Press Releases
St Paul, June 27 – The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels) and KS95 teamed up today at the Winner station on Energy Park Drive to reward drivers who fueled up with Unleaded Plus (E15).
“Since the EPA lifted the RVP-ban on E15 during the summer months, today’s event marked the first time we’ve ever been able to promote E15 during the busy driving season,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Biofuels.
From 12pm to 1pm today, MN Biofuels and KS95 rewarded drivers who chose E15 with prizes that included tickets to the Minnesota Twins, tickets to the St Paul Saints, $20 in cash, gift cards to Chili’s, tickets to the Minnesota Zoo, tickets to Valley Fair and KS95 merchandise.
Rudy Pavich from KS95’s Morning Show was at the station alongside MN Biofuels’ staff during the promotion educating drivers on the benefits of using E15.
“We will be teaming up with KS95 for several more promotions at other stations in the Twin Cities metro this summer,” Rudnicki said.
St Paul, July 11 - The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels) and KS95 FM teamed up today at the Holiday on Old Hudson Road to reward drivers who chose E15 (Unleaded Plus) during an hour-long promotion.
From 12 pm to 1 pm, MN Biofuels and KS95 rewarded over 30 drivers with prizes that included tickets to the Minnesota Twins, St Paul Saints, Valley Fair, $20 in cash, gift vouchers to Chili's and KS95 merchandise.
"Today's event was our second event for the summer and during the hour we were at the station, we found many drivers who regularly choose E15 over regular unleaded," said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of MN Biofuels.
During the promotion, KS95's personality, Rudy Pavich, and MN Biofuels staff were at the station educating drivers on the various benefits of using E15.
"With more miles traditionally driven during the summer, it is important for drivers to learn how they can save at the pump with E15 while reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, boosting Minnesota's economy and making America more energy independent," Rudnicki said.
Today's event was the seventh time both MN Biofuels and KS95 FM have teamed up at a fuel station in the Twin Cities metro this year to promote E15.
Picture caption (from left to right): Tim Rudnicki, executive director of MN Biofuels and Brain Kletscher, President of MN Biofuels with the 2019 First Half Report
Minneapolis, July 18 - The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels) released its 2019 First Half Report to its members at a networking event in Prior Lake yesterday.
The report gave its members an overview of Minnesota's ethanol industry in the first six months of 2019 and the various projects undertaken by MN Biofuels to increase ethanol consumption in the state.
"The combined results of these projects lowered barriers to biofuels and created greater awareness of and access to higher consumer value, lower carbon-emitting fuels such as E15," said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the MN Biofuels.
Specifically, he said the report highlighted the work MN Biofuels did in the fields of advocacy, communications and fuel supply in the first half of 2019.
During that period, Rudnicki said MN Biofuels directly engaged with over 58 state and federal lawmakers and agency officials, delivered more than 1.5 million monthly ad impressions promoting E15 in the Twin Cities metro and continued market development initiatives with many of the 352 fuel retailers offering E15 in Minnesota.
Additionally, he said the lifting of the summertime Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) ban on E15 had presented new opportunities.
"This year, as of May 31, E15 sales in Minnesota have hit 29.26 million gallons and with E15 now available throughout the summer, we have launched several promotional campaigns aimed at further increasing E15 consumption this year. Moreover, with E15 now available year-round, there will be new opportunities to increase the number of fuel retailers who offer E15 in Minnesota," Rudnicki said.
MN Biofuels 2019 First Half Report can be downloaded here
Maplewood, July 25 – As the summer driving season goes full swing, the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels) and KS95 FM teamed at Fleming’s Minnoco today to reward drivers who chose Unleaded Plus/88 (E15).
During the hour-long promotion from 12 pm to 1 pm, over 20 drivers who fueled up with E15 were rewarded with prizes that included tickets to the Minnesota Twins, St Paul Saints, $20 in cash, gift certificates to Applebee’s, gift certificates to Herbie’s on the Park, Valley Fair passes and KS95 merchandise.
“Today’s event was a good opportunity for us to educate consumers in Maplewood on how they can save at the pump with E15 while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from their vehicles,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of MN Biofuels.
During the promotion, KS95’s personality, Rudy Pavich, and MN Biofuels staff were at the station educating drivers on the various benefits of using E15.
The event at Fleming’s Minnoco is the eight time both MN Biofuels and KS95 have teamed up at a fuel station in the Twin Cities metro this year to educate drivers on the benefits of using E15.
“With the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) ban on E15 in the summer now over, it is imperative for us to educate consumers on the new option available to them at the pump,” Rudnicki said.
Minneapolis, July 29 – Environmental and rail services provider, EnviroServe, has joined the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels) as a vendor member.
“We are pleased to welcome EnviroServe to our growing roster of vendor members. EnviroServe serves the ethanol industry with 24-hour emergency response and complete plant turnaround or shut down services,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of MN Biofuels.
EnviroServe’s emergency and plant shut down services include high-pressure water blasting, hydroblasting, line jetting, flex lancing, boiler steam cleaning, wet and dry vacuum work (including removal of silos), mobile railcar services and 24/7 emergency response for spills and disasters.
Established in 1990, the company’s other areas of expertise include specialized waste transportation and disposal of hazardous, non-hazardous, universal and recyclable wastes and materials.
Tom Binsfeld, Minneapolis Operations Manager for EnviroServe said the company works with industrial consultants, hygienists and compliance personnel to develop the most effective solutions for its customers.
“With our new Minneapolis office now in service, it’s important for EnviroServe to participate in the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association so we can better understand the challenges and opportunities within the renewable fuels industry in Minnesota, especially as they are related to emergency response and waste management.
“This will enable us to be the best possible environmental partner for owners and operators of ethanol plants and other biofuel facilities in the state and region for spill and disaster response, scheduled transportation and disposal of waste, and turnaround projects,” he said.
Other services the company provides includes remediation and construction, which includes excavation, demolition, construction and equipment removal or replacement.
As for its mobile railcar services, EnviroServe provides AAR-approved mobile railcar services including repair, transload, cleaning and flaring to minimize downtime and prevent unnecessary freight costs, switching fees and backlogged fixed repair facilities.
Learn more about EnviroServe here.
Minneapolis, Aug 16 – The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels) and KS95 FM teamed up today at the Bobby & Steve’s on Central Avenue in Columbia Heights to promote E15.
As a bonus, drivers who chose E15 during the hour-long promotion from 12 pm to 1 pm were rewarded with prizes that included tickets to the MN Twins, St Paul Saints, $20 in cash, tickets to the Crayola Experience at the Mall of America, gift cards to Seven Steakhouse, gift cards to Applebee’s and KS95 merchandise.
“By using E15, consumers save at the pump, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, boost Minnesota’s economy and make America more energy independent,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of MN Biofuels.
During the promotion, KS95’s personality, Rudy Pavich, and MN Biofuels staff were at the station educating drivers on the various benefits of using E15.
Today’s promotion was the ninth time MN Biofuels and KS95 have teamed up this year at a fuel station in the Twin Cities metro this year to educate drivers on the benefits of using E15.
“Today’s event was the fourth E15 promotion we’ve organized this summer. More miles are driven in the summer and with the summertime Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) ban on E15 over, these events are a unique opportunity for us to talk to drivers about the benefits of using E15,” Rudnicki said.
In June this year, 6.29 million gallons of E15 was sold in Minnesota, the highest ever recorded for the month of June following the end of the EPA’s summertime RVP ban on E15.
Cumulatively, the total volume of E15 sold in Minnesota in the first half of 2019 amounted to 36.6 million gallons.
Minneapolis, August 27 - Moisture technology provider, MoistTech Corp, has joined the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels) as a vendor member.
“We are pleased to welcome MoistTech to our growing roster of vendor members. MoistTech provides moisture measurement for online process and laboratory moisture instrumentation using near infrared (NIR) technology,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Biofuels.
Headquartered in Sarasota, FL, MoistTech specializes in NIR technology and manufactures non-contact online sensors with hundreds of measurements per second for thousands of applications in the animal and human food, chemical, mineral, paper, renewable energy, textile, tobacco and wood industries.
In the ethanol industry, MoistTech has provided its technology for dried distillers grain (DDG) production where moisture measurement and control are important to ensure product quality and reduce waste.
“Moisture content is an essential aspect when conditioning feeds. When conditioning, the most common target moisture contents at conditioner discharge is between 15 percent and 17 percent. Too much moisture can plug the pellet mill,” said Sarah Hammond, marketing coordinator at MoistTech.
She said pellets need to achieve a final moisture content of under 13 percent for safe storage and proper conditioning prior to storage has benefits such as increased durability index, increased starch gelatinization and protein structures. This, she said, improves the binding of the ingredients, potential pasteurization and the destruction of some insect eggs.
“MoistTech has developed the IR-3000 Moisture Sensor which is ideally suited to measure the moisture levels in DDG production processes while improving a manufacturer’s product quality and lowering their energy costs,” Hammond said.
She said MoistTech’s moisture sensors provide continuous, reliable readings with zero maintenance and a one-time calibration with a non-drift optical design allowing operational personnel to confidently make immediate process adjustments based on real-time measurements.
“MoistTech decided to join MN Biofuels to enhance the awareness and availability of moisture measurement and control within the process of DDG production. Our goal is to assist in increasing production efficiency for the ethanol plants while providing state of the art technology for enhanced end user results,” Hammond said.
Learn more about MoistTech Corp here.
Picture Caption: MoistTech's IR-3000 moisture sensor for DDG production.
Minneapolis, Aug 28 – The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels) and KS95 FM teamed up today to reward consumers who fueled up with Unleaded Plus (E15) at Hopkins Express Minnoco.
During the hour-long promotion from 12 pm to 1 pm, consumers who fueled up with E15 were rewarded with prizes that included tickets to the Minnesota Twins, St Paul Saints, $20 in cash, gift certificates to Arby’s, Crayola passes, gift cards to Seven Steakhouse and KS95 merchandise.
“Today’s event was the 10th time we’ve teamed up with KS95 this year at a fuel station in the Twin Cities metro to educate consumers on the benefits of using Minnesota-produced E15,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Biofuels.
During the promotion, KS95’s personality, Bangs (Tiffany Norton), and MN Biofuels staff were at the station educating drivers on the benefits of using E15.
In June this year, 6.29 million gallons of E15 was sold in Minnesota, the highest ever recorded for the month of June following the end of the EPA’s summertime RVP ban on E15.
Cumulatively, the total volume of E15 sold in Minnesota in the first half of 2019 amounted to 36.6 million gallons.
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Minneapolis, Sept 6 – Membrane technology provider, Whitefox Technologies Ltd, has joined the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels) as a vendor member.
“We are pleased to welcome Whitefox as our newest member. Whitefox’s membrane solutions are designed to provide ethanol plants with flexibility in operations and improved efficiency and profitability,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Biofuels.
Based in the United Kingdom with operations in the US, Europe and Canada, Whitefox’s membrane-based dehydration technology – Whitefox Integrated Cartridge Efficiency (Whitefox ICETM) – is currently installed in six plants in the US.
Whitefox’s Vice President of Business Development North America, Paul Kamp, said the company helps identify bottlenecks at ethanol plants and simulates the impact of using its membrane solutions to yield higher production rates, improve plant heat integration and reduce operations and maintenance costs.
“A Whitefox system improves a plant’s carbon intensity scores by reducing energy use and makes the plant easier to run by eliminating recycled load and fluctuations in distillation,” he said.
Kamp added that ICETM can be integrated into existing ethanol plants with minimal disruption while its membrane technology can also be utilized as a technology upgrade in new greenfield plants. Whitefox will be starting up its first installation in Minnesota at Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) this fall.
“Whitefox is honored to become a member of MN Biofuels. We share your organization’s commitment to value-added agriculture and promoting cleaner energy by reducing energy usage and water usage and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
“We look forward to a strong working relationship with the association and Minnesota-based ethanol plants and corn farmers,” he said.
Learn more about Whitefox here.
Picture Caption: Whitefox ICETM installation at CVEC
Picture Caption : Paul Kamp, Whitefox’s Vice President of Business Development North America
Fridley, September 12 – The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels) and KS95 FM teamed up today at the Holiday on University Ave to reward drivers who chose E15 (Unleaded Plus).
During the hour-long promotion from 12 pm to 1 pm, over 25 drivers who fueled up with E15 were rewarded with prizes that included $20 in cash, tickets to the Minnesota Twins, tickets to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, Crayola passes, gift cards to Seven Steakhouse and KS95 merchandise.
“Every gallon of E15 reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions while boosting Minnesota’s economy and making America more energy independent,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of MN Biofuels.
During the promotion, KS95’s personality, Rudy Pavich, and MN Biofuels staff were at the station educating drivers on the various benefits of using E15.
Today’s event was the eleventh time MN Biofuels and KS95 have teamed up at a fuel station in the Twin Cities metro this year to promote E15.
E15 sales in the first seven months of 2019 totaled 43.58 million gallons. The total volume of E15 sold in 2018 was 59.4 million gallons.
Winthrop, September 24 - Ten students from New Ulm High School toured Heartland Corn Products today to learn about clean renewable Minnesota energy.
"We were pleased to welcome New Ulm High School today. These tours provide us with the opportunity to show students how Minnesota-produced ethanol displaces harmful greenhouse gas emissions, benefits our local economy and increases our energy independence,” said Scott Blumhoefer, Vice-President at Heartland Corn Products.
The students were from New Ulm High School’s Advanced Natural Resources, DNR Management, Energy & Recreation class.
During the tour, they learned about several different components of ethanol production including incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distiller grain production and storage, liquefaction, fermentation and ethanol storage and shipment.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association, (MN Biofuels) a non-profit trade organization that represents the ethanol industry in Minnesota. Heartland Corn Products is a member of MN Biofuels.
"Tours like these highlight the necessary skills to pursue a career in the ethanol industry and allow students the opportunity to engage with plant staff and learn about the many benefits of locally-produced biofuels,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Biofuels.
Heartland Corn Products is one of the largest plants in Minnesota and was built in 1995.
Jeff Nelson, agriculture educator at New Ulm High School, said his students had previously learned about ethanol in his class.
"With the increased use of technology and development of new energy options, our tour of an ethanol plant helps students make connections to agriculture, science, and technology, allowing for future career preparation in the world's workforce," said Nelson.
Fridley, September 27 - The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels) and KS95 FM teamed up today to reward drivers who chose Unleaded Plus (E15) during an hour-long promotion at Bona Bros Minnoco.
From 12:00pm to 1:00pm, MN Biofuels and KS95 rewarded drivers who chose Unleaded Plus with prizes that included $20 in cash, ValleyScare passes, tickets to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and the Crayola Experience, gift cards to Seven Steakhouse and gift cards to Applebees, along with KS95 merchandise.
KS95 FM personality, Rudy Pavich, and MN Biofuels staff were at the station during the promotion educating drivers on the various benefits of using E15.
“E15 is a higher-octane fuel that has lower greenhouse gas emissions, is made in Minnesota and cheaper than regular unleaded. E15 is getting more popular with drivers that are eager to reduce carbon emissions and save at the pump,” said Tim Rudnicki, MN Biofuels executive director.
E15 sales in Minnesota during the first seven months of the year totaled 43.58 million gallons, according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce. In 2018, total E15 sales in the state was 59.4 million gallons.
There are currently 357 stations in Minnesota that offer E15.
Janesville, September 30 – Sixteen students from New Richland Heartland Ellendale Geneva High School (NRHEG) toured Guardian Energy today to learn more about renewable energy production.
“We were pleased to welcome NRHEG to our plant to see firsthand how clean Minnesota-grown ethanol is produced. These tours seek to showcase ethanol’s many environmental and economic benefits,” said Jeanne McCaherty, CEO of Guardian Energy.
During the tour, the students, from the high school’s Ag Power/Electricity class learned about several components of ethanol production including incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distiller grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
The students, grades 10 to 12, were briefed on the various processes of ethanol production at the plant, which produces 150 million gallons of ethanol a year.
“The ethanol industry plays a vital role for Minnesota’s agricultural industry and through these tours, students are given a chance to see and understand various technological processes of converting a homegrown renewable ingredient into clean energy,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels).
The tour was organized by MN Biofuels, a non-profit trade organization that represents the ethanol industry in Minnesota. Guardian Energy is a member of MN Biofuels.
The students were accompanied by NRHEG’s agricultural educator, Dan Sorum, who previously visited Guardian Energy with his junior-high class in the fall of 2016.
“This class is primarily about electrical wiring, however I am incorporating a number of lessons on alternative energy sources and while ethanol is not as related to power generation as much as other sources like solar and wind, it is still an alternative source and thus fits my objective to expose them to the more modern technologies today,” said Sorum.
Janesville, October 3 – Students from Minnesota State University, Mankato visited Guardian Energy today to gain a better understanding of renewable fuel production.
During the tour, the students learned about several components of ethanol production including incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distiller grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
The students, who were from the university’s biological engineering analysis class, toured the various processes of ethanol production at Guardian Energy, which produces 150 million gallons of ethanol a year.
“Our employees enjoyed interacting with the Minnesota State Mankato bioengineering students. Ethanol production requires engineering expertise and the students were able to see up close what their prospective career paths could be in this rewarding and growing field,” said Jeanne McCaherty, CEO of Guardian Energy.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels), a non-profit trade organization that represents the ethanol industry in Minnesota. Guardian Energy is a member of MN Biofuels.
“We organize these tours with universities to demonstrate the various scientific production processes and career opportunities in the ethanol industry,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of MN Biofuels.
Minnesota State Mankato’s tour of Guardian was the second time the university has visited the plant. It previously toured the plant in October 2018.
The university’s biotechnology program director, Gregg Marg, said the tours provided his students with a great example on how industrial-scale processes are carried out.
“The students had a great tour that impressed them with the scale at which industry works. The students were impressed and began to understand the importance of the course content in preparing them for employment in the bioprocessing industry. The bench scale in the lab doesn’t represent ‘real life’ scale very well,” said Marg.
Minneapolis, October 7 - The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels) and KS95 FM rewarded drivers who chose Unleaded Plus (E15) at the ARCO on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis on Oct 3 during an hour-long promotion.
During the promotion, MN Biofuels and KS95 rewarded 16 drivers with prizes that included $20 in cash, tickets to the Crayola Experience, gifts cards to Applebee’s, passes to Valley Fair, gift cards to Seven Steakhouse and KS95 merchandise.
KS95 personality, Carissa Sherman, and MN Biofuels staff were at the station during the promotion educating drivers on the benefits of using E15.
“E15 is made in Minnesota, is cheaper than regular unleaded and reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Biofuels.
Last week’s event was the 13th time MN Biofuels and KS95 have teamed up this year to promote E15 to consumers in the Twin Cities metro.
According to data from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, the volume of E15 sold in Minnesota this year as of August 31 was 50.57 million gallons. The volume of E15 sold for the whole of 2018 was 59.4 million gallons.
Picture Caption: CVEC CEO, Chad Friese, explaining ethanol production to the students during the tour.
Benson, October 8 – Thirty students from Morris Area High School toured Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) today to get a better understanding of clean Minnesota-produced renewable energy.
“We are always happy to give tours of our plant and explain how the ethanol industry benefits consumers, local farmers and the environment,” said Chad Friese, CEO of CVEC.
The students, from grades nine to 12, toured the various stages and processes of ethanol production at CVEC, which produces 50 million gallons of ethanol a year.
During the tour, the students learned about the different stages in ethanol production including incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distiller grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
CVEC commenced operations in 1996 and currently has 50 employees. It has hosted many tours over the years for high school students, 4-H’ers, and local agriculture and science programs. The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels). CVEC is a member of MN Biofuels.
“The ethanol industry is a vital driver of economic activity in rural Minnesota. CVEC’s operations benefits farmers in Benson and its surrounding areas,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the MN Biofuels.
The students were from Morris High School’s Ag Processing and Rec Vehicles classes.
Nick Milbrandt, agriculture teacher at Morris Area High School, accompanied his students during today’s tour. Milbrandt had previously toured CVEC with his classes in the fall of 2017.
“This tour helps with the understanding of the process to make ethanol and how it can be used in vehicles,” said Milbrandt.