The chairman of the Renewable Fuels Association this year is Neill McKinstray, President of the Ethanol Group for The Andersons, Inc.

McKinstray welcomed attendees to the 19th annual National Ethanol Conference on Tuesday in beautiful, sunny Central Florida. “Like many of you here I’m very happy to be away from the polar vortexes and the snow drifts of the Midwest,” he said, noting that his company is headquartered in Toledo, Ohio and is part owner of four ethanol plants located in Ohio, Iowa, Indiana and Michigan. NEC Welcome by Neill McInstray, RFA Chairman

During an interview with Domestic Fuel, McKinstray expressed optimism about the future of the ethanol industry as it heads into the future. “We have our challenges, but the industry continues to show strength and vitality,” he said.

Commenting on the keynote remarks made by Dave Whikehart of Marathon Peteroleum, which is a partner of The Andersons, McKinstray noted that “Marathon is a pragmatic and capitalistic company” just like his company. “I think they believe long-term, as we do, that the economic viability (of the ethanol industry) will sustain our industry without the need – necessarily – for government mandate,” said Whikehart. “On the other hand…the RFS establishes at least some stability for that industry to grow.” Interview with Neill McInstray, The Andersons, RFA Chairman

2014 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album