There are some 1300 ethanol industry leaders gathered this week in Phoenix to celebrate 30 years of advocating for ethanol at the 2011 National Ethanol Conference.
Chuck Woodside, General Manager of farmer-owned KAAPA Ethanol in Minden, Nebraska is the current chairman of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). “I am fortunate to follow in the footsteps of great leaders in this industry that have helped shape the role and place of ethanol in America’s energy, economic and environmental future,” he said, noting that RFA has been present at every major turning point for ethanol over the past 30 years.
It was Woodside’s pleasure to recognize one of the pioneers of the ethanol industry as the recipient of the 2011 RFA Membership Award. Ron Miller was one of the founders of the RFA and served as chairman of RFA three times. “We’ve been successful because we as an industry have spoken with one voice,” he said. “Back in 1981, we were like a gnat buzzing around an 800 pound gorilla. Today, the 800 pound gorilla is still there, but we’re about an 80 pound gorilla and he’s taking us seriously.”
Pictured from left to right are Chuck Woodside, Ron Miller and RFA CEO Bob Dinneen
Listen to or download comments from Woodside and Miller here: Opening of National Ethanol Conference