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NCGA's
Ethanol Plant Workshop Attracts Sell-Out Crowd (11-07-01)
It's not exactly
a rock concert but it's a sell-out crowd in any case. On the heels of
the National Corn Growers Association's (NCGA) successful "So You
Want to Build an Ethanol Plant" seminar in June, the second run
of the workshop set up for Nov. 15-16 in Lincoln, Neb., has drawn a
capacity crowd. The conference, to be held at the Cornhusker Hotel,
prepares would-be plant owners and managers for what they can expect
in the field of ethanol production.
NCGA Production
and Marketing Director Paul Bertels organized the event and is pleased
with the registered attendance.
"We knew we
would have a good turn-out," he said, "but we're extremely
happy with the number of people who have expressed interest in this
event." Bertels said a group of 73 growers and speakers are scheduled
to attend.
"We've had
a lot of people show interest in the previous workshop and we're glad
everyone who wanted to attend will have an opportunity," Bertels
continued. "With growers wrapping up harvest, we know a lot of
growers who may have wanted to attend are busy, so we're surprised at
the large number scheduled to be there."
The field of ethanol
production has been booming over the last year, Bertels said, and interested
growers should take advantage of this unique meeting.
"More and more
states, growers and organizations are looking into building ethanol
plants," he said, "due to record-high gas prices, new federal
renewable fuel requirements and an abundant supply of corn.
"But, even
though there are many positives," he continued, "there can
be some negatives and that's what this symposium is about. It covers
the different challenges that will face those looking to build an ethanol
plant."
Items to be covered
include:
* The current ethanol
production overview and its potential for growth;
* Getting organized;
* Financing and capital acquisition;
* The "nuts and bolts" of site selection;
* Identifying markets for ethanol and co-products;
* What to look for in a feasibility study;
* What questions must be answered before proceeding.
There are many opportunities
in the field of ethanol production, but it's not for everyone. That's
why Bertels said individuals planning to attend should be sure this
is the path for them.
"This workshop
is for anyone who is already in the process of building an ethanol plant,"
he emphasized, "or is advanced beyond the point of discussion and
is proceeding. Ultimately, the people making the decisions should attend."
Last
reviewed November 6, 2001
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