Gen. Colin Powell to Speak at Biotechnology Summer Conference

John Davis

The state of sustainable agriculture in developing countries will be one of the main issues addressed at the BIO International Convention this summer. The Biotechnology Industry Organization is hosting the convention in San Diego from Tuesday, June 17 through Friday, June 20.

Biotechnology leaders from around the globe will be descending upon San Diego, one of the leading biotech hubs in the world, to discuss the most pressing issues and share their unique perspectives. In addition, there will be a total of 36 regional and country pavilions within the BIO Exhibition with several new pavilions, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Dubai, and South Africa.

This year’s convention will focus on the promise of biotech innovation to heal, fuel and feed the world. International case studies on biofuels, biomanufacturing, research funding, and international collaborations will focus on examples from Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, North America, Singapore, and Sweden. Two additional breakout session tracks will focus on doing business globally and global health. A session entitled, “The Dynamics of a Globalized World and the Future of the Biotechnology Industry,” will feature international public officials sharing insights on the evolving business landscape.

This year’s keynote speakers include Gen. Colin Powell, J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.Read More

Agribusiness, BIO, Biotech, conferences, Energy, Environment, Government, News

Trends in Driving Green

John Davis

re.gifA new podcast from RenewableEnergyStocks.com takes a look at how consumer demand for “green” options in the automobile industry is changing. The “Driving Green” interview features Jonathan Oritz of Foreign Affairs Auto. He says, “The integration of electric vehicles will be driven by consumer demand.”

As owner of Foreign Affairs Auto, Florida’s 1st Smart Dealership, Mr. Ortiz provides first-hand perspective of the changing demographics he sees at his dealership of the typical green car enthusiast, and advises new dealers contemplating carrying green autos what it takes to make it a success.

When asked how his interest in green cars and electric cars developed and how he became Florida’s 1st Smart Dealership, he responded, “I was attending a University in Rome in 2003 when I began researching bringing a Smart Car to the US for my personal use. I contacted Daimler Chrysler and they repeatedly told me it was not available in the USA. A few months later I came across a company in Santa Rosa, CA named ZAP. ZAP had spent millions to make the Smart Car legal in the USA so that it could pass all DOT and EPA regulations. My family and I flew down and signed a formal license agreement and became the first dealership to offer the Smart Car. We had an amazing two years but were informed by Daimler they would be importing the cars and marketing it on their own and brought our Smart Car era to an end.

“It left us with a sentimental void but opened our eyes to an enormous market with Florida residents seeking fuel efficient earth friendly vehicles, so we began our search for the next Smart Car. Continuing our relationship with ZAP, we decided to go even greener with their electric vehicles.”

Mr. Ortiz also noted a change in demographics of the green car enthusiast as consumers come to terms with $4.00 gas, opening it up to a larger more mainstream audience. He is also convinced that the market for EVs will be driven by consumer interest and demand to have a cleaner and more fuel efficient vehicle, not the diminishing fuel reserves. ZAP has one of the largest and growing distribution systems in the USA for 100% electric vehicles.

Car Makers, Distribution, Energy, Facilities, News

Director of Cleanfield Alternative Energy Resigns

John Davis

ce.jpgThe Director of Cleanfield Alternative Energy has stepped down from his leadership position. Massimo Giovannetti’s resignation will be effective April, 25, 2008.

Tony Verrelli, President, Cleanfield Alternative Energy, said, “We wish Massimo all the best success in the next stage of his business career. Massimo was instrumental in the growth of the Company and was a strong advocate for Cleanfield; he always acted in an exemplary fashion in the conduct of his duties as a Director”.

About Cleanfield Alternative Energy

Cleanfield Alternative Energy is the parent company of Cleanfield EnergyTM and is committed to the development of renewable energy products for various applications. Cleanfield’s V3.5 can be mounted on ground-mounts or rooftops, offering electricity independence and security. The V3.5 operates in various wind conditions with less concern about wind direction or variability than conventional wind turbines.

Energy, News, Wind

Wheldon Wins at Kansas

John Davis

No. 10 Target Chip Ganassi Driver Dallara/Honda/Firestone Dan WheldonEngland’s Dan Wheldon takes the win in Kansas. The No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone Driver said the race was tight and exciting and, at one point, he said he nearly crashed. But, Dixon said he finally started taking advice on saving his fuel. Instead of getting out in front for most of the race, Dixon said he took every opportunity he could to save on gas.

Second and third place at the Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300 went to No. 11 Team 7-Eleven Driver Tony Kanaan and No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Driver Scott Dixon.

Team Ethanol Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay finished 18th.


2008 Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300 Photo Album

Indy Racing, Racing

Corn Growers Chairman Responds to Attacks on Ethanol

John Davis

National Corn Growers Association Chairman Ken McCauleyThe recent criticism of ethanol doesn’t sit too well with the chairman of the National Corn Growers Association. Ken McCauley says the figures used in the article published today in the Kansas City Star, for example, were too vague. He says they didn’t properly represent real data and were spun in such a way to make ethanol a culprit… a culprit of rising food prices, rising gas prices and lower fuel economy.

You can hear my interview with Ken here:
[audio:http://www.zimmcomm.biz/epic/kc-ken-mccauley-08.mp3]

Ken is pictured here with Team Ethanol Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay, EPIC Executive Director Toni Nuernberg and EPIC Director of Operations Robert White.


2008 Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300 Photo Album

corn, Energy, Environment, EPIC, Ethanol, Food prices, Indy Racing, News, Racing

Getting To Know Toni

John Davis

Ethanol Executive Director Toni NuernbergToni Nuernberg is the newest member of the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council. She joined EPIC as the new executive director about 2 months ago, replacing Tom Slunecka after he accepted the offer to become the Vice President of Business Development for KL Process Design Group in South Dakota. We already heard from Toni during EPIC’s press conference on the “Food and Fuel” discussion. But, I took the opportunity to grab ZimmComm’s first one-on-one interview with Toni at the Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300.

You can hear what Toni has to say about joining EPIC and about recent criticism of ethanol here:
[audio:http://www.zimmcomm.biz/epic/kc-toni-nuernberg-08.mp3]


2008 Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300 Photo Album

Audio, E85, Energy, EPIC, Ethanol, Food prices, Indy Racing, News, Promotion, Racing

Tiny Taste of Indy

John Davis

Marina and Rebbecca BravoJust being able to snag a ticket to the race means a huge Indy experience for most racing fans. But, some race-goers are lucky enough to snag tickets for the Hot Lap, taking their Indy experience one step further. The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council holds a raffle for every member racing event. For the Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300 here in Kansas, EPIC sent 5 members and guests for a spin around the track.

Mike Sobetski with LifeLine Foods brought his brother Bob along for the pace car ride. Kurt Bravo with Midwest Ethanol gave his tickets to his mother and fiance, Marina and Rebecca. Each of them jumped at the chance to circle the track twice at over 100 mph. And, each of them said they would do again… in a heartbeat.

You can listen to Marina and Rebecca’s reactions here:
[audio:http://www.zimmcomm.biz/epic/kc-hotlap-08.mp3]


2008 Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300 Photo Album

Audio, EPIC, Ethanol, Indy Racing, Racing

Ryan Has High Hopes for “Home” Race

John Davis

Team Ethanol Driver Ryan Hunter-ReayTeam Ethanol Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay knows that the ethanol industry started here, in the nation’s heartland. That’s why he fondly refers to the Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300 as a “home” race. He knows that the Midwest is where most of ethanol production begins. He said a high finish for today’s race at the Kansas Speedway would be a great start to the 2008 racing season. And, he says there’s no reason Team Ethanol can’t snag a great position… which he hopes will be a top 5 or even a top 3 finish.

You can listen to Ryan here:
[audio:http://www.zimmcomm.biz/epic/kc-hunter-reay-08.mp3]


2008 Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300 Photo Album

Audio, EPIC, Ethanol, Indy Racing, International

Rahal Shares in Pre-Race Excitement

John Davis

Bobby Rahal of Rahal Letterman RacingEarlier today, Bobby Rahal addressed the members of EPIC who came out to enjoy the Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300. Rahal said he felt good about today’s race and he was confident in Team Ethanol Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay, despite the tendency for crowding out on the Kansas Speedway’s 1.5 mile oval. There’s already been three delays due to Indy cars bumping and grinding out there on the track. So far, Ryan has avoided the trouble.

You can listen to Rahal here:
[audio:http://www.zimmcomm.biz/epic/kc-rahal-08.mp3]


2008 Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300 Photo Album

Audio, EPIC, Indy Racing, International, News

Beatn’ the Heat on Ethanol

John Davis

EPIC Food and Fuel DiscussionThere’s no question that there’s been a media barrage giving ethanol a bad rap. Just today, the Kansas City Star’s cover story focused on criticism of the alternative fuel. That story came just in time for today’s Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300. The entire IndyCar Series runs on nearly 100 percent ethanol fuel. And, leading representatives of the ethanol industry say there’s a reason why the IndyCar series backs ethanol. In fact, they say there are numerous reasons why. More importantly, they say there are a handful of reasons why consumers should support ethanol, despite the media’s recent ethanol scapegoating for rising food and fuel costs. The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council hosted a panel discussion at the Kansas Speedway today to address the recent abundance of “misinformation” about ethanol.

The panel included EPIC’s new Executive Director Toni Nuernberg, CEO and President of ICM Dave Vander Griend, Mike Sobetski with LifeLine Foods, and Greg Krissek with ICM. They argue that ethanol has a negligible impact on food prices, specifically corn. They talk about new technology that proves there isn’t a debate about “food versus fuel” but a discussion about “food and fuel.” And, they say that, despite what critics in the media suggest, ethanol actually keeps gas prices lower.

You can listen to the entire panel discussion here:
[audio:http://www.zimmcomm.biz/epic/kc-epic-08.mp3]


2008 Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300 Photo Album

Agribusiness, Audio, E85, Energy, Environment, EPIC, Ethanol, Food prices, Indy Racing, News, Promotion, Racing