Here’s the convoy group on our next to last day in Pennsylvania. I got in a shipment of EPIC, ethanol caps which have been in high demand.
To get one they had to agree to pose with them on.
After spending a couple weeks with these folks I can say that they know about ethanol and some of them are fervent supporters.
Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.
Colorado-based Penford Corporation has announced plans to invest $42 million for approximately 40 million gallons of ethanol production capacity at its Cedar Rapids, Iowa facility. According to a news release, the facility is expected to be producing ethanol by the end of 2007.
“Penford’s entry into ethanol will create value for our shareholders from more complete utilization of existing facilities and resources,” said Tom Malkoski, Penford Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer. “We will be able to process more corn by utilizing existing assets more intensively and plan to convert a portion of our current production to ethanol use. This initiative also provides an attractive entry into this growing market through a lower capital investment and shorter time to market compared with many ethanol projects.”
While we were in Akron, OH one of our convoy participants received a big honor. Merrill Eisenhower Atwater was given the key to the city by Mayor Donald Plusquellic.
Very cool Merrill.
Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.
We really haven’t hit any rain to speak of on our convoy trip. That is until we crossed the Pennsylvania line this morning. It hasn’t stopped since then I don’t think.
We’re certainly keeping an eye on the sky since tomorrow we travel on to Gettysburg and Emmitsburg, MD and then Thursday we wind things up in Washington, DC.
Keeping our fingers crossed.
Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.
After leaving South Bend, IN we trekked onward to Akron, OH. Our host was the Firestone company and Andrew Firestone. Andrew is the great grandson of Harvey Firestone.
I talked to Andrew about what his thoughts are on the highway system, agriculture and renewable fuels. I think he had some very well thought out answers and am presenting them to you here: 
Andrew Firestone Interview (5 min MP3)
I also wanted you to see the convoy pulling into the Firestone headquarters after a 380 mile day which you can do here: 
Pulling Into Firestone (2 min WMV)
Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.
We got a real treat when we pulled into South Bend, IN. A crowd of people were out on the street to cheer and wave us in. It was the best public support display we’ve seen on the main convoy route.
We pulled up to the Studebaker National Museum and were treated to lunch and a press conference. One of the speakers was the Indiana Dept. of Transportation Commissioner, Thomas Sharp. He spoke about Innovation and Innovators. This is why I record these things. You can listen to him explain here: Thomas Sharp Remarks (8 min MP3)
Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.
Prior to leaving Tinley Park, IL we participated in a press conference that was organized by the Illinois Dept. of Transportation.
Here’s the color guard presenting in front of the stage and 2 highway signs. They were too highly reflective for my camera and flash. But I thought it was a neat picture.
One of the speakers was Norm Stoner, Division Administrator for the Federal Highway Administration. He spoke on Pioneers, Pride and Potential. I’ll let you either apply those terms to the highway system and figure out what his message is or you can listen to his comments right here: Norm Stoner Remarks (8 min MP3)
Domestic Fuel coverage and participation in the AASHTO Interstate 50th Convoy is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.
Xethanol Corporation is parthering up Global Energy and Management, LLC to develop ethanol production in New England states.
According to a press release, the new venture, known as NewEnglandXethanol LLC, or NEX, plans to open several ethanol plants throughout the region deploying Xethanol’s proprietary technologies. Additionally, Xethanol may co-locate biodiesel production in its facilities under Xethanol’s sub-license from H2Diesel, Inc.
Nuclear Solutions of Washington DC, “an emerging innovative technology development company,” is behind a company called Fuel Frontiers, Inc. which proposes to use commercially available and proprietary technologies to transform low-value, end-of-life carbonaceous waste materials such as waste coal, used tires, wood wastes, biomass, discarded corn stalks and other agricultural by-products, into high-value, environmentally friendly, clean-burning ethanol. They plan to base the proposed ethanol synthesis plant in Dover Township, N.J., once all the requisite hoops are jumped through. Several press releases about the company and project can be found here on the NASDAQ site for Nuclear Solutions.
The latest “Fill Up, Feel Good” podcast from the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council is on ethanol making tracks all over the racing world. It features interviews with people who use ethanol in competition vehicles, including tractor pulls and sprint cars, as well as Indy car drivers Jeff Simmons and Danica Patrick and a guy who makes fast cars go faster on ethanol.
The “Fill up, Feel Good” podcast is available to download by subscription (see our sidebar link) or you can listen to it by clicking here. (4:00 MP3 File)
The Fill Up, Feel Good theme music is “Tribute to Joe Satriani” by Alan Renkl, thanks to the Podsafe Music Network.
