DES MOINES –Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged Iowa fuel retailers and gas stations to submit nominations for the Secretary’s Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards, which recognize fuel retailers that have gone above and beyond in their efforts to sell renewable fuels. Awards are presented for both the marketing of ethanol and biodiesel.
“Iowa is a leader in renewable energy production, however we still have work to do to make sure we are using as much of that renewable energy right here in Iowa as possible,” Northey said. “Many fuel retailers have gone to great lengths, and often significant expense, to offer and promote renewable energy and these awards are an opportunity to recognize those efforts.”
Qualifying stores will be those that market the renewable fuels they have available through creative efforts including, but not limited to: hosting special events highlighting their renewable fuels, development of creative signage, initiation of new advertisements or marketing efforts, and dramatically increase pump availability.
Nominations should be sent to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship via email at Dustin.VandeHoef@iowaagriculture.gov or mail at Henry A. Wallace Building, 502 East 9th Street, Des Moines IA 50319. They should be submitted by January 1, 2010.
The winners will be recognized during the Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Stores of Iowa Annual Meeting in Des Moines on January 12th.
This is the third year for the award. Last year Keck Energy of Des Moines and Galva Holstein Ag of Galva were recognized.
Iowa leads the nation in the production of ethanol and biodiesel. According to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Iowa has 39 ethanol refineries with the capacity to produce nearly 3.3 billion gallons annually. Iowa also has 15 biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of over 322 million gallons.
“The gas stations and fuel retailers across the state are where Iowa’s renewable fuels industry and customers meet,” Northey said. “This is a great opportunity to highlight those that are going above and beyond to offer these homegrown fuels to Iowa motorists.”
Northey, a corn and soybean farmer from Spirit Lake, is serving his first term as Secretary of Agriculture. His priorities as Secretary of Agriculture are the opportunities in renewable energy, conservation and stewardship, and telling the story of Iowa agriculture.
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