the vital role our industry plays in creating jobs, enhancing our environment and promoting energy independence,” said Jeanne McCaherty, CEO of Guardian Energy.
During the tour, the students learned about the different stages of the ethanol production process such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
The students that participated in the tour were from grades seven to 12.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). Guardian Energy is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
“Through these tours, students learn how ethanol reduces prices at the pump,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
Aaron Grimm, a teacher/advisor at Minnesota New Country School, accompanied his students during the tour.
“Students were given an overview of the ethanol process with visuals of the various stages of production. We also enjoyed being able to tour the facility to see the live action, behind the scenes overview,” he said.
Minneapolis, May 5 - The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) and KS95 FM teamed up at a Winner station in Richfield yesterday for an hour-long promotion to reward drivers who chose E15.
From 12 pm to 1 pm, drivers who fueled up with E15 at the station were rewarded with prizes such as $20 in cash, tickets to the Minnesota Twins, tickets to the St Paul Saints, gift cards to Applebee’s and KS95 merchandise.
KS95’s personality, Greg “Hutch” Hutchinson, was at the station with MN Bio-Fuels staff educating drivers on the benefits of choosing E15.
“E15 provides consumers with savings at the pump while reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
He said MN Bio-Fuels and KS95 will team up several more times over the coming weeks and months at other gas stations in the Twin Cities metro to promote E15.
Yesterday’s promotion was at the Winner station on 7733 Portland Ave in Richfield.
Janesville, May 11 - Sixteen students from St Peter Public Schools toured Guardian Energy yesterday to get a better understanding of the ethanol production process.
“As producers of clean energy from locally-grown corn, we are also stewards of our area’s natural resources. We are always pleased to give students a first-hand look at how we convert a homegrown, renewable ingredient into ethanol and co-products that benefit the environment and contribute to rural economies, energy independence, as well as savings at the pump,” said Jeanne McCaherty, CEO of Guardian Energy.
During the tour, the students learned about the different stages of the ethanol production process such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
The students who attended the tour were from grades 11 and 12 and are from the school’s natural resources management class.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). Guardian Energy is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
“We regularly bring students to ethanol plants to learn the important role the ethanol industry plays in reducing prices at the pump,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
Gena Lilienthal, agri-science teacher at St Peter Public Schools, accompanied her students for the tour.
“It is important for students to understand the benefits and impacts of renewable fuels in our community, This tour opened their eyes to the demand for both grain and energy. They were also able to learn about the important byproducts from ethanol production. Exposing students to industries affecting our local economy is essential,” she said.
Minneapolis, May 12 - The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) and KS95 FM teamed up at a Holiday station in New Hope yesterday to reward drivers who chose E15.
From 12 pm to 1 pm, drivers who fueled up with E15 at the station were rewarded with prizes such as $20 in cash, tickets to the Minnesota Twins, tickets to the St Paul Saints, gift cards to Applebee’s and KS95 merchandise.
KS95’s personality, Greg “Hutch” Hutchinson, was at the station with MN Bio-Fuels staff educating drivers on the benefits of choosing E15. The Holiday station is located at 7201 Bass Lake Road in New Hope.
“E15 is cheaper than regular gas and is better for the environment,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
Yesterday’s promotion was the fourth time MN Bio-Fuels and KS95 have teamed up to promote E15 at a gas station in the Twin Cities metro area this year, with several more promotions planned for the summer.
Claremont, May 16 - Seventeen students from Blooming Prairie High School visited Al-Corn Clean Fuel on May 12 to learn about ethanol production.
During the tour, the students learned about the different stages of the ethanol production process such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
“By getting a first-hand look at our operations, students are given a chance to see and understand the process of converting a homegrown, renewable ingredient into clean energy. The ethanol industry not only contributes to savings at the gas pump, it improves air quality by reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, strengthens our local farm economies and increases energy independence,” said Randall Doyal, CEO of Al-Corn Clean Fuel.
The students that participated in the tour were from grades 11 to 12.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). Al-Corn Clean fuel is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
“The students that visited Al-Corn Clean Fuel were from the school’s agriculture science class and this tour showcased the important role science plays in the ethanol production process,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
Bill Rinkenberger, agriculture science teacher at Blooming Prairie High School, accompanied his students during the tour.
“Students learned first-hand how corn is turned into fuel. Most, if not all, students don’t know how this happens,” he said.
Heron Lake, May 19 - Seventeen students from Worthington High School toured Heron Lake BioEnergy on May 17 to get a closer look at the ethanol production process.
“We were pleased to welcome students from Worthington High School and to give them a first-hand look at how clean renewable energy is produced here in Heron Lake. These tours provide us with an opportunity to show students the vital role that our industry plays in creating jobs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting energy independence while providing savings at the pump,” said Jeff Oestmann, CEO of Heron Lake BioEnergy.
The tour comprised visits to the different stages of ethanol production such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
The students that participated in the tour were from grade 12. The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels).
“The tour at Heron Lake BioEnergy was the 11th school tour we’ve organized this spring,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
Deb Martin, agriculture teacher at Worthington High School, accompanied her students for the tour.
“By exposing students to the ethanol industry, they were able to gain a better understanding of the production process, the various uses for co-products and learn about career opportunities,” she said.
Minneapolis, June 8 - The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) and KS95 FM rewarded drivers who fueled up with E15 at the Bona Brothers Minnoco station in Fridley today during an hour-long promotion.
From 12 pm to 1 pm, drivers who fueled up with E15 at the station were rewarded with prizes such as $20 in cash, tickets to the St Paul Saints, gift cards to Applebee’s and KS95 merchandise.
“As gas prices continue to rise, E15 provides consumers with savings at the pump. E15 also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and is made right here in Minnesota,” said Brian Kletscher, Board President of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
KS95’s personality, Greg “Hutch” Hutchinson, was at the station with MN Bio-Fuels staff educating drivers on the benefits of fueling up with E15. The Bona Brothers Minnoco station is located at 5311 University Avenue Northeast in Fridley.
Today’s promotion was the fifth time MN Bio-Fuels has teamed up with KS95 to promote E15 at a gas station in the Twin Cities metro area this year.
Details on upcoming promotions will be posted on MN Bio-Fuels’ website and social media channels.