ACE Conference Kicks Off With Welcome From Gov. Dayton

Ethanol Producer Magazine

Aug 5, 2014

By Katie Fletcher

More than 200 attendees made the trip to the 2014 American Coalition of Ethanol conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. ACE was founded in 1987 as a grassroots-driven organization, and its members and others in the industry demonstrate their passion by attending the conference year after year, some even attending all 27.

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, was amongst those gathered this year at the welcome reception, giving opening remarks to set the tone for the conference. Dayton mentioned amongst his wishes for the future of the industry to see flex fuel engines from every vehicle manufacturer, so consumers have the option of filling their tanks with E10 or E85 at the pump. “It just makes so much sense,” Dayton said. He also mentioned his wishes for the use of E20, highlighting work done at universities in Minnesota proving its viability.

Ethanol, Dayton told the audience, provides consumer’s lower fuel prices and a cleaner environment. He thanked the crowd for their persistence and perseverance in its longevity. “We have overwhelming bipartisan support for ethanol initiatives in the Minnesota legislature, because we know it’s good for Minnesota and we know it’s good for our country,” Dayton said.

The welcome reception also featured poster presentations from University of Minnesota professors and graduate students for viewing and the opportunity to discuss the scientific research being done in the state to aid in the future of ethanol.

ACE has launched a new campaign with the slogan “Power by People,” emphasizing that it takes a group of people to come together and be part of the movement to shape the future of ethanol. The slogan is reflected in the diverse group of people lined up to speak during the conference—board members, managers, business advisors, engineers, accountants, CEOs, professors, scientists, farmers, producers, brokers and the list goes on. Topics include EPA updates, innovation in the industry, sustainability plans, risk management, enhancing yeast fermentation and FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act, amongst other topics.

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