Illinois Corn Growers Association representatives were on hand to witness the groundbreaking of Center Ethanol Company in Sauget last week. The plant will use 19.2 million bushel of corn annually and will be able to produce 54 million gallons of ethanol per year.

“The current boom in ethanol is still reliant on entrepreneurs and local business leaders like those here today. Center Ethanol is to be commended for their leadership and vision to drive this new business opportunity. A lot of sweat equity goes into paving the way for an ethanol plant. Educating lenders, potential investors, and local economic development officials takes time and effort,” said Rod Weinzierl, Executive Director, Illinois Corn Growers Association.