THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE Fall 2019
POET Garners Fortune Magazine, Fast Company Awards in 2019
Energy Innovation POET Steam Turbine Project Adds Energy Efficiencies POET Never Satisfied Program Supports Tomorrow’s Leaders
big ideas
open doors to big solutions POET.COM
When the first POET plant opened over thirty years ago, it opened the door to endless world-changing possibilities. Beyond that threshold we’ve discovered a world of innovative renewable energy solutions. Biofuels, nutrient-rich proteins and oil alternatives are just the beginning.
36
FEATURES 08 POET Garners Fortune Magazine, Fast Company Awards in 2019
10
26 POET’s Steam Turbine Project Adds Energy Efficiencies
Preserving South Dakota’s Pheasant Hunting Heritage
36
Second Century Initiative Works with Farmers, Ranchers on Pheasant Habitat Development
POET Supports the Next Generation of Changemakers
Never Satisfied Scholar Program
16 A ‘Big Win for Producers’ Biofuels, Ag Industry Advocates Celebrate President Trump’s Plan to Uphold RFS
Visit VitalByPOET.com for exclusive online content.
Cover photo by Greg Latza
COLUMNS 04
In Sight
By Jeff Broin
14
Mechanics Corner
Automotive Advice from the Under the Hood radio show
22
Farm Fresh
by Brian Hefty
32
Nascar® Update
by Ryan Welsh
56
Out Of Left Field
by Scott Johnson
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COPYRIGHT
Policy Corner
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Prime the Pump
34
Energy For Life
44
Renew
48
People of POET
POET’s Vital magazine is an important conduit to share how POET is moving our country and our world from depending on fossil fuels to producing sustainable resources from the Earth. We will represent the voices of producers and biofuels supporters, as well as educate and inform readers about agriculture and industry knowledge, opportunities and the power of the human spirit.
In the spirit of its continued commitment to being good stewards of the environment, POET is proud to produce Vital using 100% recycled
Vital is published quarterly by POET, LLC and other individuals or entities. All materials within are subject to copyrights owned by POET. POET, JIVE, Dakota Gold, BPX, ProPellet and other associated designs and logos are registrations or trademarks of POET, LLC. Growth Energy is a registration or trademark of Growth Energy, a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the District of Columbia. Any reproduction of all or part of any document found in Vital is expressly prohibited, unless POET or the copyright owner of the material has expressly granted its prior written consent to so reproduce, retransmit or republish the material. All other rights reserved. For questions, contact the POET legal department at 605.965.2200. The opinions and statements expressed by content contributors and advertisers in Vital are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of POET. Neither POET nor its third-party content providers shall be liable for any inaccuracies contained within Vital, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. ©2019 POET, LLC. All rights reserved. Publication Design & Layout: Cassie Medema hello@newover.com
paper, with eco-friendly soy-based ink.
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IN SIGHT
The Future of Farming is Food, Fuel and Fiber by Jeff Broin, Executive Chairman and CEO of POET
4
To say this year has been difficult for rural America would
In the past, it’s been in farmers’ nature to consider themselves
be an understatement. From low prices to trade disputes to
to be primarily producers of food. Having grown up on a farm
unpredictable weather patterns, farmers have faced one of the
myself, I can relate to that. And while that’s where American
toughest growing seasons in recent history.
agriculture has its roots, its path forward needs to be much
And the biofuels industry has been battling challenges hand-
broader if it is to be profitable in the years to come.
in-hand with agriculture. The excitement surrounding the
The ag sector needs to move away from its one-track “food,
approval of year-round E15 was swiftly met with 31 new small
food, food” mentality and shift its focus to the farming trifecta:
refinery exemptions from the EPA, the sum of which have
food, fuel and fiber.
slashed demand for 4 billion gallons of renewable fuel and 1.4
Farmers need demand, and the food market alone is not
billion bushels of corn since 2016. That in turn has resulted
sufficient to provide it and hasn’t been for decades. Contrary to
in dozens of biorefinery shutdowns and closures across the
popular belief, only about 1 percent of corn grown in the U.S. is
heartland and left many rural communities reeling.
the sweet corn humans eat. The rest is number 2 yellow corn,
During challenging times like these, it’s important to take a step
which is either fed to livestock or processed into other products.
back and look at the big picture. We have faith that farmers and
One-third of that crop is used for food, food additives and
biofuel producers will persevere through these tough times as
exports. Another third is used as animal feed, and the rest is
they have in the past. President Trump’s recent announcement
used in ethanol production. And as only some of us know,
of a reform package for ethanol and agriculture looks to be the
ethanol adds even more nutrition to the world; only the starch
start of a light at the end of this tunnel; however, it requires us
portion of the corn is used to make fuel, while all the protein,
to think about the futures of both industries and the best way to
corn oil and micronutrients are preserved to make additional
support their long-term prosperity.
feed and industrial products.
We know the success of American agriculture over the years
What society needs to know is that without biofuels like ethanol,
has spurred growth and profitability in agriculture around the
the world would be awash in grain with far too little demand.
world, therefore resulting in a 20-billion-bushel global surplus
Greenhouse gas levels and airborne toxins would continue
of grain. And although USDA is forecasting lower yields in the
to skyrocket, and rural America would face unprecedented
U.S. than last year, they predict that corn supply will be sufficient
declines in revenue and population. Additionally, the coproducts
to meet demand with the additional grain stored from last year’s
that result from ethanol production — and the Earth-friendly
crop. Add to that the fact that advancements in technology are
bioproducts they are used to produce — would be nonexistent.
constantly resulting in higher yields and, long story short, there’s
In a time when nonrenewable resources are depleting and
plenty of grain to go around.
climate is changing at an alarming rate, farmers are the heroes
But it needs somewhere to go.
we need. If we all work together to drive government policy and
tell our story, agriculture will come out of these tough times
In a time when nonrenewable resources are depleting and climate is changing at an alarming rate, farmers are the heroes we need. If we all work together to drive government policy and tell our story, agriculture will come out of these tough times stronger than ever.
stronger than ever. Together, biofuels and agriculture have the opportunity to meet society’s needs by harnessing our planet’s ability to regenerate rather than blowing millions of years of oilbased toxins and carcinogens into our environment and adding to the effects of climate change. I have staked my entire career on my faith in the potential of agriculture to create a better world, and I’m confident that we can make it happen. In fact, we don’t have a choice. The future of farming is food, fuel and fiber — and that future needs to start now.
VITALBYPOET.COM
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POLICY CORNER
POET Team Members Push for Action to Restore Biofuel Demand POET has been at the forefront of engaging with policymakers to address demand destruction from Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs) and other critical issues facing the biofuels industry today. Since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued 31 new SREs in August, agriculture and biofuels representatives have been working on a united front to urge the Trump Administration to uphold the President’s commitment to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and to address the economic crisis created by the EPA’s use of SREs. Those united efforts made an impact and helped lead to securing a new biofuels reform package, which was announced by the White House on Oct. 4. The reform package will account for SREs beginning in the 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs), add infrastructure funding for E15 and E85, and resolve trade issues impacting ethanol. POET worked closely with industry allies and elected champions in meetings with the White House to help secure the reform package. For more information, see page 16. The following is an update about the 2020 RVO Comment Period and advocacy efforts during the Growth Energy Biofuels Summit in September.
2020 RVO Comment Period: POET Representatives Testify at EPA Hearing, Team Members Submit Comments
6
During the initial comment period for the 2020 RVOs,
behalf of POET and spoke about the importance of the
POET team members, through several concerted efforts,
agency to discontinue small refinery waivers.
urged the EPA to hold oil companies accountable, uphold
“EPA’s 2020 RVO proposal, the continued issuance of illegal
the law and stop undercutting the RFS.
small refinery waivers, and insistence on unreasonably
The proposed rule, required by law under the RFS,
large RIN banks will further depress RIN prices and
determines how much biofuel should be blended into the
undermine the RFS,” Sahay said. “Nonetheless, we hope that
fuel supply in a given year. While POET was encouraged
EPA will correct course and properly administer program
by the 15 billion gallons proposed for starch-based biofuels,
that is important to the President and key to America’s
the proposal did not address reallocation of small refinery
energy future.”
exemptions.
Following the comment period, and significant direct
POET team members submitted comments to the EPA
engagement by POET with biofuels champions and White
urging the EPA to revise the RVO numbers to account for
House officials, the White House announced a biofuels
lost gallons that are eroding the demand for homegrown
reform package on Oct. 4 that will address demand
biofuels. In comments, team members wrote that if any
destruction from SREs.
legitimate waivers are granted, the EPA needs to reallocate
POET, Growth Energy and biofuels advocates will now
those waived gallons to oil companies still obligated to
focus on holding the EPA accountable to the President’s
follow the RFS.
directive to implement the policies outlined in the reform
On July 31 representatives from POET and Growth Energy
package. There will be more opportunity to advocate for
were among those who testified before EPA officials at
biofuels during an upcoming EPA rulemaking period.
a hearing on the agency’s proposed 2020 RVOs. Shailesh
Stay tuned to poet.com/policy to find out how you can get
Sahay, Senior Regulatory Counsel at POET, testified on
involved.
VITALBYPOET.COM
POLICY CORNER
Growth Energy Biofuels Summit: POET Team Members Discuss Devastation of SREs, Other Critical Issues to Biofuels Industry Fifteen POET team members joined more than 100 other industry advocates in September at the Growth Energy Biofuels Summit in Washington D.C. Over several days,
Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD) has been a strong supporter and biofuels champion in Washington. Pictured are Aaron Riswold, Congressman Dusty Johnson, Heather Powell, Justin Strawn, Bill Rosenau and Adam Wirt.
summit attendees heard industry experts and special guests, including U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17), discuss the state of the biofuels industry. Those conversations helped them prepare for more than 250 meetings with legislators and their staffs. POET team members also had the opportunity to meet with Representative Ron Estes (R-KY-4) and Chief of Staff Josh Bell. They discussed industry challenges and heard from Rep. Estes about how he is supporting the industry. In addition to meetings with elected officials, POET team members were actively engaged with White House discussions about increasing biofuel blending mandates. POET was part of a meeting with biofuels industry representatives to discuss President Trump’s expected biofuels reform package During meetings on the Hill, team members shared personal stories to show the devastating impact of the EPA’s abuse of small refinery exemptions on the biofuels industry and rural America. In addition to SREs, POET team members also asked legislators to increase biofuel blending through the RFS reset, increase international markets for biofuels, support high octane fuels and advance corn kernel fiber cellulosic biofuels.
Sen. John Thune (R-SD) received the 2019 Fueling Growth Award in recognition of his service and support of the biofuels industry. Pictured are Michaela Color (Growth Energy), Amy Davis (Novozymes), Bill Rosenau (POET Biorefining - Groton), Aaron Riswold (POET LLC), Dana Lewis (Redfield Energy), Sen. John Thune, Justin Strawn (POET LLC), Heather Powell (POET LLC), Adam Wirt (POET Research Center) and Joe Kekesh (Growth Energy).
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
7
POET Garners Fortune Magazine, Fast Company Awards in 2019 When the mission and vision of
facilities across seven states, POET is
a company centers on changing
a global leader in creating renewable
the world, it probably comes as no
products that benefit overall health,
surprise that POET — the world’s
reduce climate change, and improve
largest producer of biofuels — was
overall sustainability efforts in the
named to FORTUNE’s 2019 list that
U.S. and around the world. POET
honors top companies around the
produces 2 billion gallons of biofuel
world who are doing just that.
and more than 10 billion pounds of
POET — founded in 1987 and
nutrient-dense animal feed each year.
based in Sioux Falls, S.D. — has been
The company is creating sustainable
named to FORTUNE’s fifth annual
solutions to tackle some of the world’s
“Change the World” list alongside
most challenging problems, including
51 other companies. The list honors
climate change. Studies on global
for-profit global companies that are
warming from 13 U.S. federal agencies
using their core business to help the
and the United Nations continue to
planet and address pressing social or
indicate the urgency of this problem
environmental issues.
and the need for biofuels as the
POET
is
named
to
the
solution. Global ethanol production
list
acknowledgement
of
the
and use reduces greenhouse gas
company’s main product, ethanol,
emissions by up to 110 million metric
and its contribution to improving
tons. That’s the equivalent of taking
the environment and the world for
20 million vehicles off the road each
future generations. POET is also
year.
being recognized for its coproducts
“Current research shows that air
like JIVE, an asphalt rejuvenation
pollution kills more people each
product, which are creating new ways
year than smoking — and no one is
to improve the environment and the
safe from its effects. Add to that the
world for future generations.
impending threat of climate change
The 2019 list recognizes companies
and the economic crisis facing rural
like
America, and it’s clear that the work
in
Switzerland-based
company
8
being
TE
technology
Connectivity,
whose
we’re doing at POET is more critical
connectivity and sensor technology
now than ever,” said POET Chairman
is used in industries from automotive
and CEO Jeff Broin. “Biofuels like
to health care, including providing
ethanol are an affordable, readily
lifesaving
technology
stroke
available solution, and our high-
patients.
Other
honorees
protein coproducts lower worldwide
included giants in the banking and
food prices. We need to get more clean
tech industries like Bank of America,
biofuels and fewer toxic chemicals in
Mastercard, Apple and IBM.
the gas tank in order to preserve our
With a network of 28 bioprocessing
planet for future generations.”
for
2019
VITALBYPOET.COM
It’s the second time in 2019 that POET has been recognized with an acclaimed
award
recognizing
the
company’s wide-reaching impact. In February 2019 POET landed on Fast Company’s prestigious list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies. POET
was
recognized
for
the
company’s pioneering work on JIVE. The product allows asphalt producers to use more recycled asphalt, which makes their product less expensive and is better for the environment. JIVE is the most recent example of how POET’s influence reaches beyond renewable fuel. The company continues
to
launch
additional
bioproducts from starch and biomass. POET plants take in corn or other feedstock and convert that into not only ethanol but an ever-growing range of bioproducts, including corn oil and distillers grain, a coproduct that is a valuable feed for farmers. The company has a robust research and development team and continues to find new ways to optimize biofuel production
and
develop
new
bioproducts. One of the breakthroughs in efficiency is BPX, POET’s patented process developed over a decade ago that allows their plants to not have to cook the corn. This process decreases energy and water use up to 15 percent in comparison with the conventional process of making ethanol.
PRIME THE PUMP
E15 Now Available on GasBuddy Smartphone App
outdated government regulations, E15
Bosselmans offer E15/Unleaded 88 at
is now available for sale at the pump
more than 1,800 locations across 31
all year-round.
states.
Drivers Can Now Find the More Affordable Choice at the Pump
around the country.
Drivers across the U.S. can now
“Drivers all over the U.S. rely on
take advantage of the lower price at
GasBuddy to fuel their lives, and we
the pump for E15, also marketed as
are looking forward to giving them
Unleaded 88, through GasBuddy’s
another option at the pump that
database and app.
is cleaner-burning and provides a
E15 is a fuel blend with 15 percent
savings of up to 10 cents per gallon.”
biofuel that is approved for cars 2001
Today, Kwik Trip, Sheetz, Casey’s
and newer, which is 90 percent of cars
General Store, Cumberland Farms,
on the road today. It typically costs
Thorntons, Kum & Go, RaceTrac,
5 to 10 cents lower than E10, and 30
QuikTrip, Rutter’s, Minnoco, Protec
to 40 cents lower than a non-ethanol
Fuel, Murphy USA, Family Express,
fuel. Thanks to the recent lifting of
Royal Farms, Pump & Pantry, and
GasBuddy is a smartphone app and website where drivers can search for gas stations nearest their location to compare fuel prices. A
new
partnership
between
Growth Energy and GasBuddy allows GasBuddy’s app users access to a comprehensive database of E15 at more than 1,800 retail locations “We are thrilled to partner with the nation’s leading and most respected fuel app to help more Americans access the engine smart and earth
For more information on E15/Unleaded 88, head to UNL88.com. Visit gasbuddy.com to find the retail station nearest you that sells E15.
kind benefits of Unleaded 88,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
How to Use GasBuddy 1. Download the GasBuddy app or visit gasbuddy.com 2. Search for gas prices by city, state and zip code (listings for all cities in the U.S. and Canada) 3. Select “UNL 88” and click “Find Gas”
9
Preserving South Dakota’s Pheasant Hunting Heritage
Second Century Initiative works with farmers, ranchers on pheasant habitat development by Lura Roti
photo courtesy of South Dakota Dept. of Tourism
10
VITALBYPOET.COM
Farm work kept Steve Halverson’s
Dakotans and 84,000 non-resident
We must now preserve and expand
dad busy from dusk till dawn, but
pheasant
agree.
habitat to ensure that the second
each fall, Harlan took a break from
“Hunting is part of our South Dakota
century of pheasant hunting will be
harvest to take Steve hunting.
way of life,” says South Dakota Gov.
as great as the first,” Noem explains.
“Dad taught me how to shoot
Kristi Noem.
and a few times a year, he took me
To preserve South Dakota’s hunting
hunting. Opening day, big parties of
tradition, Noem launched the Second
friends would come in, and Dad often
Century Initiative during Legislative
took that day off from farming to
Session 2019 and signed Senate Bill
enjoy time with friends and family. I
176 into law. The bill allocates $1
would go along, packing my BB gun,
million to expand pheasant habitat
thinking I shot every bird that fell,”
and hunting opportunities through
recalls Halverson, a fourth-generation
the Second Century Habitat Fund.
Kennebec, S.D., farmer.
A
Located on the rolling hills of central
tradition, pheasant hunting is integral
South Dakota, pheasants thrive on
to the state’s economy. The sport
Halverson’s family farm, where the
connects rural South Dakota with
family has focused on increasing
visitors from across the nation who
pheasant habitat for more than three
spend more than $175 million each
decades. “Hunting is something I’ve
year.
always enjoyed. It’s something my
“The first century of pheasant
generation grew up doing.”
hunting put South Dakota on the map
And
more
than
63,000
South
hunters
long-standing
would
South
Dakota
as a destination for every hunter.
Why habitat matters Preservation
and
habitat
development are top of mind after South Dakota’s pheasant population dipped in 2017 to a record low of about 4.6 million in response to drought and severe winter weather conditions. Hunters took notice. In 2017, there were 16 percent fewer pheasant hunters than 2016. “There between and
is
a
direct
pheasant
participation
in
correlation population the
sport.
When populations are strong, we
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem hunts in Sully County.
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
11
see
participating.
they need woody habitat (shelter
When populations are down, we
more
hunters
belts) or cattail sloughs, corn or
see less participation,” says Tom
sorghum stalks, which provide food
Kirschenmann,
as well as thermal cover.
Wildlife
Division
Deputy Director for South Dakota
“They like habitat with plenty of
Game, Fish & Parks.
edges,” is the simple way Matt Morlock,
A diverse and innovative program,
State
Second Century Initiative is designed
Forever, explains it. “Pheasants like
to engage the next generation of South
to hang out and nest in low cover, but
Dakota youth and families in hunting
they don’t want to be too far away
and other outdoor activities, while
from the security of tall, heavy cover
at the same time bolster pheasant
in case a predator comes around.”
numbers
by
increasing
“Habitat is key to affirm and sustain the heritage of pheasant hunting which runs deep in South Dakota,” Kirschenmann says. 2007,
pheasant
when
for
Pheasants
habitat
statewide.
In
Coordinator
South
Dakota’s
populations
reached
Working Lands Program Incentivizes Preservation
11.9 million, available habitat was abundant, with more than 1.7 million
Because more than 80 percent of
acres of private land enrolled in the
land in South Dakota is privately
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
owned,
landowner
Today, about 1 million acres are
essential
to
enrolled, and pheasant populations
friendly habitat statewide. This is
are less than half. Kirschenmann
where the Second Century Working
explains that while extreme
Lands Program comes in. The five-
weather events like flooding,
year incentive program pays South
blizzards or drought impact
Dakota farmers and ranchers a one-
pheasant
the
time incentive payment of $150 an
right habitat is available, birds
acre to plant marginal crop acres to
rebound quickly.
grassland.
The right habitat for pheasants
Funded by the Second Century
allows them to successfully build
Habitat Fund, grass seed mixes are
a nest, hatch a clutch of eggs and
provided
raise a brood, as well as provides
at no cost. Once the grass stand is
them with food and protection
established, landowners may hay or
from predators, extreme heat
graze enrolled acres.
and cold. “Their entire lifecycle
“We
revolves
focus of this program. The Governor
populations,
around
if
available
to
buy-in
increasing
private
emphasize
the
is
pheasant-
landowners
(working)
habitat,” Kirschenmann says.
recognizes producers need a habitat
Pheasant’s habitat needs vary.
program to fit within their existing
For
need
operation and allow them to continue
undisturbed grassland habitat.
to use enrolled acres for livestock,”
When it comes to predator
Kirschenmann explains.
protection and winter survival,
Halverson is impressed by the
nesting,
pheasants
program’s flexibility. “Game, Fish
12
VITALBYPOET.COM
Food plots, like this one of early longtail milo, provide pheasants with food as well as protection from extreme weather and predators. photo courtesy of South Dakota Pheasants Forever
& Parks get the big picture of how
with
important
ranchers
marginal, low-producing areas of
nine weeks to survive.
are to wildlife in the state,” says
crop ground to native grassland. He
Insects provide essential protein,
Halverson, who was asked by Noem
increases winter food and cover by
helping
to serve on the board for the Second
planting 160 acres of sorghum food
quickly. Adding mass quickly is crucial
Century Habitat Fund.
plots in 2 to 8-acre plots. “I’m a believer
to winter survival, which explains
farmers
Halverson
and
habitat
by
planting
chicks depend upon insects the first
pheasants
gain
weight
researching
in taking marginal farm ground out
why in the first few months of life, 95
ways to increase pheasant habitat
of production and putting it into CRP
percent of a pheasant chick’s diet is
on his family’s farm in the mid-80s
or other conservation programs. The
insects. Pheasants don’t eat corn and
to
pheasant numbers explode.”
other grains until they are 9-weeks
to support their growing day-hunt
His conservation efforts don’t stop
old, Halverson explains.
business. “Back when I was in college
there. Halverson added several woody
He says numbers are slowly on the
at South Dakota State University,
shelter belts. And since the mid-90s,
uptick, and where it makes sense,
I would go to the library and do
he has managed his crop acres with
he’s continuing to integrate habitat
research on wildlife habitat,” he says.
no-till farming practices.
into his farming practices. Recently,
“I knew I was going to return to the
“Production
and
he added cover crops to the existing
farm and envisioned expanding our
conservation can go hand-in-hand.
rotation of corn, soybeans and wheat.
commercial hunting business here.”
When I make a decision on my farm, I
He says the winter cover provided
Halverson Hunts began with four
try to find practices that are good for
by cover crops extends his livestock
or five day-hunts a season and has
pheasant habitat and production. My
grazing season into mid-March and
grown to more than 400 hunters
goal is to find things like no-till that
provides additional winter protection
returning each season. Halverson
benefit both. No-till is good for soil
to pheasants.
and his parents began converting
health and leaves more cover on the
“You can’t have pheasants without
marginal, non-productive crop acres
fields for wildlife and grazing cattle.”
habitat. It’s just the way it is,”
to native grasslands, enrolling those
Even with an emphasis on habitat
Halverson says.
acres in CRP.
development, Halverson’s pheasant
“I read an article that said 40 to 50
numbers took a hit during the 2012
acres of CRP, in the right spot, will
drought. “Chicks need insects and dew
produce as many pheasants as 500
to survive. There aren’t many insects
acres of open prairie,” Halverson says.
during a drought and there wasn’t
Halverson provides his pheasants
any dew,” he explains. Pheasant
increase
began
ideal
pheasant
populations
agriculture
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
To learn more about the Second Century Initiative, visit https://gfp.sd.gov/second century-initiative/
13
MECHANICS CORNER
What You Need to Know About Using E15 Automotive advice from The Under The Hood radio show
Ethanol has been around in our fuels for a long time.
we would say, try it yourself and you make the decision.
Since the 1980s, fuel composition has consistently been changing. The latest change is more ethanol in the fuel
4. I’m concerned about the planet and pollution. Is ethanol
supply, due to ethanol’s economic, environmental and
any cleaner than gasoline?
performance benefits. It’s a natural progression, along
Ethanol is cleaner-burning than gasoline by its nature.
with improvements in engine technology. In May 2019 the
You probably know that ethanol is a form of alcohol, and
Trump Administration approved year-round sales of E15, a
our guess is that you have seen alcohol burn at some
fuel blend with 15 percent ethanol. With that change, our
point. When it is burned, it gives off almost no form of
Under The Hood radio show listeners have been asking
visible smoke. When gasoline burns, there is a dark haze
several great questions about E15. Here are the top five:
emitted by the burning fuel. A wider use of E15 will help in lowering emissions from cars that lead to pollution.
1. Is E15 good for my engine, or will it harm it in any way?
Increasing the concentration of ethanol in gasoline reduces
Ethanol has been added to gasoline in the U.S. fuel supply
carbon emissions and displaces some of the most toxic and
for decades, mostly at 10 percent and now at 15 percent.
carcinogenic fuel additives.
Drivers have been choosing it for its price point and have found it to work almost identically to non-ethanol gasoline
5. I get a check-engine light when I use E15 in my car but
when used at 10-15 percent. Some of the benefits, besides
not when I use premium. Why does the fuel cause this?
being much cheaper in most cases, are a cleaner-running
It’s not the fuel. The minor difference between ethanol
fuel system and cooler cylinder temps. Many folks have
and non-ethanol fuel is referred to as fuel trims (how much
their own opinions, but as full-time mechanics and users of
air and fuel are mixed together by the computer to make
the fuel this is what we are seeing.
the engine run its best), and it is not enough to cause a check-engine light. However, if the vehicle is in a poor state
2. What kind of car can we run E15 in?
of tune and likely already not as fuel efficient as possible,
E15 has been certified for use in any gasoline-powered
then that slight difference may cause a light and indicate
car with a U.S.-certified emissions system from 2001 or
it’s time for some love for your car in the form of a tune-up
newer, whether it’s flex fuel or not. To be clear, 90 percent
or other repairs to get its efficiency back to par.
of all vehicles on the road today fall into this 2001-and-up category, so chances are that’s your vehicle. Many people
The Under The Hood radio show is America’s Favorite Car-
have used it in older cars too, but use in 2001 and newer has
talk show heard on over 230 stations and podcast. The Motor
been tested and approved by the Environmental Protection
Medics, Russ Chris and Shannon, are three great friends
Agency and Department of Energy. Older models were not
having fun and offering a wide range of automotive advice
tested due to variability and age.
without the aid of instudio computers or reference guides.
3. Can I save money using ethanol? Yes, you can. Just look at the pump price and you will notice a significant difference between non-ethanol fuel and ethanol blends of E15. The cost savings for E15 range from 5 to 10 cents better than E10, and 30 to 40 cents better than a non-ethanol fuel. Some people may tell you that they see many miles per gallon difference between the fuels, but
14
VITALBYPOET.COM
Sen. John Thune visits with POET Chairman and CEO Jeff Broin at the POET Headquarters on Oct. 14, 2019.
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VITALBYPOET.COM
A ‘Big Win for Producers’ Biofuels, Ag Industry Advocates Celebrate President Trump’s Plan to Uphold RFS On Friday, Oct. 4, the biofuels and
trade issues impacting ethanol.
package.
agricultural industries celebrated a
Leading up to the announcement,
“President Trump’s announcement
new reform package that will restore
POET has been working closely with
has reaffirmed his commitment to
the integrity of the Renewable Fuel
industry allies and elected champions
farmers and rural communities and
Standard (RFS), giving a sorely needed
in meetings with the White House to
marks a great victory in the Renewable
economic boost to rural communities
deliver this reform package and to
Revolution. The President’s actions
across the Midwest and expanding
stop demand destruction resulting
will restore integrity to the RFS —
environmental benefits across the
from
refinery
starting with the 2020 RVO levels
U.S.
exemptions (SREs) and to support an
— and help pave the way for the
The reform package announced by
expedited national rollout of E15.
rollout of E15, creating a huge win
the White House includes accurately
Biofuels and agriculture industry
for
accounting
advocates
for
small
illegal
elected
farmers,
biofuel
producers
officials
and consumers alike. Millions of
across the heartland heralded the
Americans will see greater savings
2020 Renewable Volume Obligations
announcement for what it means
at the pump and have the freedom to
(RVOs),
to farmers, biofuel producers and
choose climate-friendly, American-
barriers that restrict fuel retailers
consumers.
made E15, while our nation’s farmers
from offering higher biofuels blends,
POET Chairman and CEO Jeff Broin
will see increased demand for their
and adding infrastructure funding
expressed thanks both to President
grain at a critical time.
for E15 and E85, along with the
Trump and to the tireless work from
On behalf of all POET team members,
President’s commitment to resolve
biofuels champions to secure this
we sincerely thank President Trump.
regulatory
and
small
exemptions, or SREs, beginning in the eliminating
refinery
the
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
17
We’re grateful for his leadership
15 billion gallons in the RFS, but
and the relentless support from our
also coming up with some new
champions, Senators Ernst, Grassley,
infrastructure ideas and branding
Thune, Rounds, Fischer, Sasse and
that we could do that will hopefully
Governors Reynolds, Ricketts and
increase the amount of E15 in the fuel
Noem,” Broin said.
supply,” he said.
Sen. John Thune (R-SD) visited
Thune also thanked POET for the
POET’s headquarters on Monday, Oct.
company’s leadership. “We appreciate
7, and met with POET Founder and
the important role that POET has
CEO Jeff Broin and team members
played not only in this region but
to celebrate the announcement and
across the country. POET has helped
how it stands to benefit agriculture
push and move the ball along and
and biofuels. Thune addressed many
point out why these policies matter,”
of the recent challenges faced by
Thune said.
farmers, including adverse weather
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem,
conditions and trade concerns, and
who also visited POET’s headquarters
how along with resolving trade,
in celebration of the announcement,
increasing
said the announcement will help
demand
is
a
solution to increasing grain prices.
producers
“What this announcement brings
market for grain. “This is a big win for
when
implemented
an
increased
greater
producers. With expanded ethanol capabilities, producers will see an
for renewable fuels for farmers here
increased market for their product
in South Dakota,” he said.
and improved long-term stability.
Thune mentioned that he was in
This move is absolutely critical for
several meetings with the Trump
South Dakota farmers and ranchers
Administration leading up to the
as recent years have seen lower
announcement where he discussed
commodity
the need to move away from issuing
market conditions.”
SREs and how “that undermines
In Iowa, the nation’s largest corn-
the RFS and our goals for increasing
producing state, elected officials also
demand for biofuels.”
called the announcement a victory for
was
is
secure
certainty about what the future holds
Thune
18
biofuel
optimistic
about
prices
and
unstable
farmers and biofuel producers.
the biofuels package. “The early
“This
is
great
news
for
indications are very positive with
and rural America,” said Sen. Joni
some of the steps they’re taking not
Ernst (R-Iowa). “President Trump is
only with the respect to restoring
following through on his commitment
integrity to the RFS and getting
to our nation’s hardworking farmers
VITALBYPOET.COM
Iowa
This is a big win for producers. With expanded ethanol capabilities, producers will see an increased market for their product and improved longterm stability. This move is absolutely critical for South Dakota farmers and ranchers as recent years have seen lower commodity prices and unstable market conditions.
and biofuels producers. The RFS is
(R-Iowa).
essential to the livelihoods of folks
“A robust renewable fuel standard
across our state, which is why I’ve
is critical to a healthy ag economy in
been fighting tirelessly on behalf of
Iowa and across the nation,” said Iowa
Iowa’s farmers and producers every
Gov. Kim Reynolds. “We are grateful
step of the way and making Iowans’
to President Trump for honoring the
voices heard throughout this process.
federal statute to blend 15 billion
Our message was clear: uphold the
gallons of ethanol annually, and
RFS — 15 billion means 15 billion. The
allowing existing E10 pumps to deliver
President heard that message and has
E15 fuel, helping drive domestic
acted on it. The steps outlined today by
demand for biofuels. By protecting the
the administration will help increase
RFS, President Trump demonstrated
demand for our biofuels, provide
his commitment to rural America and
certainty for farmers and producers
the American farmer.”
for years to come, and ensure that
POET, Growth Energy and biofuels
EPA is implementing the RFS as it was
advocates will now turn attention
written.”
to the EPA to follow the President’s
“President Trump listened to the
directive
concerns of farmers and biofuels
policies.
and
implement
these
What this announcement brings when implemented is greater certainty about what the future holds for renewable fuels for farmers here in South Dakota.
producers and delivered on their behalf. The president listened to all points of view and delivered,” reiterated
Sen.
Chuck
Grassley
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
19
POET PAC
Congresswoman Craig:
Biofuels Play Essential Part in Minnesota Farm Economy Rep. Angie Craig represents Minnesota’s Second Congressional District. She is fighting for a Minnesota where every family member gets a fair shot to earn a good life. Rep. Craig learned the value of hard work from her mother, a single mom who raised three children while earning her teaching degree, and from watching her grandfather work as a farm foreman and then lose his job during the farm crisis in the 1980s. She learned firsthand how important it is to ensure family farms have the resources they need to succeed. That means increasing opportunities for an outstanding education, lowering health care costs and driving market access for our farmers. She will work with anyone and everyone to improve the lives and opportunities of Minnesotans. We talked with Rep. Craig about the significance of the biofuels industry to Minnesota’s future, along with her thoughts on the growth of the E15 market in the state.
Contributions to POET PAC are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to POET PAC will be used in connection with federal elections and are subject to the limits and prohibitions of federal law. The maximum an individual may contribute to POET PAC is $5,000 per year ($10,000 per couple). Corporate and foreign national contributions are not permitted under federal law. Please make checks payable to POET PAC. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to obtain and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 per calendar year. Your contribution to POET PAC is strictly voluntary.
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PAID FOR BY POET PAC
POET PAC Can you share with our readers why the biofuel industry is important to the future of Minnesota? Biofuels are an essential part of Minnesota’s farm economy. Expanding markets for biofuels creates jobs
In Minnesota there are 302 sites selling E15 yearround. Do you anticipate further growth for the E15 market and the possibility of it becoming the new E10?
and drives economic growth in Minnesota. As national
I supported the President’s decision to allow for year round
conversations surrounding climate change continue, we
sales of E15, despite the problematic aspects of RIN reform
must position farmers as being part of the solution, not
that were tied to that rule. When it comes to expanding
part of the problem. We know that biofuels significantly
further growth in the E15 market, a lot of it comes down
lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve our chances
to the need for infrastructure investment. I am looking
of lowering bad emissions in the United States. I’m proud
forward to finding ways to incentivize these developments
to support our nation’s biofuel facilities to improve our
with my colleagues and local stakeholders. Ultimately,
climate and our farm economy alike.
we have to continue to tell the story of biofuels to gain consumer demand for the low cost and low emission fuel
Hardship waivers are being granted to the world’s largest and most profitable oil refineries at the expense of the American farmer. These hardship waivers also continue to undermine the intent of the Renewable Fuel Standard. What do you think can be done to grow and stabilize markets for the ag industry?
source that biofuels provide.
These “hardship” waivers are a slap in the face to farm
what my colleagues on both sides of the aisle should do a
country, plain and simple. These waivers are a handout
little more of — listening. I visit local farms, hold farmer
to big oil companies made on the backs of family farmers.
listening sessions and bring farmers to Washington to
For this reason, I joined a bipartisan letter to urge the
testify before the House Agriculture Committee because
Administration to end this unfair practice of issuing small
the best ideas don’t come from Washington lobbyists; they
refinery waivers to big oil companies, and I will continue
come from my constituents at home. While times are tough
to advocate for policies that expand our biofuels industry
in farm country, the farmers I talk to are resilient folks who
through my work on the bipartisan Congressional Biofuels
just want a fair shot. When we have more rural voices in
Caucus.
the halls of Congress, we’re able to push for better policies
If you could share one last message with our readers who are invested in the future of ag, what would that message be? Farm families make up the fabric of Greater Minnesota. I have spent these first few months in Congress doing
that expand markets and grow economies for our farmers.
Want to join POET PAC?
POET PAC Giving Levels President’s Club: $5,000 Champion: $2,500 to $4,999 Partner: $1,000 to $2,499
Use one of the following options to make your investment today!
Advocate: Up to $999
Online
www.poetpac.com
Phone
(605) 965-2377
poetpac@poet.com
Designate a percentage of grain The next time you visit your local POET bioprocessing facility, let the grain team know you want a portion of bushels to go to POET PAC. THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
21
FARM FRESH
Nutrient Availability Depends on Soil pH by Brian Hefty If you are a non-farmer, when you think about how
yields, soil pH must be carefully managed. This is challenging
agricultural production must increase in the next 20 years to
both horizontally and vertically. Soil pH can vary from acre to
support our increasing world population, I’m guessing that soil
acre and even foot to foot across a field, but it can also change
pH doesn’t pop up as one of your top concerns. Most people
each inch going down in the soil profile. As farmers continually
think fertilizer, weed control, improved genetics, better and
move toward less tillage, which is great for building organic
more irrigation, and equipment technology head the list of keys
matter and beneficial soil microbial levels, one of the challenges
to achieving more food. While those things will all get better and
is the soil doesn’t get mixed around. Soil pH can really vary
lead to higher yields, I would argue that soil pH may be the most
from inch to inch going down, with no good way to even that out
important factor of all.
quickly.
Each crop has a range on the pH scale where it does best. For
Let me leave you with this data: According to Midwest Labs,
example, the ideal soil pH for corn, soybeans and wheat is likely
if a farmer has a soil pH of 4.7, he can expect to get only 34
in the low to mid 6’s, while alfalfa needs pH near 7 (neutral), and
percent of his full yield in corn and only 2 percent of his full
blueberries need the pH down near 5. Soil pH in the Midwest is
yield in alfalfa. At a 5.7 pH, those numbers go to 83 percent and
wildly variable, to the point where we commonly see pH in the
42 percent respectively, which is much better, but still quite low.
4’s all the way up to 9. It’s important to understand that the pH
Think of it this way: 200-bushel corn becomes 166-bushel corn.
scale is logarithmic. While a 6.0 is ten times more acidic than
The same type of yield losses can be expected if soil pH is too
a 7.0, and a 5.0 is ten times more acidic than a 6.0, a 5.0 is one
high.
hundred times more acidic than a 7.0. The same idea applies
Here’s the great news: Farmers absolutely can get soil pH in the
with the bases when pH’s are over 7.
range they want, commonly using lime to raise pH or elemental
Nutrient availability is one reason why soil pH is so
sulfur and improved drainage to lower pH. As farmers do
important. On our farm, as we have changed soil pH, we’ve
a better job managing pH on every acre, I absolutely expect
seen a big difference in nutrient levels in leaf tissue. Here’s
agricultural production to continue to increase. When this
an example of how this can happen. Phosphorus is one of the
happens based on the same or maybe even fewer inputs, that
most important plant nutrients (think food for plants). Farmers
reduces the carbon score for corn and helps corn meet the low
apply phosphorus to the soil by using manure, compost and
carbon fuel criteria. This can create a new market for farmers
commercial fertilizer. The problem is that a good share of the
beyond standard fuel and fiber.
phosphorus can get “tied up.” Calcium can bind with phosphorus when the pH gets over 7.0, especially in the 8.0 to 8.5 range, by forming calcium phosphate, which is insoluble in water. Since plants bring most of their nutrients in with water, this is a real problem. In low pH soils, especially in the 4’s and 5’s, phosphorus can get “tied up” with iron and aluminum, again rendering it unavailable to plants. Here’s where I’m going with all this background information: In order to maximize crop production and minimize the amount of inputs the farmer needs to apply to achieve high
22
VITALBYPOET.COM
opportunity is everywhere if you know where to look
POET.COM
At POET, the workday ends, but the work never does. We’re using renewable resources and our endless passion to create biofuels, nutrient-rich protein and oil alternatives.
24
VITALBYPOET.COM
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
25
POET’S STEAM TURBINE PROJECT ADDS ENERGY EFFICIENCIES by Steve Lange | photos by Greg Latza
26
VITALBYPOET.COM
In 2017, after the urging of a manager in its bioprocessing
exits the turbine and is captured and channeled back into
plant in Portland, Ind., POET installed its first steam-
the system. The lower-pressure steam is then able to be
powered turbine, a device designed to capture excess steam
used for the ethanol-making process.
and convert it into electricity to help power the plant.
The actual equipment for one type of turbine used at
Just over two years later, POET recently completed
POET plants — which is housed in a room added next to
the installation of turbines in a dozen plants across the
the existing steam boilers — is approximately the size of a
Midwest.
semitrailer.
The project represents more than a capital investment
Those generators produce an average of roughly three
in the future of POET. It represents the kind of in-house
megawatts of electricity per plant. That’s enough electricity
innovation that has helped define POET for the past 30-
to power one-half of one bioprocessing facility — or
plus years. Like a lot of POET initiatives, the idea originated
approximately 2,000 houses — for a year.
from a team member, was planned by POET engineers and
“Essentially, all we did was increase our working
was built by POET’s own team.
pressure of our existing boilers in order to turn the turbine,
And it was a project designed to find even more
and then we still use the same amount of heat energy,” says
efficiencies within each POET plant, to take another step
Bentzen. “We found another way to take energy that was
toward sustainability and to do the right thing for the
being wasted and use it to create electricity.”
environment.
For Chris Dickman, POET’s Biofuels Regulatory Program
“This is one of those ideas where you look at it and say,
Manager, the turbine project “made too much sense not
‘Well, we’re saving money and helping the environment. It’s
to implement. There are so many synergies here,” says
the right thing to do for the company and it’s also just the
Dickman. “We already had equipment generating steam,
right thing to do,” says Charlie Bentzen, Process Engineer at
and we’re simply adding equipment to generate electricity
POET.
from that steam. We know we have to keep searching for
Bentzen, who worked as an engineer at POET Biorefining
these kinds of advantages.”
– Jewell when they installed the steam turbine there, saw
At POET Biorefining – Chancellor in Chancellor, S.D.,
the construction and the on-site team’s reaction firsthand.
they have taken sustainability a step further. They burn
“The entire team was excited to get a steam turbine
methane captured from the Sioux Falls city landfill in the
because we were going to be part of creating something
driers used to make dried distillers grains. Their turbine is
that would give us direct payback,” says Bentzen. “It was the kind of thing that told everyone, ‘Hey, we’re always growing. We’re always improving. We’re open to new ideas.’” And that POET was especially open to new ideas from fellow team members. “Matt Clamme, Plant Manager at the Portland, Ind. plant, kept looking at capturing this steam and kept challenging us to make this happen,” says Rod Pierson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of POET Design and Construction. “We looked at it again and realized how much this would reduce our carbon intensity. It was a different type of project for us to implement, but it gave us an opportunity to learn and to use this technology in other areas as well.” As far as the technology goes, POET’s boilers produced medium-pressure steam, which is what the bioprocessing plant requires in its ethanol production process. Engineers then increased the pressure those boilers produced, and
We’re reducing our use of electricity, reusing our own energy more efficiently, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cutting down on our carbon footprint. It’s everything we’re about.
routed that high-pressure steam to turn the new turbines, which then spin a shaft that creates electricity through a generator. After it is used to turn those rotors, the steam
Rod Pierson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of POET Design and Construction
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
27
powered by a solid fuel boiler that burns 400 tons of wood chips — created from local landscaping waste, waste trees, waste pallets and even discarded target boards from a local ax-throwing company — every day. “Ethanol is a clean-burning, renewable fuel, and we think it’s important to also use clean renewable fuels as our fuel source to run our facility,” says Rachel Kloos, Plant Manager. “The impact of climate change is really important to POET, and we want to get away from the use of fossil fuels in our facilities.” Since its founding, POET has continued to search for — and discover — creative and cost-effective ways to use every bit of starch, oil, protein and fiber from every bushel of corn. They produce a product that allows asphalt manufacturers to use more recycled asphalt, making their product less expensive and better for the environment. They refine corn oil into feed additives and biodiesel and industrial lubricants. They convert leftover solids into
We already had equipment generating steam, and we’re simply adding equipment to generate electricity from that steam. We know we have to keep searching for these kinds of advantages.
products ranging from syrups to animal feed. Recently, POET discovered a process to convert corn kernel fiber — that’s essentially the skin on the outside of the kernel — Chris Dickman, POET’s Biofuels Regulatory Program Manager
Rachel Kloos, Plant Manager, and Ryan Wood, Plant Engineer, work together at POET Biorefining – Chancellor.
28
VITALBYPOET.COM
The impact of climate change is really important to POET, and we want to get away from the use of fossil fuels in our facilities. Rachel Kloos, Plant Manager
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
29
into cellulosic ethanol.
And they did.
And the continued search for greater energy efficiency
Just three months after the completion at the initial plant
inside POET’s bioprocessing plants is nothing new, either.
in Portland, the turbine at the North Manchester, Ind., was
The steam-to-energy-turbines — and operations like the
up and running. Within two years, POET has installed 14
sharing of heat between processes such as distillation and
turbines in 13 plants across five states.
evaporation — fall into the “Combined Heat and Power”
“We’re reducing our use of electricity, reusing our own
system, one of POET’s Four Key Environmental Stewardship
energy more efficiently, reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Practices. These four keys are designed to create the
and cutting down on our carbon footprint,” says Pierson.
smallest possible environmental footprint at each of the
“It’s everything we’re about.”
company’s facilities.
Like all of POET’s projects, each success — and even each
The other practices include BPX Technology (POET’s
failure — keeps the team moving toward the ideal of energy
patented plant-wide process that converts starch to sugar
self-sustainability. It’s a “reduce, reuse, recycle” attitude
with enzymes instead of heat); carbon capture (they
that dates back to the opening of POET’s first commercial-
capture carbon dioxide, a natural byproduct of ethanol
scale ethanol plant in Scotland, S.D., in 1987, when the Broin
production, for use in everything from fire extinguishers
family designed and built and painted most everything
to carbonated beverages); and Total Water Recovery (every
themselves. When they needed equipment, they searched
POET bioprocessing center continuously recycles its water
out defunct ethanol plants and closed creameries. When
and eliminates liquid discharge).
they heard the Schlitz Brewery was going out of business,
“Overall, across the company, we’re looking at a general
they drove to Milwaukee to buy parts, demonstrating yet
queue of projects that focus on continuous improvement,”
again a resourcefulness mindset.
says Dickman. “Especially those that have benefits in terms
“This is another project that gets us closer to cutting the
of electrical cost savings and greenhouse gas reduction. The
cord and being completely self-sufficient,” says Dickman.
turbine project offered both, so once we were successful in
“It’s another step that makes us wonder where all this
terms of implementation and installation, then it just made
could eventually lead. Zero electricity input? No reliance
sense to keep hammering them out.”
on outside energy? This is what we think about. It’s what
we do here. We all understand that we can’t be stagnant
We all understand that
and we’ve got to always be working to find that next
we can’t be stagnant
it’s the right thing to do.”
improvement. Sometimes, it’s not the easy thing to do. But
and we’ve got to always be working to find that next improvement. Sometimes, it’s not the easy thing to do. But it’s the right thing to do.
Chris Dickman, POET’s Biofuels Regulatory Program Manager
30
VITALBYPOET.COM
NASCAR UPDATE
The Green Flag: Harnessing the Power of Influence to Cultivate Even More NASCAR, American Ethanol Fans by Ryan Welsh NASCAR has more than 90 million fans around the world,
been not only a motorsport of extreme competition but also a
ranging from casual to avid enthusiasts. Celebrity promotion
vehicle of self-promotion lifting all who are involved with it.
and partnerships like American Ethanol’s with NASCAR has
Maybe Big Bill had a crystal ball back then and could see our
helped NASCAR reach even more people. One place you’re most
time: the “Age of the Influencer.”
likely to see celebrities interact with NASCAR is behind the green flag.
Until 2011 the green flag in NASCAR was known as sacred ground. It was plain green for competition reasons, and no
Like throwing the ceremonial first pitch in a Major League
sponsor was going to muddy that water with their brand. That
Baseball game, NASCAR has its honorary starter wave the
is, until American Ethanol became an official partner and, more
green flag to launch the race. Bringing someone in from outside
importantly, a competition partner of NASCAR. After all, Sunoco
NASCAR’s boundaries also garners attention from that person’s
Green E15 was now in every race car’s fuel tank, proving itself
followers. Since Big Bill France started NASCAR in 1949, it has
as a superior fuel week in and week out. We wanted more
Actress Charlize Theron waves the green flag on Feb. 18, 2018 at Daytona. 32
VITALBYPOET.COM
Source: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
Actor Gary Sinise waves the green flag at Daytona.
visibility in the sport and NASCAR offered the green flag, giving
of NASCAR. Why wouldn’t they? NASCAR is the largest promoter
us the opportunity to raise even more awareness for American
of brand names the world has ever known. They built an empire
Ethanol.
on it. Celebrities are the icing on the cake.
The green flag is in the limelight at every NASCAR race. It starts
Yeah, most celebrities are into self-promotion; we get that. They
the action at the beginning of the race and at every stage. It also
are at the track promoting their thing, their favorite brand, an
restarts the action after every accident and caution flag. Other
upcoming movie or just themselves. But why not tie into that star
than a photo finish, it is the most exciting and intense part of
power and reach an audience that isn’t familiar with NASCAR or
a NASCAR race. The person who gets the honor of waving that
notably American Ethanol?
green flag at the beginning of the race has always played an important role for the day. The honorary starter is often well
American Ethanol has carved its own bold home in the NASCAR
known and comes from beyond the track. Behind the green flag
world. We are in the top ten of the most recognized brands in
you will most likely find a celebrity. Charlize Theron and Gary
NASCAR, sitting at No. 7. We are in victory lane every week on
Sinise are just a few of the celebrities who have waved the green
every car in NASCAR, not to mention in the tank. We also get the
flag.
boost of following from the folks that wave the green flag every race.
Having a celebrity endorse or promote your product isn’t new — it’s been a brilliant way to get above the noise in the
Without our partnership with NASCAR it would be extremely
advertising world. This marketing strategy picked up steam
hard to reach the masses that follow the sport of NASCAR and,
long ago decade by decade, and soon you had Andy Griffith
thanks to our logo on the green flag, the masses who follow the
promoting Corn Flakes. Some of the most memorable product
influencers beyond the track.
promotion to me are “Mean” Joe Greene with Coca-Cola or Betty White with Snickers. Coincidentally, these big-name brands have had partnerships or are currently promoting in the sport
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
33
ENERGY FOR LIFE
TAKE A BREAK – EVEN GOD DID
1. Set one day a week for a Sabbath rest. This would ideally be Sunday (the seventh day of the week, as God instructed). However, if that is not possible for you, pick one day out of the week for your “Holy Rest” and stick to it. This day should look different than any other
by Melissa Fletcher, Spiritual Care Advisor, POET We live in a fast-paced world where packed schedules are the new normal, and we have the unfortunate tendency to judge a person’s worth based on the busyness of his or her life. The worst part is that this isn’t just true for adults, but for our children as well. We may say that we don’t like it, but what are we doing to stop it?
day out of your week. Make it a day of worship, family time and peace, and be thankful that God has ordained a day of rest for you. 2. Make your personal relationship with God and your family a priority. Reexamine your values, and take an inventory of all the extra activities that fill your time. If they are robbing you of the ability to spend time with God and your family, something has to go.
Take a look at your calendar. How full is it? Are you overbooking yourself or your family? Is it filled with things that bring meaning to your life, or is it draining your time, energy and finances? Are your daily activities truly worthwhile, or are they pulling you away from the things you value and love the most? This is the dark side of busyness. We think that all of these extra-curricular activities add value to our lives, but in reality, they often cause stress, tension and burnout.
Make sure you schedule nonnegotiable times for family bonding, relaxation and prayer. 3. Unplug. Put your phone down and turn off the television. Get outside and breathe in the fresh air. Take a walk with your spouse. Visit a park with your kids. Take time to find refreshment in nature. You will be amazed what you experience when you take in the world with all of your senses. Don’t mistake busyness for productivity, and don’t let it rob you of precious time. Once a minute has passed,
Genesis 2:2-3 (New Living Translation) says, “On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation, so He rested from all His work. And God blessed the
you can never get it back. Let’s make an effort to get back to the simple life and enjoy the time the Lord has blessed us with.
seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when He rested from all His work of creation.” Even God, the Creator of the world, knows the importance of rest. That is why, in Exodus 20:8-10, He gave us the fourth commandment: “Remember to
QUIT THE CULT OF BUSYNESS by Cole Fricke, Wellness Coordinator, POET
observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the
Busy seems to be the new “it” thing — busy at work,
seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the
busy at home, busy with kids. Busy, busy, busy. No time
LORD your God. On that day no one in your household
to do this or that, no matter how great it might be for
may do any work.”
our mental, spiritual or physical health; we’re focused on our overzealous devotion to The Cult of Busyness™.
If God emphasizes the importance of a day of rest for His people, why do we have such a difficult time
We like to wear our busyness as a badge of honor, and
obeying this commandment? It was out of His great
we’re always one-upping each other with the amount
love for us that He instructed us to rest. He knows the
of busyness in our lives. “Oh, you think you’re busy?
work will always be there and that our body, mind and
Let me tell you how busy I am.” That’s a game neither
spirit need time to refresh and recharge.
person wins. But if I’m busy, then that means work/ family/life must be going well... right?
So, what can we do to make rest a priority in our lives? Here are three things to help you stay on track:
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FIT IT IN WORKOUT
When you constantly cultivate busyness, there’s always something you can let go. Save your energy for legitimate reasons, and you’ll be able to handle the stressful times in your life much better. Use this simple technique to help prioritize your time:
by Cole Fricke, Wellness Coordinator, POET Think you’re too busy to fit a workout program into your life? Think again! There are plenty of ways to be
1. Take some time this week to take a good look at everything you have going on. You can focus on tomorrow, the next week, the next month or even the next year.
active throughout the day. One of my favorites is an As Many Reps as Possible (AMRAP) workout. Do a set of exercises every hour on the hour throughout your day, performing as many reps as possible of
2. Make two columns. Analyze all the things you have going on in that time period that contribute to your busyness, no matter how insignificant they might seem. 3. In one column, note everything that takes legitimate time, effort and emotion. Prioritize those things to spend your energy wisely, and quantify how much time you spend on them so you can have an idea of the time you have left over. In the second column, list the unnecessary activities of your life.
each exercise until you can’t do it with proper form anymore. That might be five reps; that might be 50 reps. The variety it what makes it fun! Here’s the workout:
FREQUENCY Perform three to four times a week (every other day is fine)
DURATION
4. Look at your daily routines for inefficiencies and complacencies. Prioritize and quantify those, too! 5. Now that you’ve got those lists, start to let go of the things you don’t need. Start small if you have to, but taking the time to look over a written list is the best way to make more informed decisions. There’s no law that says all 24 hours must be filled, so don’t stress yourself to fill them! Take some time to just do nothing once in a while. It can do wonders for your well-being.
You can do them as often as you want throughout the day, but aim for at least three to four times daily. Each exercise lasts as long as you can keep proper form!
DIRECTIONS Perform the following exercises in order, moving from one to the next with no rest once you’ve lost your form on the exercise: Round 1: Squats Round 2: Pushups Round 3: Mountain Climbers Round 4: Glute Bridges Round 5: Chair Dips Round 6: Planks View videos of these exercises at www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/finder Keep track of your personal bests, and try to beat them every time! You’ll make progress in no time, plus you can get on with your day. How’s that for efficiency?
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
35
Never Satisfied
SCHOLAR PROGRAM POET Supports the Next Generation of Changemakers by Miranda Broin
36
In its third year, POET’s Never
out among the crowd. Each Never
see what we see in these gifted
Satisfied
Satisfied
$5,000
individuals. POET is proud to play
reached further than ever before.
scholarship
program
toward his or her fall 2019 semester
scholar
received
a part in helping these trailblazers,
More than 2,100 applications came
at a college or university, and one
innovators, dreamers and doers reach
in from across all 50 states, and
scholarship was reserved for a student
their goals. They are well on their
there was no shortage of impressive
who has a relative working at any
way to changing the world, and we’re
candidates looking to use their talents
POET location. The scholars are truly
certain they will never be satisfied
and passions to make a difference.
dedicated to their respective missions
until they have done so.
It was no easy task to select just ten
and deserving of every reward they
recipients from such a large pool of
achieve.
applicants, but this year’s class stood
As you read on, you’re sure to
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At the POET lab in Sioux Falls, Austin Layton runs a sample on the spectrophotometer to better understand fermentation performance.
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
37
Antonia Rose Block
Hometown: Wilmot, S.D. Major: Chemical Engineering School: South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Antonia has big dreams to take the STEM world by storm, and it’s clear she has the capabilities and the drive to do so. Her goals align seamlessly with POET’s mission; she has a fierce desire to preserve the planet for humanity, and she’s taking the
first step this year by pursuing a degree in chemical engineering with an environmental emphasis. Antonia understands that to address the global climate issue, we need to start at the source with practical solutions. “I want to live in a way that clearly exhibits that people can do anything if they put their mind to it, that each individual is unique and has something special that only they can offer to the rest of the world, and that together we can create a future that is more healthy, vibrant, sustainable and better than today.” Wherever her path leads her, we know that Antonia will do great things for our world — and inspire others in the process like she has inspired us.
Hailey Kingsbury
Hometown: Naperville, Ill. Major: Speech Pathology and Audiology School: Miami University (Ohio)
Hailey truly embodies what it means to have a servant’s heart, whether that involves enacting change in her community or working to improve the livelihoods of women across the globe. On the home front, she has volunteered and built meaningful relationships through a buddy program and touched the lives of children as a piano and preschool teacher. When she learned the shocking statistics of how many young women in developing countries are unable to get an education due to lack of access to a fundamental human resource — clean water — she founded her own organization, Girls for Girls International, to work to change that. Hailey’s next adventure is her pursuit of a doctorate degree in audiology, with which she hopes to serve and support the deaf community. She says believes in the power of pursuing change in all aspects of life, and she’s already put that philosophy into action. We can’t wait to watch Hailey’s future unfold.
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Rick Kittelson
Hometown: Baltic, S.D. Major: Electrical Engineering School: South Dakota State University Rick’s
never-ending
pursuit
of
knowledge
perfectly
exemplifies what it means to be Never Satisfied. He constantly questions the world around him, searching for ways to learn and experiment, and to design and innovate practical solutions to real-world problems through technology. In high school, Rick was not only a talented inventor of small but useful electronics but he also found an outlet for his passion in the cutting-edge world of robotics, setting multiple records for designing and programming robots on his school’s team. Now he plans to take his skill set and apply it on a much larger scale, harnessing the world’s potential for change as an electrical engineer. Rick doesn’t believe in taking shortcuts or limiting himself based on his resources, and we can already tell he’s going to do big things. “If the money isn’t there or the technology doesn’t exist, push the limits. Make it cheaper, make it better; if it doesn’t exist, create it. This is how I will use my Never Satisfied mentality to change the world. “
Austin Layton
Hometown: Fort Wayne, Ind. Major: Biology/Pre-Medicine School: Taylor University If Austin’s long list of achievements to date is any indicator of what his future will look like, he will undoubtedly be an outstanding leader in all aspects of life. It seems he never turns down an opportunity to make a difference; in high school he served in myriad leadership positions, from National Honor Society vice president, to captain of his football team, to student youth group leader at his church. In his senior year, Austin started a tutoring program and created a district-wide clothing store for fellow students in need. He is driven by a passion to serve people, which is clearly directing the trajectory of his career. Austin’s ultimate goal is to establish a nonprofit that provides internships allowing medical students to provide health care services in impoverished countries. He is an unstoppable force and says he “will not slow down until I have changed my world.”
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
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Sirrena Norris
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y. Major: Film Production School: American Intercontinental University (Ga.)
Sirrena believes that every child has the potential to do great things regardless of background; he or she just needs the support or resources to do so. “If you can give a child a dream and the power to manifest it, they’ll become positive, successful and instrumental in bettering their community as an adult.” Sirrena realized her own leadership skills as a young woman in the U.S. military, where she dedicated 12 years of service before returning to school. She currently spends much of her free time working with vulnerable youth in Atlanta through sports, film and music programs, but she’s eager to do even more. She’s determined to get her teaching certificate and is making plans to acquire a building where she can run her own youth program and empower the next generation of dreamers.
Samantha Pearl
Hometown: Wheeling, W. Va. Major: Psychology/Pre-Law School: West Liberty University Having gone through her own battle with mental illness at a young age and experiencing firsthand the effectiveness of working through it with professional assistance, Samantha has discovered a passion in providing the same kind of support for individuals who need it. She is certainly on the right track, pursuing a degree in psychology with plans to attend law school. In the meantime, she is gaining invaluable hands-on experience working at a law firm and advocates for mental health by sharing her story through a number of programs and speaking engagements. Samantha has big plans to use her love of both psychology and law to reform the way the justice system treats those with mental illness, but her first priority is to lift up her small community. With her strength, her drive to succeed and her sincere desire to give people hope, there is no doubt that Samantha will touch countless lives in the years to come.
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Emerson Peaslee
Hometown: North Branch, Minn. Major: Environmental Engineering School: University of Iowa Emerson’s passion for the environment took hold at a fairly young age when she learned how many people around the world have to walk several miles every day to collect water, which is often contaminated. She still wasn’t satisfied after helping to raise money to build wells, and her research introduced her to the profession of environmental engineering. She plans to utilize her talents in math, science and service to get her degree and work with nonprofits to make water more accessible across the globe. Emerson has already spent two summers volunteering with the Conservation Corps, living in state and national parks to help restore them, and she plans to join the Peace Corps or Engineers Without Borders after college to immerse herself in field experience. “Clean water is a basic human right, and I will not be satisfied until every person has access to it,” she says.
Samuel Ryckman
Hometown: Pierre, S.D. Major: Mechanical Engineering/Computer Science School: South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Samuel’s love of problem-solving has led him down the career path of engineering, but his love of service — paired with his unique perspective of the world — will enable him to take it on in a whole new way. “I believe engineers must become more human and humane and become involved with ending problems for those who have little.” He hopes to lead other engineers in changing the status quo. In his first three years at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Samuel served as a project lead for Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS), which works to create sustainable solutions for communities in need. His most recent project involved designing a self-sustaining greenhouse for the Pine Ridge Reservation in Southwest South Dakota. With his impressive arsenal of experience and his determination to make a difference, Samuel will leave an indelible impact on this world.
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
41
Gavin Spoor
Hometown: Martinsburg, Mo. Major: Agricultural Systems Management School: University of Missouri Gavin didn’t grow up on a farm, but it seems that a passion for agriculture was destined to find him anyway. He remembers staring out the window as
young as three years old, watching nearby farmers work in their fields. Gavin first began working for a farmer at 16, and he partnered with a friend to form an ag business at just 19 years old: custom spraying for local farmers. That business has expanded to include other farm inputs and is still in operation today, and Gavin manages it while taking a full class load. He is also in his third year of farming his own plot of land where he grows corn, soybeans, cereal rye and popcorn, which he sells online and in several stores across Missouri. Gavin’s dream is “to see the Earth covered in green 365 days a year” and “to bridge the gap between farmer and consumer.” He plans to continue to grow his farming operation while his social media platform to educate the world in sustainable agricultural practices. Gavin has a bright future ahead, and we’re proud to play even a small role in his journey.
Arianna Smith Hometown: Howe, Ind. Major: Computer Science School: Purdue University
Arianna’s passion for computer science stemmed from an unlikely place: her family’s history with the medical field. She is one of four total siblings, and one of three that were diagnosed with and treated for cancer. Arianna was in treatment for four years starting at age 11, but she took it on with unmatched optimism and made the most of her time away from school. She began to look for ways that she could gain an education from where she was at, which led her to a web coding program online. Spending so much time in a hospital, she also began to learn the difficulties many families face when their child requires extensive medical care — and she was not satisfied with what she found out. “This is where my Never Satisfied passion comes from; I want to use my passion for computer science and healthcare to ensure that families similar to or less privileged than mine never have to sacrifice in order to obtain life-saving health care for a loved one,” she says. She plans to develop medical software that makes health care more accessible and affordable for disadvantaged communities. We have a feeling that this is only the beginning of Arianna’s remarkable story.
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the best ideas
are the ones you haven’t thought of yet POET.COM
At POET, we’re not looking for easy fixes for obvious problems. We’re looking for the next generation of problem solvers, who can identify challenges we don’t even know exist yet. So if you’re more interested in unanswerable questions than answers that can’t be questioned, you’ll probably fit right in.
RENEW POET Sponsors Women in Science and Technology Adventure Weekend More than 100 women attended the WiSE (Women in Science & Technology) Adventure weekend Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 at South Dakota School of Mines
& Technology (SDSM&T).
POET is a main sponsor of the WiSE program. Danika Pollreisz, Process Engineer at POET, was a keynote speaker. She is a recent SDSM&T graduate and was an intern before starting full time at POET. Women participated in a fun-filled weekend, including outdoor courses like zip lines and high ropes, and also listened to career advice from WiSE mentors.
Students Visit POET Research Center POET Research Center in Scotland, S.D., hosted eighth graders from Scotland High School’s Ag class in September as they explored careers in agriculture. During their visit, the students learned about POET, the ethanol industry and its impact on the state of South Dakota. They also toured the plant and learned about available careers at POET.
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POET Biorefining – Bingham Lake Hosts Company Picnic and Family Safety Day In July the safety committee at POET Biorefining – Bingham Lake organized a company picnic and invited community safety partners so family members could learn about ways to bring POET’s safety culture at work into their homes. The local sheriff’s office, fire department, EMT services and ag sector businesses brought in some of their emergency response vehicles and mobile demonstration units. Cole Fricke, Wellness Coordinator at POET, and team members from Seeds of Change also shared information.
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
45
RENEW POET Biorefining – Hanlontown Participates in One Vision Fundraiser Team members from POET Biorefining – Hanlontown participated in One Vision’s 50th Benefit Walk Reunion and Human Foosball tournament and came home with the cup! One Vision met and exceeded their goal of raising $50,000 in their signature fundraiser, which provides services for individuals with autism and disabilities.
POET Biorefining – Emmetsburg Hosts Customer Appreciation Day Team members at POET Biorefining – Emmetsburg worked together to serve lunch to more than 200 customers in appreciation for their business.
POET Biorefining – Hudson Highlights Benefits of Homegrown Biofuels at Parade In September POET Biorefining – Hudson took part in the Alcester-Hudson Homecoming Parade in Hudson, S.D.
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New General Manager at POET Biorefining – Caro Emily Boynton has been promoted to General Manager at POET Biorefining – Caro in Caro, Mich. She started her career at POET as Quality Manager in 2002 and most recently served as Plant Manager since 2017. As
General
Manager,
Boynton
will
oversee
all operations at the Caro plant, including the production of ethanol, other coproducts and a team of 45 people, including financial, commodities, operations,
maintenance,
inventory,
material
handling and EHS roles. Boynton is one of only a handful of female general managers in the ethanol industry and is proud to act as a role model for other women looking to grow into leadership roles in the field.
PEOPLE OF POET
Miranda Broin, Creative Coordinator and Alyssa Broin, Chief of Staff
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A Culture Built by Family, for Families Family members share workplace, appreciation of POET company values and culture by Andrea Van Essen
ith just 13 employees at
innovation.
spouse, child or sibling, there’s one
a single ethanol plant in
It’s a substantial claim, but POET’s
thing tying these team members to
small-town Scotland, S.D.,
team members are the first to stand
each other — and it’s not just blood.
behind it.
They were all drawn to POET for
a company thriving on family values,
it’s not difficult to imagine
And when it comes to speaking
its culture — one of innovation and
an unwavering commitment to its
about a company’s family values,
a deep commitment to its employees’
cause, and a close, caring team.
who better to speak to than POET
development and well-being. Whether
That was POET, at its inception in
employees who are also relatives?
it’s a schedule that allows families the
1987.
The
includes
flexibility they need to stay healthy
Thirty-two years, 28 locations and
a
family
and connected, or an attitude in the
nearly 2,000 employees later, those
members — from husbands and
workplace that inspires employees to
same values still hold strong. At its
wives to parents and children, as well
go above and beyond, culture is a key
core, POET is a family-owned and
as multiple siblings.
element of POET’s success.
operated company with a passion
Though most serve the company
for creating a better world through
in a different department than their
company’s
surprising
roster
number
of
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
49
Nathan Bockrath, Electrician, Stephanie Bockrath, Senior Accountant, POET Biorefining – Leipsic | photo by Wes Mosley
Nathan and Stephanie Bockrath: POET Biorefining – Leipsic, Ohio Nathan Bockrath and his wife,
accountant.
Stephanie, couldn’t work in more
In
the
much at the plant, they appreciate
opposite areas of POET Biorefining –
Bockraths to drive to work separately
the opportunity to check in on one
Leipsic in Leipsic, Ohio. Nathan is an
because of their flexible schedules
another if they need to.
electrician, and Stephanie, a senior
or go multiple days in a row without
Stephanie recalls a time last year
running into one another at the plant.
when her mother was involved in a
However, it’s that flexibility that
car accident.
makes working at POET so gratifying
“It was comforting just to have Nate
for the couple.
be able to come have lunch with me,”
“It’s a pretty big advantage when
she said. “Having that support system
you have a sick child at home,” said
right there is nice if you need to calm
Nathan. “Most parts of the plant are
down.”
very flexible, so Steph could stay at
Additionally, they appreciate the
home for the first part of the day while
increased connection it offers them at
I go in, and then I’d come home in the
home.
afternoon so she can go into work.”
“You get a stronger understanding
The
and respect for what the other person
Everybody here realizes how important family is. It’s really a familyoriented place, which makes it even better when you actually work together with your spouse. Stephanie Bockrath, Senior Accountant, POET Biorefining – Leipsic 50
fact,
Even if the Bockraths don’t interact it’s
common
Bockraths
for
attribute
that
flexibility to POET’s family values.
is doing every day,” said Stephanie.
“Everybody
how
“At previous jobs, you could tell each
important family is,” said Stephanie.
here
realizes
other what you did that day, but here it
“It’s really a family-oriented place,
all kind of makes sense, and it actually
which makes it even better when
gives me a better understanding of
you actually work together with your
the plant.”
spouse.”
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Rod Pierson, Senior Vice President & General Manager, POET Design & Construction and Lexie Pierson, IT Business Analyst | photo by Emily Spartz Weerheim
Rod and Lexie Pierson: POET, LLC
It’s interesting in meetings, because I see her as a business analyst, but normally, of course, I just see her as my daughter. But it feels natural, and it always surprises me a bit when I leave the meeting. Rod Pierson, Senior Vice President and General Manager for POET Design & Construction
For father and daughter Rod and
blessed to experience some of POET’s
Lexie Pierson, working together at
unique company benefits together.
POET has provided an abundance of
Both Rod and Lexie enjoy tending
shared experiences, both personal
to plots in the company’s community
and professional.
garden,
Rod, Senior Vice President and
opportunity to travel to Kenya with
General Manager for POET Design
POET’s nonprofit organization, Seeds
& Construction, has been with the
of Change.
company for nearly 22 years. Lexie
“In June, we were able to go on the
came on board two years ago as an
mission trip together, which probably
IT business analyst, and the pair have
wouldn’t have happened otherwise,”
enjoyed getting to see each other
said Lexie. “Every year, POET sends
around the office.
a group to Kenya. It’s a life-changing
According
to
Rod,
the
two
and
they
also
had
the
experience.”
occasionally attend meetings together.
Seeds of Change is POET’s global
“It’s interesting in meetings, because
nonprofit, with a mission of supporting
I see her as a business analyst, but
worldwide, sustainable development.
normally, of course, I just see her as
The organization was created after
my daughter,” Rod said. “But it feels
POET’s founder, Jeff Broin, and his
natural, and it always surprises me a
family went on a mission trip to Kenya
bit when I leave the meeting.”
with a local youth group.
Beyond the professional aspects of their time at work, the Piersons feel
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
51
Alyssa and Miranda Broin: POET LLC
For us, this isn’t just an eightto-five job; it’s a 24/7 passion that is — quite literally — in our blood. We know the significance of the work POET is doing, and its mission is always going to be important to us. Miranda Broin, Creative Coordinator, POET
As the daughters of POET Founder
program and charitable foundation.
and CEO Jeff Broin and his wife
Her
Tammie, both Alyssa and Miranda
joined POET last year as Creative
Broin say that growing up, they did
Coordinator
not expect to work for the company.
Affairs
Alyssa, who serves as her father’s
As a co-founder of Seeds of Change,
Chief of Staff, actively pursued other
Miranda is also heavily involved in
professional
the organization and serves on its
opportunities
before
&
sister,
for
POET’s
board of directors.
the
Growth
Energy
Miranda, External
Communications
coming to POET, but after attending
team.
Executive
“It’s a really neat dynamic, working
Leadership Conference in 2016, she
with the family,” she said. “For us, this
discovered a new love for the biofuels
isn’t just an eight-to-five job; it’s a 24/7
industry.
passion that is — quite literally — in
“As kids, we watched our dad work
our blood. We know the significance
extremely hard and put so much
of the work POET is doing, and
dedication into the industry, and I
its mission is always going to be
think we developed a similar passion
important to us.”
just by association,” said Alyssa. “Our
Miranda
parents always did a great job of
opportunity
keeping work and family separate,
Alyssa on a semi-regular basis, often
but looking back, I appreciate how
on writing projects.
they
“Having
would
discuss
big-picture
says to
been
she
has
collaborate
raised
the with
together,
decisions with us and make sure we
I think we have a similar way of
understood what was going on. They
thinking, which really benefits us now
treated us with respect — even when
as we work together,” she said. “As
we were very young — and I think it
kids, we always had an idea of what
helped shape us into the people we
our dad did, but I don’t think we fully
are today.”
understood the gravity of what POET
Now Alyssa, who has been with
does until we were older. It’s really
POET for three years, works closely
been a privilege to have a front row
with her father, serving as his liaison
seat to it for all these years.”
for
day-to-day
affairs.
She
also
works with POET’s internal wellness
52
younger
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photo b
by Emily Spartz Weerheim
Trevor, Todd and Spencer Freudenthal
The familyowned business speaks volumes, and the values of the company and the progression that you can have within POET is great. Spencer Freudenthal, Logistics Coordinator, POET Nutrition
When it comes to experience at
Coordinator at POET Nutrition, and it
POET, the Freudenthal family runs
was his family who encouraged him
the gamut.
to apply.
Todd, Commodities Manager at
“It’s the only place I’ve ever really
POET Biorefining – Mitchell, has
known,” said Trevor. “The family-
been with the company since 2006
owned business speaks volumes,
but has managed elevators since he
and the values of the company
was 21 years old.
and the progression that you can
His older son, Trevor, who currently
have within POET is great. We have
works out of Sioux Falls as Director
positions in research, management,
of Credit and Financial Analysis,
marketing, legal, HR — you can really
has experience dating back to his
go anywhere you want to with a good
teenage years in 2007 when he spent
work ethic.”
the summer working in maintenance
For Spencer, that ability to work
at the Mitchell plant. Trevor also
at the same company as his brother
interned at POET during college, and
and father, who have always been
worked part-time for the company
in different fields, was something he
while in graduate school. In 2012,
never expected.
he was hired full-time as a financial
“You just don’t think those positions
analyst.
are all going to fall under the same
Trevor’s younger brother, Spencer,
roof,” he said.
was hired in 2019 as a Logistics
THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
53
DOWN 1. Gung-ho 2. Think 3. Crows 4. Big bungler 5. French for sea 6. Suffix of enzymes 7. Turns over 8. Steven Jobs’ creation 9. Come by 10. Ad ___ 11. Put away 12. Falcon in film 13. Ambulance letters 18. Article in constant use 19. TV talk host Kelly 23. Heal 24. Foot pampering 25. Adoptive sister of Jessica Jones
in the Marvel Comics Universe
27. James Caan’s role in
“The Godfather”
28. Surveying science, for short
ACROSS
29. Country street 30. Stretch out
1. BBQ offering
42. Manicurist’s device
33. Winner’s cry
4. City on the Missouri
43. Coarsely ground corn
35. Inventive thoughts
9. Fountain order
44. Fixed, as tiles
36. Desert wanderer
14. Big deal
47. Malt kiln
38. It means nothing to the French
15. Fable maker
48. Agricultural degrees
39. Vogue rival
16. Carved family emblem
51. Like some shopping
40. Become prominent
17. Innovative Dakota Gold
53. Dinner course
41. Picnic invaders
production system that
55. Ugly ducklings
42. To’s partner
maintains nutritional integrity
metamorphosis
45. Thing referred to
20. Overly hasty
57. Untellable to Washington
46. Elevator button
21. Berth place
58. JIVE replaces it with
48. Contradicted
22. Tackle
49. Operatic style
26. Letter by Paul
components
50. Big stink
31. The Chiffons’ ‘’___ So Fine’’
65. Judges mallet
52. Bel ___ cheese
32. Uncanny
66. Viewpoint
54. Used a chair
34. Polar jacket
67. Getaway key on the keyboard
56. Can. province
35. Cleveland ballplayer
68. Kleptomaniac
58. Corp. leadership
37. Digit
69. Idyllic places
59. Sound of a good massage
38. The color of Voila corn
70. “Simpsons” cry
60. Roman 56
renewable non-toxic
61. Casual attire
distillers oil
FOR ANSWERS, VISIT vitalmagazineonline.com/answers
62. Corinne Bailey ___, Grammy nominee 63. Eastern cape 64. Abbr. for small change
54
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Seeds of Change
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OUT OF LEFT FIELD
Does Tiny Living Provide Big Benefits? by Scott Johnson, Data Systems Administrator, POET I’m thinking about going tiny. “Going tiny” is the hip way to
picture the hours of fun my family would have just staring at
describe drastically downsizing your living situation. Typically,
each other in the same space because there is nowhere else to
a tiny home is an extremely small, often mobile space that
escape to. Anyone up for another game of Chutes and Ladders?!
demands simplified living and maximizing every square inch.
What an exciting challenge it must be to maximize space and
If you’re thinking, “Hey, isn’t that the same thing as a camper?”
creatively use items to serve multiple purposes! The stairs to the
Yes and no. Yes, in that it is indeed exactly the same. No, as in
bedroom loft contain hidden drawers for extra storage. The toilet
a camper isn’t specifically marketed as a “tiny home,” which is
seat doubles as a cutting board. The living room also functions
apparently important to prospective buyers.
as the foyer, parlor, home office, man cave, yoga studio, guest
Before you criticize my plan as uneducated whimsy, let me
bedroom and place where you cry yourself to sleep for making
assure you I have performed extensive research on the topic. I’ve
terrible life decisions.
binge-watched hours of tiny home searching and building on TV.
I can just imagine hooking up the tiny home and traveling
I also once fell asleep in cardboard box from a refrigerator while building a fort for my kids. Admittedly, squeezing two adults, three kids, two dogs, two cats and a set of “fancy dishes” we got from our wedding but still have never used into 120 square feet would require sacrifices. For example, we’d have no room for that grand piano we’ve always wanted. Or baby grand piano. Or preemie baby grand piano. I’ve always wanted a harmonica too! Tiny living provides so many benefits that appeal to a variety of buyers. Yearning for the freedom to travel? Looking to reduce your environmental impact? Mis-calculated your taxes for the past decade and now you have to “downsize” until you’re up for parole? A tiny home might be perfect for you! One of the “pros” often cited with a tiny home is that it doesn’t require the burden of a septic system. This is accomplished by taking advantage of
wherever the wind blows us. (Naturally,
The living room also functions as the foyer, parlor, home office, man cave, yoga studio, guest bedroom and place where you cry yourself to sleep for making terrible life decisions.
something called a composting toilet. I’m not
56
we would go with the wind for optimal gas mileage.) We would be just like the pioneers in the 1800s seeking a homesteading opportunity! OK, so technically the pioneers intended to actually build a home after traveling a thousand miles. They didn’t roll up to a hill overlooking the sprawling prairie and state: “Whelp kids, we’re here!” “Gee-whiz, Pa. Are we going to build a house with ample space for our family on this expansive plot of land?” “No, we’ll just continue living in our covered wagon. But look at the view! Now please get off your sister’s bed/kitchen table/ dysentery treatment area.” I suppose living in a mobile tiny house may increase the likelihood that someone actually steals my house — not break into my house, but hook it up and haul it away. What
really sure what that is, but I’m certain it’s magical and not
if I was in the tiny shower when this happened? Unbeknownst, I
problematic in any way.
am illegally whisked down the highway. I walk out my tiny front
According to the people on TV, living in a tiny house is so much
door and BOOM, I’m in Delaware! (Also tiny.) I’m sure Delaware
fun! Maybe less is actually more? After all, tiny candy bars are
is lovely this time of year.
marketed as “fun-sized.” True, they may be the most “fun” if you
Yes, sir. I think I’m ready to commit! The tiny house movement
are a baby chinchilla on a low-carb diet. Do you know what I
has taught me you don’t need much in life to be happy: just a
also find fun? Eating an entire human-size candy bar instead of
place to lay your head, a space to share with your family and
14 tiny ones back to back. (I mean a size suitable for a human
a composting toilet. Oh, “COMPOSTING” — I understand now!
— not the size of a human, although I do love a challenge.) I can
Yeah, never mind, that’s not going to work. I’m out.
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