Hello All,
I hope this message finds each and every one of you doing well.
Here is a weekly glimpse of what July 2009 had in store:
July 6 - 10: The NCERC officially launched a Safety Committee, represented by: Dave Kistner, Ethanol Pilot Plant Research Engineer, represents the NCERC as Safety Officer. Sabrina Trupia, Assistant Director of Biological Research, represents the NCERC as Chemical Hygiene Officer. Congratulations to Dave and Sabrina, you will represent the NCERC well. On Thursday July 9, Brian Wrenn (Research Director), Stephanie Regagnon (Director of Commercialization) and John Caupert (Director) represented the NCERC at the inaugural meeting of the Illinois Ethanol Research Consortium held at NCAUR of USDA in Peoria, IL. A special thank you to Illinois Corn Growers Association for organizing the meeting and to USDA for hosting the meeting.
July 13 – 17: A week highlighted by visitors from Industry and Academia. On Wednesday July 15 the NCERC hosted the analytical laboratory and logistics staff of Abengoa Bioenergy, Illinois plant. We (NCERC) have established a fine working relationship with our Abengoa neighbor! In addition to hosting industry, the NCERC hosted an engineering team from Washington University on Thursday July 16. Since hiring Brian Wrenn (Research Director), former faculty at Washington University, our opportunities for exposure with the prestigious Washington University have increased dramatically.
July 20 – 24: The highlight of the week was a speaking engagement at One Earth Energy, the newest ethanol plant to come on line in Illinois. One Earth is located in Gibson City, IL and has production capacity of 100 million gallons. John Caupert (Director), along with One Earth management and the Petfood Institute conducted presentations on DDGS quality and utilization to a group of Agriculture dignitaries representing China. A VERY special “Thank You” to the U.S. Grains Council for asking the NCERC to participate in this event.
July 27 – 31: The highlight for the NCERC was to have a client utilizing the NCERC Pilot Plant for a trial of its technology, soon going to commercialization. With the economic status of the biofuels industry, industry clients have grown difficult to attract, a trend that will more than likely continue for a period of time. On Tuesday July 28, the NCERC hosted a meeting of its Technical Advisory Committee. Academia, Industry, Government and Trade Associations were all represented as 23 members of the 25 member committee were present.
Until next time, have a good, productive and safe month.
Regards,
John Caupert, Director National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center
Phone: 618-659-6737 Ext 226
Email: jcaupert@ethanolresearch.com
