How FEW Grew

Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen kicked off the 2007 Fuel Ethanol Workshop in St. Louis June 27 with a salute to the ethanol pioneers who were present at the very first Fuel Ethanol Workshop in St. Louis some 23 years ago. According to BBI International CEO Mike Bryan, there were maybe 35-40 people there at the time and no exhibitors. This year there are over 5200 participants and 700 exhibitors.

“When I started in this industry some 20 years ago, we were producing just 600 million gallons,” said Dinneen. “How many in this audience were here at that very first one?” he asked. “You ought to stand up.” Not very many people were standing, but Dinneen noted that they are the true pioneers of the ethanol industry. “Those are the people that deserve a lot of credit for where our industry has come.”

Dinneen impressed upon the participants who filled the arena floor of the America’s Center in St. Louis that 20 years from now they will fill the entire arena. “Each of you will have some measure of pride to take in what we are building,” he said.

He stressed the need to address the food versus feed issue head on and to make sure that people have all the facts. He also stressed the need for quality and safety issues to be addressed.

You can listen to Bob’s entire speech here: Bob Dinneen Speech (18 min MP3)