Vital Magazine - Spring 2020

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE Spring 2020

POET’s Newest Co-product POET uses strengths in engineering and operations to meet critical need & protect frontline workers from COVID-19

Seeds of Change: Cultivating Hope in the Face of Crisis Federal Infrastructure Program will Expand Market Access to Unleaded 88

COLUMNS 03

In Sight

By Jeff Broin

48

Nascar® Update

by Ryan Welsh

51

Farm Fresh

by Brian Hefty

53

Mechanics Corner

Automotive Advice from the Under the Hood radio show

56

Out Of Left Field

by Scott Johnson

DEPARTMENTS 06

Energy For Life

22

Renew

44

People of POET

54

Prime the Pump

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.

MAIL POET, LLC 4615 North Lewis Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57104

P / 605.965.2200 F / 605.965.2203 ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS Please direct all article ideas, as well as questions or comments regarding the magazine to: vital@poet.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS $4.95 per issue To subscribe, visit www.vitalbypoet.com

COPYRIGHT 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. ©2020 POET, LLC. All rights reserved.

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FEATURES 10

32

Expanding Market Access to Unleaded 88

POET Celebrates International Women’s Day

Federal infrastructure program will help bolster domestic markets and consumer choice at the pump.

POET invites Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, to share insights into leading the industry’s largest trade organization.

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POET’s Newest Co-product POET uses strengths in engineering and operations to meet critical need & protect frontline workers from COVID-19.

A Time to Plant BioAgriculture 2025 plants the seed in South Dakota for new bioproducts and processes for the next generation.

26 Seeds of Change: Cultivating Hope in the Face of Crisis Seeds of Change provides program updates in light of COVID-19.

Publication Design & Layout: Cassie Medema hello@newover.com

In the spirit of its continued commitment to being good stewards of

Visit VitalByPOET.com for exclusive online content.

the environment, POET is proud to produce Vital using 100% recycled paper, with eco-friendly soy-based ink.

Cover photo by Brian Koch

Because not finishing isn’t an option If you’re an ethanol producer, finishing fermentations is a must.

That’s why we made the Innova® family of stresstolerant yeast products, an evolutionary leap in yeast technology.

IN SIGHT

This too shall pass

by Jeff Broin, Founder and CEO of POET

You’ve heard it time and time again these past several weeks

Our planet is not only healing, but is quickly beginning to

– we are living in an unprecedented time. The impacts of

flourish again after decades of being exploited by humans.

the COVID-19 pandemic have upended our routines, our

Vehicle emissions have declined dramatically around

beliefs and, in many cases, our livelihoods.

the globe, resulting in cleaner air than we’ve breathed in decades. Scenic views that have long been clouded by smog

While hundreds of millions of Americans were under orders

can be seen clearly once again, a preview of what a world

to stay at home, domestic demand for fuel plummeted by

powered by biofuels can look like.

more than 50% in a matter of weeks, damaging operating margins for ethanol producers and adding even more strain

This time has also reminded us what POET is truly made

to an already vulnerable farm economy. The entire biofuels

of. Our leadership team has had to make several tough

industry was forced to make adjustments to survive this economic climate, including POET, and it is still unclear when the industry will return to full production.

As the old adage goes, “when it rains, it pours,” and some may fear we’re just one setback away from drowning. But I’m a man of faith, and I believe that after every storm comes a rainbow.

There are no words to justify what has been lost during the course of this crisis and no way to predict how much it will change our world moving forward; however, we would be remiss to ignore the blessings that have come about as a result.

Most of us have had no choice but to hit pause on our overbooked, chaotic lives, providing a much-needed break to reflect upon what truly deserves our time and energy when everyday life resumes. Families are spending their days working and playing together instead of rushing off in separate directions.

Communities are making conscious efforts to support local businesses and charitable

yeasts put you in control, eliminating production bottlenecks through their superior stress tolerance. And, with the industry’s most powerful expressed glucoamylase and optional companion enzyme blends, you can maximize performance to get the most out of every fermentation.

Welcome to the future of ethanol production.

causes. Teachers, public servants, frontline workers and first responders are getting the appreciation they deserve.

Our planet is not only healing, but is quickly beginning to flourish again after decades of being exploited by humans.

Vehicle emissions have declined dramatically around the globe, resulting in cleaner air than we’ve breathed in decades.

decisions in a short period of time; however, we have also managed to come together and achieve some great things for the future.

In April we were able to complete the largest merger and refinancing in the company’s history

despite

facing

extraordinary

obstacles, a move that will make us stronger and more resilient in the face of the COVID-19 crisis and other challenges to come. Additionally – in true POET fashion – our team worked tirelessly to find a way to

produce

pharmaceutical-grade

hand

sanitizer in a time when there is a critical shortage. I am incredibly proud of their display of talent and tenacity in the face of hardship and pleased to see that the spirit our company was founded on is alive and well today. Through this we have proven yet again that, by utilizing God’s green Earth and a little ingenuity, agriculture can meet many of the world’s most pressing needs.

I have seen countless ups and downs during my three decades in this business, but never anything quite like this. And while this crisis has left a mark on all of us, I am certain we will weather this storm together and emerge even stronger than when it began.

www.novozymes.com THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

3

Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs)

The appeal

The Court Case

The Decision/Ruling

The EPA is illegally giving SREs with zero accountability.

by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals

Why are SREs granted?

Oil refineries must prove that they have endured economic hardship specifically because of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

How does the 10th Circuit Court fit within the U.S. Court Structure?

January 2020

the 10th Circuit Court unanimously declared

the EPA “abused it’s discretion” by approving the handouts.

The court overturned all 3 of the SREs given out from 2016 and 2017. The court found that the SREs were granted to “small” refiners who claimed they could not afford to comply with the RFS all while receiving millions of dollars in tax cuts and reporting multimillion dollar profits.

Oil refiners which are given exemptions are not publicly listed by the EPA.

45

Timeline Jan 2020

10th Circuit Court unanimously rules the EPA inappropriately granted SREs.

Feb 2020

Oil state Senators, led by Ted Cruz, send letter to Trump Administration to appeal court’s decision.

Mar 2020

EPA fails to meet the deadline to appeal decision.

Apr 2020

The 10th Circuit rejects petitions by small refineries to reconsider.

Supreme Court of the United States

40

The Supreme Court of the United States hears about 100 to 150 appeals of the more than 7,000 cases it is asked to review every year. That means the decisions made by the 12 Circuit Courts of Appeals across the country and the Federal Circuit Court are the last word in thousands of cases.

35 30 25

How do SREs impact biofuels?

SREs reduces the volume of biofuels a refinery is obligated to blend in accordance with the RFS. SREs have destroyed demand for billions of gallons of biofuel, causing undo harm to the rural economy, farmers and the environment.

20 15 10 5

U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals 2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

0

Total SREs Requested SREs Granted by the EPA Pending SREs

2

Three refineries were identified.

In reviewing publicly traded refinery financials, three of the refineries in 2016 and 2017 were identified. In May of 2018, biofuel supporters filed suit to the 10th Circuit Court to challenge the SREs that were granted to these identified and profitable refining companies.

4

What’s Next?

The 94 federal judicial districts are organized into 12 regional circuits, each of which has a court of appeals. The appellate court’s task is to determine whether or not the law was applied correctly in the trial court. Appeals courts consist of three judges and do not use a jury.

9

8 7

6

10

1 3

4 5

11

12 D.C.

12 regions *Also includes a 13th Circuit Court (Federal Circuit) which has selective case types and 12 judges.

VITALBYPOET.COM

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The EPA could and should apply the 10th Circuit Court’s decision nationwide to the other refineries receiving illegal exemptions.

The EPA may change the methodology used when granting hardship waivers.

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

Small refiners may seek review in the Supreme Court

5

ENERGY FOR LIFE

PLANTING FOR AN ABUNDANT HARVEST

THE NEWNESS OF SPRING

by Cole Fricke, Wellness Coordinator, POET January might be #1 on the list for starting or trying

by Melissa Fletcher, Spiritual Care Advisor, POET It’s that time of year again — it’s planting season! And,

of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains

whether you are planting a garden or a field, both

alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a

require cultivating the ground, planting seeds, watering,

plentiful harvest of new lives.” In this reference, Jesus

pruning, protecting and harvesting. The work can be

was saying that His life is the kernel of wheat (the seed).

time-consuming, challenging and sometimes even

He will die on the cross and be buried in the tomb

frustrating. But it can also be peaceful, comforting and

(planted), just as the kernel of wheat dies and is planted

very rewarding. And, in the end, it is worth it!

in the soil. But because of His death and resurrection, many people will be given eternal life…just as a dead

In all reality, we are no strangers to this kind of work.

kernel of wheat can bring new life to a barren field.

In Geneses 2:15 it says that “The LORD God placed the

Both will result in a bountiful harvest. For the wheat

man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over

seed, an abundant harvest of wheat. For Jesus, an

it.” Adam found his work enjoyable and pleasant and

abundant harvest of souls that will have eternal life.

there was always a bounty of food available. And,

Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may

this first garden was to provide food for the physical

have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

nourishment for humans and animals. It was meant to bring life — an abundant life.

Just like planting seeds in a garden or field, we must be willing to plant seeds into the lives of others through

As farmers and gardeners, we know that barren fields

our time, talent and treasure. And, with enough care

produce no yield. You must plant seeds, or nothing is

and in its time, God will bring forth an abundant

going to happen. Everything in life starts as a seed:

harvest…a harvest that gives life. Happy planting!

ideas, relationships, businesses and even churches.

But, here’s the thing…nothing is going to happen with those seeds unless they

New Year’s Resolutions, but spring might be a sneakygood time to try some new things. Spring is a more laidback, low-pressure opportunity to try a few changes that might actually stick. There’s just enough external motivation to make the internal motivation easier on you, without all of the pressure and high expectations that New Year’s Resolutions can have. Just go with the flow, keep it simple and casual, and try a few of these very easy habits one at a time to make them last.

Your New Spring Thing Challenge is to try something new in your day to day routine. You can add something beneficial (my favorite and easiest intervention), remove something detrimental (even if it’s just 10% of something, not even necessarily the whole thing),

even thinking or paying attention to the consequences.

bring glory to God. We take our seeds, we plant them, we care for them and we wait on God. It takes faith to plant a dead seed in the ground and wait for it to produce a crop. about a

bountiful harvest in John 12:24. He says, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel

6

Now don’t get too carried away like you might with your

really entrenched that habit. You just do it without

And, faith and obedience

reaping

to our own health and well-being.

month or year or decade has passed by where you’ve

showing an act of faith.

and

up on and use for our own personal gain when it comes

start down a bad habit path and before you know it, a

being obedient to Him and

sowing

turns green. There’s an external cue that we can pick

and familiarity and convenience. Therefore it’s easy to

when we do so we are

us

newness in spring: Farmers plant, eggs hatch, grass

them around. We’re creatures of habit; we like comfort

us to plant seeds because

teaches

behind. There’s kind of an inherent opportunity for

do a full replacement, or shuffle things up and move

are planted. God requires

Jesus

a new healthy habit or two, but spring isn’t too far

VITALBYPOET.COM

Schedule a workout in the morning instead of the evening.

Try a different type of workout.

Brush your teeth at a different point in the morning.

Drink one more bottle of water a day.

Swap in one bottle of water for one soda.

Attend a new class.

Eat one more fist-sized serving of veggies.

They don’t have to be big, radical changes all at once, just tweak one little thing or add an easy win to your

Here’s some ideas to get you started:

day and grow it from there. You just might find a

Pack your lunch the night before.

disruptions can yield big dividends.

Pack your workout clothes the night before.

Change isn’t easy, it’s going to make you feel mentally

Add a daily walk.

manageable by breaking it down into simpler forms

Put your walking shoes by the door.

instantaneous, it’s nurtured step by step along the way

Change your normally scheduled lunchtime.

them up brick by brick, and be good to yourself along

more efficient and healthier way to live. Little, fun

and physically uncomfortable, but you can make it and setting yourself up for victory. Success isn’t with planning and effort. Give yourself time, build the way.

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

7

opportunity is everywhere if you know where to look

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What’s more, sustainability and environmental conservation are key in each and every process we develop. That’s why our commitment to provide the separating technology required to produce renewable biofuels and agricultural co-products is as strong as ever. To learn more about GEA’s centrifuges and separation equipment and the industries we serve, email us at sales.unitedstates@gea.com, call 800-722-6622, or visit us online at gea.com.

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.

Expanding Market Access to

88 UNLEADED

by Steve Lange

10

VITALBYPOET.COM

In May of 2019, the Environmental

from 30 to 50% of their total fuel sales.

of

Protection Agency (EPA)--driven by

Less than a year later, in March

stores based in Pennsylvania, HBIIP

President Donald Trump’s promise

of 2020, the U.S. Department of

reinforces one of its company’s core

to “unleash the power of E15 to fuel

Agriculture (USDA) announced the

tenets: consumer choice.

our country all year long”--finally

next step in the plan to “unleash the

“Not only do we want to offer the

removed the 30-year-old restrictions

power of E15.”

consumer more choices,” says Mike

that had limited retail sales of E15

The Higher Blends Infrastructure

Lorenz, Executive Vice President of

during the summer months.

Incentive

will

Petroleum Supply at Sheetz, “but we

Many considered it a test, of sorts,

provide

grants

want to offer them better choices. We

to see what consumers would do

for retailers to make it easier for

can now offer customers this cheaper

with that new choice. And whether

consumers to buy domestic ethanol

fuel that is also higher octane and

retailers would want to invest in E15,

and biodiesel.

cleaner burning and creates American

Program $100

(HBIIP)

million

in

family-owned

convenience

which is regularly marketed as--and maybe better known as--Unleaded 88.

E15 passed that test.

Consumers bought a record 500 million gallons of E15 in 2019. The average retail site saw summer sales of the fuel increase 46% on a per-store basis, according to Growth Energy, the trade association that represents more than 100 biofuel producers across the country. Retailers reported that sales of E15 jumped to anywhere

This program will help bolster the domestic market for America’s farm families and grow investments in rural communities.

This program is a win for our farmers, consumers and the environment.

“The Higher Blends Infrastructure

jobs. We’ve always seen E15 as a great

Incentive

value proposition for the consumer

market

Program access

homegrown,

to

will

expand

clean-burning,

affordable

on many levels.”

biofuels

Sheetz, in fact, was one of the first of

across the nation,” says Rob Walther,

the forward-thinking major retailers

the Vice President of Federal Affairs at

when it came to carrying E15. In

POET. “This program will help bolster

2013, they were an early member of

the domestic market for America’s

Prime the Pump, an industry program

farm families and grow investments

designed to bring E15 to high-volume

in rural communities. This program

retailers. In 2015, they signed on with

is a win for our farmers, consumers,

the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership

and the environment.”

(BIP), a precursor to HBIIP.

For retailers like Sheetz, a chain

“The two biggest reasons we initially

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

11

got into E15 were Prime the Pump

existing locations to carry E15. And,

happened with the increase of E15

bushels and 168 bushels per acre.

Walther, who is based in Washington

and BIP,” says Lorenz, who has been

he says, other retailers will use these

sales in 2019, and they realized the

International

been

D.C., believes that more access —

with Sheetz for 20 years. “And we

incentives to finally get into the E15

potential positives for everyone, from

stagnant for decades (and account

E15 can now be purchased at 2,000

appreciate the fact that the USDA will

and biodiesel market.

the consumer to the retailer to the

for only 15% of annual corn sales),

stations in 30 states — means more

be administering the new HBIIP. In

The HBIIP, according to the USDA,

American farmer.”

and average corn yields for the next

consumer confidence in the fuel.

the previous BIP program, the states

is designed to “help facilities convert

For

the

few years are expected to reach

“We have over 10 billion miles

oversaw the grants, and each of the

to higher ethanol and biodiesel blend-

HBIIP is expected to help drive the

an all-time high of 185 bushels per

traveled in this country on E15,” says

states administered things differently.

friendly status.” This help — $100

production of an additional 7 billion

acre, producing well over 14 billion

Walther. “E15 is the most tested fuel in

Now we’ll have the consistency of

million to be distributed over the next

gallons of biofuel every year, which

bushels.

the history of fuels in this country, and

going directly through the USDA, a

year — will come in the form of grants

would create a homegrown market

“Renewable biofuels are really the

those tests have shown it is perfectly

group that really understands the

to install new pumps and retrofit old

for 2 billion annual bushels of corn.

best way to increase the sale of corn

safe, and better for your vehicle.”

importance of the program.”

ones, run new fuel lines and buy and

That number roughly matches the

and bolster its price,” says Walther.

While Growth Energy and POET

Today, Sheetz serves more than

bury new storage tanks.

USDA’s prediction of 2019’s corn

“This HBIIP program is going to

have praised the HBIIP program,

1.5 million customers every day.

“The USDA absolutely understands

carryout (the amount left over after

help retailers carry E15, and let the

both hope it’s yet another step toward

They carry E15—which they label as

the economics of E15 and they have

the immediate need for a grain has

consumer decide once and for all

leveling the playing field when it

“Unleaded 88”—in 280 of their 600

put together a program that will

been met). A rise in E15 could create

what they want to buy. Do they like

comes to competing with Big Oil.

stores across six states.

have a significant impact on the

an instant market for that excess corn.

saving money? Do they like buying a

Both groups, for instance, believe it

Lorenz says the HBIIP will help

marketplace,” says Mike O’Brien, Vice

And yields continue to rise. Even

product that’s better for their health?

is important that HBIIP is extended to

Sheetz offset the costs of installing E15

President of Market Development

with a record-wet spring, 2019 corn

Better for the environment? That has

cover multiple years of funding.

with every new store while retooling

with Growth Energy. “They saw what

production came in at 13.7 billion

more domestic resource in it? We

“This is the type of program that can

want to let the market decide.”

make a real difference,” says O’Brien.

the

American

farmer,

markets

have

“This is a program that can make

We can now offer customers this cheaper fuel that is also higher octane and cleaner burning and creates American jobs. We’ve always seen E15 as a great value proposition for the consumer on many levels.

long-term inroads for the industry, especially if they extend this out to multiple years.”

Another one of the ways to level that field centers around revisiting the Environmental Protection Agency’s required on-pump labeling of E15.

“When the EPA created the labeling, they made it look about as scary as you could possibly make it,” says Walther.

“It’s orange and black, Halloween colors, and it makes people very concerned about a fuel that is the best option ever available to drivers.”

For

Mike

designation

Lorenz, itself

was

the

E15

confusing

for Sheetz customers. “We call the product Unleaded 88,” says Lorenz.

“Ninety-seven percent of the gasoline sold in the U.S. is E10, but if you said

octane number. There’s no reason we shouldn’t be able to market it just like we market other fuels. Because we know consumers want this product.”

And, he says, the HBIIP—that $100 million investment into ethanol and biodiesel—means more retailers will carry E15, more consumers will buy E15, and more American farmers will find more markets for the country’s excess corn.

“Sure, some customers may only buy it because it’s a better value,” Lorenz says. “But that’s fine, too. We know they’re buying a product that is cleaner burning, better for the environment,

reduces

dependence

on foreign oil, and creates American jobs.”

‘E10’ to anyone, no one knows what that is. Likewise, they don’t have any idea what E15 is. They understand unleaded gasoline and that 88 is the

12

VITALBYPOET.COM

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

13

POET PAC

POET PAC

Members in Action

My experience changed my perception of what the PAC is doing for our company and industry. To see our policy teams in action was enlightening and an eye-opener. The

Late last year, biofuel supporters from around the country met in Washington D.C. to advocate on behalf of the biofuel industry. POET PAC members joined this effort and shared their personal stories with elected leaders about the devastating impact the anti-biofuel decisions made in Washington have on our health, economy and future. Here’s what a few attendees had to say about their experience:

effort put in each and every day to keep POET and others like us in the game was inspiring. It puts into perspective what mine and the rest of POET PAC contributor funds are doing for this industry. If you are not already, I strongly encourage you to get involved. We need your help!

Justin Strawn, IT Business Analyst III, POET, LLC Prior to the trip, I believed that our political involvement was important, but my experience has taught

The most interesting part of my experience on the Hill

me that it is vital. I have a greater appreciation for the

was to meet with the congressional offices and share our

work that goes into representing our industry and I know

message with both those who are avid supporters and

that even in difficult times we continue to make headway

those who are not. Before this experience, I did not fully

in Washington. I can clearly see us taking steps toward

appreciate the importance of our presence in Washington

a more renewable future as we educate leaders on the

and the work that needs to be done to keep legislators

benefits of biofuels

informed about issues that affect our industry. After seeing my POET PAC dollars in action, I will continue to be a biofuel advocate and encourage others to get involved.

Aaron Riswold, Senior Financial Business Partner, POET, LLC Bill Rosenau, Laboratory Technician II at POET Biorefining – Groton

Want to get involved? Join POET PAC today. www.poetpac.com

(605) 965-2377

poetpac@poet.com

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.

POET PAC members, along with other biofuel supporters, gathered for three days to advocate for the biofuel industry. During this time they met with elected leaders and were able to recognize those who have been outstanding champions over the years.

14

PAID FOR BY POET PAC THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

15

POET’s Newest Co-product POET uses strengths in engineering and operations to meet critical need & protect frontline workers from COVID-19 Soon after COVID-19 began sweeping the nation, consumers started rapidly stocking up on health-safety products to protect themselves from the virus.

Adobe Analytics, an agency that monitors E-commerce transactions for the top 80 online retailers, reported that the December-to-January demand for hand sanitizer jumped more than 1,000%. Nielsen, a company that collects sales data from point of sale scanners, reported hand sanitizer sales in the United States were up 73% in February alone.

Unfortunately, this increase in demand led to severe disruption to supply chains of personal protective equipment (PPE) like hand sanitizer. Suddenly, front-line workers – including health care providers and hospital workers – did not have access to the critical supplies needed to prevent the spread of the virus and keep them healthy.

“Hand-washing is certainly the best defense mechanism to protect ourselves and prevent the spread of the virus, however, we need something to use when we don’t have access to a sink,” said Linda Studer, the Administrator at

16

VITALBYPOET.COM

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

17

long-term care facility Good Samaritan Society - Luther

To help alleviate the challenges front-line workers

Manor in Sioux Falls, SD.

were facing to keep themselves safe, Jeff Broin, Founder

Studer saw the shortage firsthand as she worked to

and CEO of POET, knew there had to be something his

protect the residents of Luther Manor, many of which

company could do.

fall into a higher-risk category for COVID-19. Across

With POET’s mission in mind -- to be good stewards of

the nation, nursing homes and assisted living facilities

the Earth by converting renewable resources to valuable

have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic as

goods as effectively as possible -- the company embraced

workers struggle to fight a disease that can be especially

its culture of innovation and used its resources and

dangerous for those over 65.

expertise to create a new bio-based sanitizer product.

“We were definitely impacted by the supply chain

To achieve this, POET engineers worked tirelessly to

disruption and it was instant. All of a sudden you couldn’t

create an additional distillation process for corn, which

find hand sanitizer anywhere. We had what we thought

results in pharmaceutical-grade ethanol, which is then

to be a significant supply in our building but when we

blended into a sanitizer product. The effort required

put in our routine order we were notified it couldn’t be

the company to adjust its manufacturing processes at

fulfilled. We even went out in the community and bought

biorefineries, work around the clock and lean into its

what we could find which wasn’t much. We just couldn’t

strengths in engineering and operations.

find it anywhere,” said Studer.

POET team members worked around the clock to adjust manufacturing processes at the biorefineries and leaned into the company’s strengths in engineering and operations to create a superior, all-natural sanitizer product.

A Superior Product

This shortage was not limited to just South Dakota.

A March NBC poll of 250 health

care

providers

from across the country found that many workers were

facing

severe

shortages of basic sanitary supplies, including hand sanitizer, and were afraid of running out.

“Hand

sanitizer

is

critical to our infection control protocols. It’s a

Suddenly, frontline workers, including health care providers and hospital workers did not have access to the critical supplies needed to prevent the spread of the virus and keep them healthy.

The resulting product is pharmaceutical grade, meets

FDA

guidelines

and has been verified by toxicologists as safe for human health. In fact, purified ethanol has been used in hand sanitizers and

disinfectants

for

years before the COVID pandemic.

safe, effective and quick

“We wanted to create

way to make sure we’re

a superior product. Our

safe and our residents are

frontline workers deserve nothing but the best. We’re

safe,” said Studer.

proud of what we’ve been able to create and the impact it will have in protecting the public,” says Rod Pierson,

Biofuel Producers Called to Help

Senior Vice President & General Manager for POET Design & Construction.

In March, the World Health Organization called on

Once the process and product were finalized, POET

industry and governments to increase the manufacturing

partnered with Sioux Falls-based companies Senproco

of PPE by 40% to meet global demand. In response, the

Inc. and Cimarron to package and label the sanitizer for

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidance for

consumer use.

the production of alcohol-based hand sanitizer products.

Rural

communities

have

often

symbolized

the

American spirit of hard work and generosity. During this challenging time, biofuel producers, a critical component of rural America, have once again lived up to that reputation.

18

VITALBYPOET.COM

Donating to those in Need It wasn’t difficult to find a need for the product. After an initial donation to Pioneer Health in Viborg, South

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

19

Dakota, POET partnered with the City of Sioux Falls and the South Dakota Health Care Coalition to identify organizations with the greatest need and oversee the distribution of the donated product.

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue pick up a donation of POET sanitizer to help protect themselves while working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We wanted to create a superior product.

Our frontline workers deserve nothing but the best. We’re proud of what we’ve been able to create and the impact it will have in protecting the public.

“We were feeling kind of desperate about hand sanitizer. We were down to just a few days’ supply when the POET donation arrived, so the timing could not have been better,” says Stader. “The sanitizer provided not only relief but also great peace of mind for our staff. We know it does the job we need it to and that it’s killing germs.”

Next Steps As the country continues to battle the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the need for consumer sanitizer products is unlikely to go away.

POET has scaled up production of hand sanitizer at three of its 27 biorefineries. It is now supplying the product at local retail stores and online at sanitizerbypoet.com.

“It is crucial that we prevent shortages of PPE as we saw when this pandemic began. People need to stay safe and POET is grateful to be in a position to help with those efforts. It’s not something we see going away anytime soon,” said Pierson.

USDA Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue specifically called out the efforts of biofuel producers working to Hartford Fire and Rescue receive POET hand sanitizer donation. The donation will allow officers to keep hand sanitizer in each truck, ensuring they are able to stay safe while working with the public.

20

VITALBYPOET.COM

provide relief during the pandemic. “Thank you for being Americans and doing what it takes day in and day out to make this country as great as it has been. So to our ethanol industry: Thank you again for participating in this national emergency in a very helpful, American kind of way.”

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

21

RENEW

POET biorefineries across the Midwest have stepped up to help frontline workers fight COVID-19 by donating precious personal protective gear (PPE) such as masks, gloves, sanitizer and goggles.

POET Biorefining – Caro donated PPE supplies to McLaren Hospital and Compassus Hospice in Caro, MI. The team was able to donate 2000 pairs of gloves, 20 safety glasses, 30 N95 face masks, 17 N99 face masks and 2 safety goggles.

POET Biorefining—Preston donated personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies to the Rochester Salvation Army in Rochester, MN. The team was grateful to have an opportunity, no matter how big or small, to help the people working on the frontlines of the pandemic and making a difference in our communities.

The team at POET Biorefining—Coon Rapids donated N95 masks to St. Anthony Hospital located nearby in Carroll, IA which was experiencing a severe shortage of PPE required to keep their health care staff and staff working on the frontlines of COVID-19 safe.

22

VITALBYPOET.COM

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

23

RENEW

DIRECTORY To receive free information about products or services advertised or listed in this issue, please contact advertisers via their web address.

PG ADVERTISER 27 AgCountry 52 BBI

POET Biorefining—Marion donated 15 boxes of nitrile

15

GEA Group

23

Growth Energy

02 Novozymes

exam gloves to Ohio Health Marion General

22 POET

Hospital in Marion, OH.

08 POET-DSM 09 POET 44

POET Biorefining—

C4 POET

Marion also facilitated a

27

60-Gallon Hand Sanitizer donation to the Lexington, KY Police Department.

The sanitizer was made in partnership with Oakley Brothers’ Distillery who produced the sanitizer using ethanol supplied by the Marion biorefinery.

24

POET Nutrition

VITALBYPOET.COM

Seeds of Change

URL www.agcountry.com www.bbibiofuels.com www.gea.com www.growthenergy.org www.novozymes.com www.poet.com www.poet-dsm.com www.poet.com www.dakotagold.com www.poet.com www.seedsofchange.org

Seeds Change OF

Cultivating hope in the face of crisis

by Miranda Broin

to make more. The strips help a great deal for individuals required to wear masks all day, as they extend the mask’s elastic straps away from one’s ears to relieve pain and discomfort.

The product has a simple design but requires substantial time and resources to print.

That’s where Seeds of Change was able to step in. Although we and all of the Mission Hope participants were devastated by the cancellation of this year’s service trip, we are extremely grateful for the ability to reallocate some of those funds and benefit frontline workers here at home by funding Olson’s facemask extender project.

“The devices alleviate pain and pressure for the critical workers in our communities,” said Olson. “We were thrilled to be able to help them in some small way with the support from Seeds of Change.”

More than 17,000 strips have been

We may feel helpless, but we are

times, it can be easy to get caught up

not.

in the negativity; to feel helpless as the

Challenging times have a way of

entire world is turned upside down

creating opportunities to bring hope

around us while we’re confined to our

to those who need it most. Despite the

homes.

many difficulties we’re all facing and

At Seeds of Change, we’ve faced

the uncertainty that lies ahead, Seeds

disruption and disappointment as

of Change has been able to come

well. Some of our favorite and most

together with individuals at home and

successful fundraisers – at which we

abroad to spread some positivity and

get to interact with our dedicated

goodwill in the face of crisis.

we must not take for granted how

Making a difference on the frontlines

resources, comforts, and amenities

supporters

and

share

or

postponed

in

indefinitely.

We

were forced to cancel our annual Mission Hope trip for the safety of everyone involved, an unfortunate but necessary decision that was not made lightly. And, most importantly, we’ve been concerned about our friends and partners overseas as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc in every corner of the world.

VITALBYPOET.COM

surrounding

of us are tired of the monotony of quarantining at home. But while these circumstances are certainly not ideal, blessed we are to have access to basic that millions around the world are lacking.

Fortunately, Seeds of Change has been able to work with some of our incredible partner organizations to ease the strain of stay-at-home orders for hundreds of families in need.

After using his husband’s 3D printer

Olson was inundated with requests

and

There’s no doubt about it – many

Sioux Falls.

a neighbor in early April, Mitchell

Falls

Food for Change

First came a local opportunity in

to make facemask ear-saver strips for

Sioux

communities to date.

important

project updates – have been canceled

26

printed and distributed to individuals

In the midst of these unprecedented

Mitchell Olson smiles with 3D printed mask strips donated

by Seeds of Change.

AsOne Ministries, a Seeds of Change partner, works with communities in Uganda to eliminate poverty through

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

27

holistic

development.

campaign helped to prove that it has

However, their mission, like ours,

not squandered people’s compassion

has been interrupted by the impact

or generosity.

of COVID-19, causing them to pivot in

“Early on in this crisis, I heard it said

order to meet more immediate needs

that this moment in history presents

in their project areas.

an opportunity to fortify communities

With

community

a

country-wide

lockdown

of love and care for our neighbors,”

in place, food scarcity has quickly

said Andrew DeVaney, AsOne Founder

become a pervasive problem in rural

and CEO. “In this present moment, we

Uganda. Many casual workers and

must lead in a way that reduces fear

day laborers have been forced to stay

and increases hope. In the simplest yet

home, nearly halting the economic

most profound ways, Seeds of Change,

activity of the country and leaving

AsOne, and a community of great

many families unable to obtain daily

people showed what it truly means to

meals. AsOne was able to provide

love our neighbor as ourselves when

relief to hundreds of families with a

they needed it most.”

food security campaign in early April, but a three-week extension of the lockdown on April 14 exacerbated the issue even further.

Nairobi food distribution

That’s when AsOne partnered with us to launch “Food for Change,” an

The people of Kenya are facing great

online campaign to raise another

difficulties in the face of COVID-19 as

$10,000 dollars in order to provide

well, especially in the vulnerable slum

700 families in rural Uganda with

communities in the heart of Nairobi.

enough meals and hygiene products

Poor sanitation and overcrowding

to last through 2.5 additional weeks of

make

lockdown.

impossible, and a strict nationwide

In just a week, “Food for Change”

curfew has been violently enforced by

was able to raise more than $5,000,

the police.

which was matched by Seeds of

The movement restrictions have left

Change to distribute more than 850

many individuals wondering where

food packages to feed more than

they will get their next meal, causing

4,000 Ugandans. The pandemic has

desperation and, at times, sheer panic.

certainly shaken the world, but this

In fact, a food distribution organized

physical

distancing

nearly

Through a collaboration with Seeds of Change, AsOne Ministries was able to distribute 850 food packages to individuals living in rural Uganda at the end of April. The country was on lockdown for several weeks due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Primary school students in Nairobi smile after receiving food packets through Light Up Hope.

28

VITALBYPOET.COM

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

29

In this present moment, we must lead in a way that reduces fear and increases hope. In the simplest yet most profound ways, Seeds of Change, AsOne, and a community of great people showed what it truly means to love our neighbor as ourselves when they needed it most.

by a well-wisher in the Kibera slum on April 10 turned to chaos when a stampede occurred, leaving several injured and two dead.

Light Up Hope, a Seeds of Change

Seeds of Change has sponsored a feeding program for students at Waterlink Primary School in Nairobi since January of this year.

partner organization that works to pave a path out of poverty for orphans and other impoverished Kenyans, came to us with a great opportunity to take action. Since January of this year, we have been in collaboration to implement a feeding program at Waterlink Primary and provide staff salaries at Gifted Prince Primary, two schools in the Nairobi slums.

However, with Kenya’s schools no longer in session, these programs were put on hold.

Thanks to Light Up Hope and their team on the ground in Kenya, Seeds of Change will sponsor food packages for all 343 students from the two schools in May. Each package contains

Primary school students in Nairobi smile after receiving food packets through Light Up Hope.

flour, porridge, cooking oil, sugar, and soap for the students to take home to their families for the month. Due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, we hope to provide these packages for as many months as they are needed.

COVID-19 may be keeping us apart physically, but we have never seen such an outpouring of compassion

Andrew DeVaney, AsOne Founder and CEO

and kindness, or so much effort to come together for the good of others.

We are beyond grateful for the continued funding, prayers, and kind words from our incredible supporters, giving us a glimpse of the hope that will sprout from the wreckage when this storm passes.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. –Galatians 6:9

30

VITALBYPOET.COM

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

31

POET Celebrates International Women’s Day

by Jessica Sexe

mily Skor, CEO of Growth

Day. International Women’s Day is

brothers. We chopped the firewood

Energy, the largest biofuels

celebrated globally on March 8 and

and we ironed the linen napkins for

trade organization, knows

is an opportunity to honor the social,

Thanksgiving dinner. There were no

that oftentimes she is the

economic,

gender roles in our family. The girls

only woman in a meeting. In

achievements of women.

cultural

and

political

did everything and we just didn’t talk

fact, she may be the only female CEO

Growing

Paul,

about it. I went to an all-woman’s

many people she encounters have

Minnesota, Skor wasn’t always so

college, and so there again, you didn’t

ever met. But, that’s not something

aware of traditional gender roles. “I

talk about who’s raising their hand

that deters her or motivates her.

was one of four girls in my family, no

and who’s talking in class,” said Skor.

up

in

Saint

Skor isn’t driven by breaking gender stereotypes, or being the best female CEO. She’s driven by the enormous potential of biofuels to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change, bolster the rural economy and provide affordable fuel to consumers. She also strives to be the best CEO she can be, gender aside.

In March, POET hosted Skor for a Q&A session for team members

Skor isn’t driven by breaking gender stereotypes, or being the best female CEO. She’s driven by the enormous potential of biofuels to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change, bolster the rural economy and provide affordable fuel to consumers.

as part of a series of events to celebrate

32

VITALBYPOET.COM

International

Women’s

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

33

When she entered the workforce,

the highest-grossing firms. While that

serve as General Managers at POET

and girls believing they can be in

the importance of providing these

community.

gender roles were still not something

number is low, it is an improvement

Biorefineries. Boynton has been with

similar positions. However, she says

opportunities.

mission

In addition to outreach events,

that she noticed or sought out.

from years prior.

POET for 17 years, and was most

working in the biofuels industry

and vision center on changing the

POET has also supported the next

However, she does acknowledge that

Nationally,

also

recently promoted to the General

is about rising to the occasion and

world and tackling some of the most

generation of leaders through the

although she may not aspire to break

underrepresented in the fields of

Manager role at POET Biorefining –

overcoming obstacles, not about an

pressing social and environmental

Never Satisfied Scholarship Program.

gender stereotypes, by being a female

science, technology, engineering and

Caro in Caro, Michigan. As a woman

individual’s gender. “This position

issues like climate change. We need

Now in its fourth year, POET has

CEO, she is doing it every day.

math (STEM). While women fill 47%

in a traditionally male dominated

suits me well because I enjoy facing

everyone, women and men, to help us

annually selected 10 students who

“In my day I most often am the

of all U.S. jobs, they make up only 24%

industry, Boynton credits her success

new challenges and encouraging my

work toward these goals.”

have embodied a ‘Never Satisfied’

only, or one of very few women in a

of the STEM workforce. However, at

to mentors who believed in her

team to do the same. I want to help

POET continued the celebration

mentality to be awarded a scholarship

meeting. And that’s in any meeting,

POET Research, more than 30% of

abilities and her passion to take on

remove the stigma that women can’t

of International Women’s Day by

of $5,000. To be selected, students

whether I’m in the Midwest or in

science and technical positions are

new challenges every day.

work in bioprocessing. At POET, we

partnering with Women’s Day of

must show that they are working to

Washington, DC. If it’s a meeting in

held by women. The areas of expertise

“Unfortunately,

women

are looking for individuals who want

Service, an event focused

the White House, if it’s Capitol Hill, if

that female scientists and engineers

and girls may not see themselves

to work with us toward our mission to

on helping women in the

it’s stakeholders. So that’s my norm

bring to POET include analytical

in a leadership role, especially as a

change the world, and we need driven

Sioux Falls community who

and I’m pretty used to it. So for me, my

chemistry, enzymology, microbiology

General Manager of a bioprocessing

men and women to join our team to

lack access to resources.

focus is not to be the best female CEO,

and engineering.

facility,” said Boynton.

do so,” said Boynton.

The event was preceded by

it’s to be the best CEO,” said Skor.

Many of the women working at

Boynton

According to the latest Fortune 500

POET are breaking gender stereotypes.

lack of female examples in STEM

list, female CEOs made up just 6.6% of

Becky Pitz and Emily Boynton both

can

women

are

many

recognizes

contribute

to

that

fewer

POET team members and their families package donations for Women’s Day of Service

34

VITALBYPOET.COM

“POET’s

the

women

At POET, we are looking for individuals who want to work with us toward our mission to change the world, and we need driven men and women to join our team to do so.

To facilitate the next generation

a donation drive at POET

of women and men to contribute to

for basic toiletries, hygiene

their mission to change the world,

products

POET oversees a number of outreach

essentials for new moms.

and educational opportunities for

“The goal of this project is

students. One such initiative is a

about supporting women in

partnership

and

our community who need a

the South Dakota School of Mines

little extra help or love. The

and Technology (SDSMT) Women

women we are supporting

in Science and Engineering (WiSE)

may be at a place in their

program.

to

life where everyday items

educate, recruit, retain and graduate

that we take for granted are

academically motivated women in

a luxury for them, or hard

STEM fields through outreach events.

to come by. Providing these

These events allow women and girls

items seems simple, but

in the South Dakota Black Hills region

to them can help provide

to interact with female professionals

relief, comfort or even fill a need they

change the world for the better. Two

in STEM fields and exposes them to

have” said Women’s Day of Service

previous recipients, Hailey Kingsbury

the many opportunities available in

event organizer Heather Krause. In

and Emerson Peaslee, are using the

STEM careers through interactive

total, POET team members donated

opportunity provided to them by

exhibits and mentorship.

thousands of sanitary products and 35

POET to make the world a better place

Amber Unser, Vice President of

New Mommy Kits to over 850 women

for other women through access to

People and Culture at POET, recognizes

in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota

clean water.

between

WiSE

is

POET

designed

and

helpful

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

35

and girls in developing nations face of gathering water.

When asked about her future plans Peaslee

explained,

“My

eventual

goal is to work with an organization that builds wells in these developing countries so that we can help provide water to women that will free up time for them to get a job, get an education, and support their family in a different way.” Peaslee explained that many girls in developing nations are pulled out of school to help gather water at a very young age. “I personally think that education is one of the biggest tools that can be used to decrease the disparity between men and women,” says Peaslee.

These efforts to help women locally and globally are at the core of the message Emily Skor provided POET team members when asked for advice on how to advance one’s career.

“Be kind. A lot of people think to have power it comes with having an attitude, and being a jerk, and

big ideas

just crushing people and burning

Hailey

a

Never

time

bridges. And that’s one approach. And

Satisfied scholar of 2019, founded

disproportionate

seeking it out. This is precious time

there’s some very successful people

the philanthropy ‘Girls for Girls’ in

that could be spent on their education

who take that approach. That is not

between studying for her bachelor’s

or earning income. Kingsbury says

my approach. Maybe it’s because

degree in Speech Pathology and

she was inspired by POET’s nonprofit

I’m female, I tend to be more of a

Audiology at Miami University in

Seeds of Change, whose mission is

consensus builder, but you meet a lot

Oxford, OH. Girls for Girls seeks to

to cultivate sustainable, worldwide

of people on the way up and you meet

provide access to clean water for

change

the same people on the way down,”

women and girls in underdeveloped

through the power of education and

said Skor.

nations. “With Girls for Girls, I have

agriculture.

Consensus building and inclusion

the mission to provide people with

Emerson Peaslee, another Never

are more important than ever in

access to clean water and to empower

Satisfied scholar of 2019, was also

today’s

young girls to use their talents to

inspired to help girls and women

we’re facing—climate change, hunger

serve others. Access to clean water is

through Seeds of Change. Peaslee

and disease—are not goals unique to

an issue that is not easily solved, but I

is a freshman at the University of

POET. These are seemingly impossible

hope that my actions help to bring us

Iowa

Environmental

challenges that each of us must

closer to a solution,” says Kingsbury.

Engineering. She works with her local

work toward for the betterment of

Many women in developing nations

chapter of Engineers without Borders

humanity and the world. It will take

are responsible for providing water

to help build and restore wells to

all of us, men and women, working in

for their family’s sanitation, drinking

provide a clean source of water for

unity to find and apply the solution,

and cooking needs. Without readily

people in El Salvador. Peaslee was

together.

available clean water, women spend a

similarly moved by the burden women

by

majoring

amount

of

transforming

in

VITALBYPOET.COM

lives

environment.

The

issues

open doors to big solutions 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.

POET.COM

36

Kingsbury,

by Matt Merritt

Barry Dunn, the state’s agriculture

It provides growth and opportunities

in South Dakota, with

industry is missing out on enormous

for all residents.

dreams of a perpetual

opportunities.

Rather

than

Jim Rankin, President of SDSMT,

harvest of new ideas and

transforming

commodities

into

says universities support growing

economic prosperity.

higher-value products, South Dakota

business

South Dakota Gov. Kristi

ships most of it out. Two-thirds of the

Dakota because they want to train

Noem on March 27 signed into law

state’s soybeans and 40% of the state’s

students to work in industries that

an

corn is exported out of state.

support the state.

develop a bioprocessing R&D facility

Dunn told lawmakers he’d like to

“Economic development is a big

in Brookings, S.D. What is being

change that.

part of what we think is important,”

called “South Dakota BioAgriculture

“With this initiative, new products

he says. “How do we create more

2025” is a research collaboration

and new businesses will be developed

jobs?

between private businesses and two

in our state around those bioprocesses

companies? How do we keep more

universities to create value-added

and products,” he says. “And those

of our graduates in the state of South

agricultural products, spawn new

new products will put us in the world

Dakota?”

businesses and put South Dakota

marketplace with much higher-value

POET President and Chief Operating

among the leaders in ag and science

products.”

Officer Jeff Lautt says agriculture is “the

nationwide.

BioAgriculture

with

engine of South Dakota’s economy.” It

The bill’s primary sponsor – South

funding for the facility’s planning

is the No. 1 industry, responsible for

Dakota Rep. David Anderson – has

and

building

20% of the state’s economic activity

called his bill “A Time to Plant, and a

partnerships with private businesses.

and $21 billion annually. That makes

Time to Reap.”

With additional federal and private

it the perfect place for an initiative

investment, the new facility will

like BioAgriculture 2025.

A Time to Plant

hey’re planting a seed

appropriation

At

a

February

to

design

and

Appropriations

design

as

2025 well

starts as

meeting, he asked colleagues for

launch in 2022.

approval to position South Dakota for

Dave Bushong, Senior Vice President

the future. He asked them to plant the

of Research at POET, says universities

seed.

with

“This seed is going to need some

and private businesses with their

fertilizer,” he says. “It’s going to need

expertise in taking ideas and creating

some water, sunshine and cultivation.

commercial

… We want to plant a seed today that

partners. Similar efforts have yielded

the harvest may not come for 10

results in other industries. The Bay

years, 20 years, 30 years. But you get

Area, for example, with universities

no harvest if you don’t plant a seed.”

including Stanford and UC-Berkeley is

BioAgriculture 2025

their

research

value

capabilities

are

perfect

known today for microbiology due to such initiatives.

“I think South Dakota is striving to

South Dakota BioAgriculture 2025

become a leader in the fundamental

will allow students from South Dakota

conversion of ag commodities to

State University and the South Dakota

value-added products,” he says.

School of Mines and Technology to work hand-in-hand with researchers and experts from private companies to develop new uses for the state’s crop and forestry products.

According

to

SDSU

Economic development for all Economic

President

development

benefits

more than just individual businesses.

opportunities

How

do

we

in

create

South

more

With this initiative, new products and new businesses will be developed in our state around those bioprocesses and products.

And those new products will put us in the world marketplace with much higher-value products.

Barry Dunn, SDSU President

38

VITALBYPOET.COM

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

39

POET’s coproducts include biofuel, feed solutions, asphalt rejuvenator and clarified oils.

POET’s entire enterprise is focused on creating new applications, products and markets for agriculture commodities, new revenue stream for farm families and rewarding careers for the next generation of South Dakotans.

Jeff Lautt, POET President and Chief Operating Officer

The SDSU campus will be home to BioAgriculture 2025. Photo courtesy of SDSU.

“South Dakota with its rich agriculture and the bright minds of its young students has a ripe opportunity to be a leader and to continue to drive the bio-based economy for decades to come,” he says.

Michael

Walz,

POET

Director

of Public Affairs, says renewable innovations could completely redefine the marketplace — shifting prosperity from fossil fuel-producing states to agriculture states. “The Midwest has the abundant renewable resources and

intellectual

capital

to

drive

tomorrow’s bio-based economy,” he says.

“Value-added agriculture not only creates new value for America’s farm families, it also creates exciting homestate career opportunities for many of our best and brightest.” Walz says.

Staff and students at SDSMT have started conducting research to develop new bio-based products at the laboratory level which will be scaled up for broader industry applications. This work will be expanded at the BioAgriculture 2025 facility.

40

VITALBYPOET.COM

The “Next Big Thing” In Gov. Noem’s State-of-the-State Address last year, she challenged South Dakotans to come up with the “Next Big Thing” to drive economic growth in South Dakota.

Noem

says

South

Dakota

BioAgriculture 2025 builds on the state’s success in bioprocessing to drive such growth.

“Bioprocessing is an important part of moving South Dakota forward and expanding business opportunities for families and communities,” she says.

“Transforming South Dakota-grown crops into products that benefit the rest of the state provides support for producers and helps our economy thrive.”

Jeff Lautt agrees.

“POET’s entire enterprise is focused on

creating

new

applications,

products and markets for agriculture commodities, new revenue stream for farm families and rewarding careers for the next generation of South Dakotans,” he says.

Partnerships between universities and businesses can take ideas to new heights, he says.

“It starts with the bright minds of young students combined with the efforts and capabilities of higher education

to

collaborate

with

companies like ours to make that a reality.”

South Dakota’s “Next Big Thing” will be built on its current big thing: agriculture. All it takes is a seed.

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

41

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JOIN POET’S TALENT NETWORK TO BE THE FIRST TO KNOW ABOUT NEW CAREER OPENINGS.

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PEOPLE OF POET

Anna Andersen makes positive impact in her new home as a recent U.S. citizen

by Jessica Sexe

rowing

VITALBYPOET.COM

Poland,

of things that translate.”

visa. To apply for citizenship, she had

Anna Andersen knew she

In her position, Andersen works

to be a green cardholder for at least

wanted to pursue a career

primarily on cellulosic ethanol on

three years. She applied last year and

in science but had no idea

the POET Research team. “In the

it took seven months. “It’s not an easy

end, cellulosic ethanol will be the

process,” says Andersen. However,

one day lead her to work for POET, the

most sustainable way to produce

having a green card/immigration visa

world’s largest producer of biofuels,

biofuels so it’s important to get the

allowed her to do everything a citizen

in a Midwestern community across

technology down so we can use it on

can do except vote in elections and

the world.

a larger scale.” Her days are spent

have certain security clearances.

Andersen received her bachelor’s

in the lab setting up and performing

The

degree

experiments

citizenship

in

Engineering

degree

in

and

her

and

analyzing

and

next

step

to

included

acquiring submitting

Biotechnology

presenting data. “Every day, every

numerous documents to prove her

from Gdansk University of Technology

week is different. There may be a

identity. She then had to take a civics

in Gdansk, Poland.

new way to look at something and we

test and go through an interview,

Andersen’s

44

in

her passion for biochemistry would

master’s

Andersen works in the lab at POET Research

up

husband

is

might change our plans completely.

American and grew up on a farm near

It’s pretty fast-paced and it keeps us

Valley Springs, South Dakota. The

excited.”

couple met while Chris was stationed

POET

in Japan with the U.S. Air Force.

way

They got married shortly before she

tools,

graduated with her master’s degree.

produced from domestic agricultural

After they were married, the two

commodities

lived in Japan for two years before

farmers, economy and environment

Chris was stationed back in the United

thriving

States. The couple lived in New Mexico

really like that I get to work on a

for eight months before moving to

large variety of projects. There are

Brandon to be near Chris’s family.

different types of processes that

Thanks to Chris’s family’s ties to

go into producing biofuels, from

agriculture, Andersen was familiar

pretreatment to enzymatic hydrolysis

with POET when the two moved to the

to fermentation. The fact that I get to

area. She was excited to get a job with

work on all of the processes in one

POET in 2018 as an Associate Research

way or another is pretty exciting.” She

Scientist where she could use her

says that this variety has helped her

knowledge and passion for chemistry

learn many different procedures and

and biology to help toward POET’s

allowed her to expand her knowledge

mission to change the world. “Being

base substantially. “There’s not one

able to work for POET while also being

thing I’ve been doing here since the

close to my husband’s family is a great

beginning and that’s the only thing

opportunity for us,” says Andersen.

I know. I’ve gotten to do a lot of

While

different things.”

Andersen’s

Chris

studies

were

Research

with

products

for

is

leading

innovative and

that years

the

bio-based applications

will to

keep come.

our “I

mostly focused on the food industry,

To become a U.S. Citizen Andersen

she easily sees the connection between

had to first get an immigration visa.

food science and biofuels. “We’re

She started this step while living in

working with corn, we’re working

Japan when her husband got orders

with plants. A lot of the things we

from the military to move to New

use here are similar to what the food

Mexico. The process took almost a

industry would use, so there are lots

year. Afterward, she had to renew her

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

Every day, every week is different.

There may be a new way to look at something and we might change our plans completely.

It’s pretty fastpaced and it keeps us excited.

45

which included testing her writing

their citizenship before the assembled

provided letters of support to the U.S.

and speaking abilities. After that

audience. The ceremony also included

Citizenship and Immigration Services

came a lot of waiting. Andersen said,

a speech from U.S. Magistrate Judge

Office of Homeland Security. Her

“It’s not easy but if you’re honest, you

Veronica Duffy, remarks from Sioux

colleagues also surprised her with

work hard and you have nothing to

Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken and a

flowers, balloons and apple pie when

hide they won’t deny you.”

keynote speech from Clara Hart, a

she returned to the office after the

local immigration rights activists and

citizenship ceremony. “I’ve had a lot of

former refugee.

support from my teammates. They’ve

Andersen said when her name was

been cheering me on and offering to

called she went onstage, introduced

help the whole time. They’ve always

herself and announced where she

made me feel welcome. I’ve never had

was from, received her certificate,

the feeling that I’m any different from

shook hands and went to register

them.”

to vote. “I immediately registered

Her family in Poland was also

myself to vote,” Andersen said it was

excited for her. “They’re excited that I

important to her to finally be able to

get to pursue my career and do things

vote in all elections now that she is a

that I love, and that I found somebody

U.S. Citizen. She felt it was a way she

I can spend my life with, my husband.”

could be active in the community she

In her spare time, Andersen enjoys

now belongs to.

crafting, board games, video games

She also threw an “All-American

and spending time with her three

Party” to celebrate which included

rescue dogs. Her most recent furry

barbecue, sloppy Joes, baked beans,

family member was what Andersen

hot dogs, brownies, cheesecake and

refers to as a ‘foster fail’ meaning they

Doritos.

decided to adopt him into their family

Andersen says her colleagues at

instead of fostering him temporarily.

POET were very supportive during

After volunteering at the Humane

the entire process and many of them

Society for several years, Andersen

I really like that I get to work on a large variety of projects. There are different types of processes that go into producing biofuels, from pretreatment to enzymatic hydrolysis to fermentation. The fact that I get to work on all of the processes in one way or another is pretty exciting.

In December 2019 Andersen learned she was invited to a citizenship ceremony that would take place Jan. 10, 2020, at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls. The ceremony included 192 people from 53 different countries; she was the only person from Poland.

Each person gave their oath of allegiance to the United States in the naturalization ceremony, proclaiming

Andersen works in the lab at POET Research and her husband decided to start

Andersen says now that she has

Americans is that you can have

fostering dogs. She fostered seven

found her own forever home here in

somebody walk down the street, and

dogs before her most recent adoption.

America, it’s important to her to give

you don’t know them but they’ll say,

When asked if it was difficult to be a

back to her community and she can

‘Hi how are you?’” The kindness she’s

foster dog parent she said, “It’s almost

do that by helping animals in need.

been shown by her family in the U.S.,

exciting to see them go to a family

“I don’t know if all Americans realize

her co-workers at POET and even

that can give them all the love they

how awesome it is. It’s a huge nation.

people on the street have all helped

need. Because you know in the foster

Some of the states are the size of

her feel more at home.

environment they get the safety and

countries in Europe, but you’re all

Now that she is a U.S. citizen,

the warmth of the house but they

Americans. It’s a huge community and

Andersen feels that the sky is the

don’t get the same level of attachment

you all have a sense of belonging.”

limit. “The only thing I cannot do is

they get from their forever family. In

When asked if there are any key

be president. I can be a senator but I

the end, they go to a house that they’re

differences between life in Poland

cannot be president.” When asked if

going to spend the next 10, 12, 15

and life in America she replied,

she has political aspirations for the

years in so that’s the ultimate goal to

“I think people here are a little

future she laughed and said: “I think

see them in a house that will be theirs,

nicer to strangers. One odd thing I

I like what I do.”

not just a temporary one.”

noticed when I started living among

Andersen’s Three Rescue Dogs- Dante, Virgil and Pixel

46

VITALBYPOET.COM

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

47

NASCAR UPDATE

Chassis #490

A Token of Gratitude

by Ryan Welsh A famous Greek philosopher wrote that gratitude is not

Richard Childress, NASCAR legend, American Ethanol

only the greatest of the virtues but the parent of all of the

partner and advocate, farmer and Growth Energy

others. A pretty strong statement if you give it some thought.

board member has been with us since the beginning

Especially if he means it tops all other virtues like kindness,

back in 2011. He and his team felt Jeff’s efforts in the

patience and humility to name a few. Recent gestures of

sport garnered a thank-you. Here comes Chassis #490.

gratitude I’ve received comprised of a 12 pack of beer, a bottle of Champagne, even a jar of moonshine.

Unlike Ronald Reagan’s gift, Chassis #490 enters civilian life with a purpose not too far off from the

Pretty good for me. Heads of state have often been known

duty of NASCAR race cars. Jeff wants to use this gift

to exchange noteworthy thank-yous. Back in the late 1960s

to promote, educate and inform on behalf of the

due to Arab kings bringing gifts like luxury cars and fine

industry. This car is far from being retired. Its new

horses, new rules were put in place limiting the value of

life is just beginning. You will see it out and about

gifts our presidents can receive. In 1984 the president of

promoting the benefits of ethanol.

Sri Lanka gifted President Ronald Reagan a baby elephant representing the friendship and similarities between the two countries.

Jeff Broin, founder of both Growth Energy and POET, received one of the most awesome gifts I’ve ever seen from Richard Childress Racing in late December. A legitimate NASCAR race car: The Chassis #490. When I say legitimate, it means it’s not just a shell of a car or a lookalike. It has a history; it has seen action on the track.

Not only has Jeff built POET, the world’s largest producer of biofuels, along with founding Growth Energy, the largest and most flourishing trade organization; He has also led the

Chassis 490

Jeff Broin & Family Stand with Austin Dillon at the 50th Anniversary of Richard Childress Racing in PHX, Arizona.

Built in 2014; retired in 2018 Short track car (Martinsville, Richmond and Loudon)

effort to showcase ethanol as a superior fuel with clean air benefits, first by partnering with IndyCar in 2007 and then in 2011 with NASCAR introducing E15. NASCAR has now

Driven by Austin Dillon – 4,873 miles

logged over 15 million miles on E15 lowering emissions by 20% and at the same time creating more power. Now NASCAR fans are three times more likely than non-fans to use E15 in their own car. It’s a pretty great accomplishment since their fan-base is around 80 million people.

48

Recorded 2 top 5 finishes and 7 top 20 finishes

The Chassis 490, Fueled with E15, on the NASCAR Race Track.

Engine: ECR 761 THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

49

FARM FRESH

Is the Midwest Actually a Tropical Destination?

by Brian Hefty No, the Midwestern United States is not the new go-to spot

have been as humid as Miami, Florida, especially when it

for vacationers in the middle of winter, but when you think

counts most, in the middle of the crop season, June-August.

“tropical,” I assume you think hot and humid. The Midwest has half of that…humidity.

Here’s why I bring this up. Many people still fear drought, and I do, too, but we have only had a handful of droughts in

Here is a chart with humidity percentages from two very

the last 100 years. What ends up saving us, even when we

humid cities. One is Miami, Florida. The other is Baltic,

don’t get much rainfall, is humidity. I can really see that in

South Dakota, located just a few miles from the borders of

South Dakota, because just 150 miles west of us, it is much

Minnesota and Iowa. Can you guess which is which?

less humid. When we get the same rainfall as the farmers to the west on similar soils, we have far more yield due to

2019 Average Humidity Level

the humidity levels.

A

B

The other extremely important thing to know about

January

73

83

considerably less water. When a plant starts to run short on

February

71

84

March

70

84

April

67

79

right balance and amount of plant nutrients in the soil.

May

72

77

2019 was extremely wet in the Midwest, but whether it’s

June

76

69

July

75

81

The other key is to have ample, available nutrients, and

August

76

80

crops more drought-tolerant. All this gives the United States

September

78

85

October

75

77

November

74

83

December

73

89

crops is that if they always have ample nutrients, they use any one nutrient, it will start to draw in more water, even if it doesn’t need the water. It does this in the hopes that more of the nutrient it needs will come in the water. Put simply, you make your crop a water-waster if you don’t have the

a wet or dry year, farmers can raise great crops when humidity levels are as high as they often are in the Midwest. that’s what farmers continue to work on to make their a more consistent and reliable food supply.

No, the Midwest will never be known as a tropical destination, but the extremely high humidity through much of the growing season does mean good news in our constant quest for higher yields.

You may be surprised to learn that Baltic, South Dakota, where our farm is located, is column B, and those are the average humidity levels for each month in 2019, according to the SDSU weather station on our farm. Column A is the average humidity (in percentage) for Miami, Florida for all years, not specific to 2019. In each of the last few years, we

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

51

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CARB and CAFÉ: What You Need to Know

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Automotive advice from The Under the Hood radio show Two of our most-asked questions on Under The Hood are

Powertrain design: This is a big one. Transmissions have

about fuel economy and emissions. As the years have gone

gone from two speeds to three, four and now to eight or

by, fuel economy has gone up and tailpipe emissions have

more in order to multiply torque and efficiency. Engines

gone down, and there’s a reason for it. Let’s look at two of

have gone from simple two-valve engines to overhead cam

the main controlling factors that will help explain why.

multivalve works of art with direct injection and highly

CARB and CAFE are the two acronyms you need to know.

advanced fuel trim and timing systems that can draw every

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is the “clean

bit of power out of the fuel they are delivered.

air division” of the California government. It is a department within the California Environmental Protection Agency.

One of the CARB goals is compliance with air pollution rules and regulations defining vehicle emissions standards.

California is the only state to issue emissions standards under the Clean Air Act. Other states can choose to follow along or set their own standards. However, all states must meet the federal rules. California has a cleaner, stricter standard. All U.S. cars are either Federal or California Emission certified. You will often see California emissions certified cars sold outside of California.

The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards are U.S. Regulations enacted by Congress in 1975, after the Oil Embargo of 1973 to help improve the average miles per gallon (MPG) of light trucks and cars sold in the U.S. There are pages of documents explaining in detail the entire function of both entities, but this gives you a general idea. Both agencies combine to give us rules which make manufacturers produce cleaner, more efficient vehicles.

So, as you know, we are not politicians on Under The Hood and don’t care to be. We are, however, mechanics and have been for over 30 years so politics aside we will try to give you the lowdown on what makes fuel economy

36th

and emissions from the tailpipe change from our years of

ANNUAL

hands-on shop time.

JUNE 15 - 17 2020 MINNEAPOLIS

With all this advancement there is still a drawback. The fuel. Each year CARB and CAFE want manufacturers to have cleaner, more efficient vehicles, but the bar can only go so high with what is being put in the tank. Engines need more octane as the power goes up to be efficient, and the fuel must be as clean as possible to lower emissions. An engine can run much higher compression which equals more efficiency and power when it has higher octane. We have used ethanol in our own engines both on the street and ones built for performance and when used in higher blends we get the octane to give us more efficiency and a cleaner tailpipe.

We are often asked what the future of cars may be if they must be cleaner and more efficient and we just don’t know for sure, but we can say that ethanol is the best choice we see right now. That is due to its clean-burning nature, its octane rating and price. As people that have built many engines, we know that if the manufacturers had higher octane available all the time, they could produce some amazingly clean and efficient vehicles without having the cost of research and development into other alternatives.

So, what will the future look like? Time will tell, but we like fast powerful cars with that good old Detroit sound coming from under the hood and that starts with the fuel in the tank. Take care, and we’ll see you Under The Hood!

Weight: a big factor in both fuel economy and emissions.

A heavy vehicle needs more fuel to propel it down the

The Under The Hood radio show is America’s Favorite

road and burning more fuel means more emissions out

Car-talk show heard on over 230 stations and podcast.

the tailpipe and yes, less MPG. Manufacturers have been

The Motor Medics, Russ Chris and

working hard for decades to reduce the weight of vehicles

Shannon are three great friends

using composites and alloys and even reducing the size of

having fun and offering a wide

wiring to lighten the load. It all adds up one piece at a time.

range of automotive advice without the aid of in-studio computers or reference guides.

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

53

PRIME THE PUMP

PRIME THE PUMP

In Iowa, two things are certain:

the nation’s largest E15 retailer.

different markets. Casey’s now uses

People like filling their bellies with

“We started moving pretty quickly

the name “Unleaded 88” at the pump

Casey’s pizza, and they like filling

to getting higher blends of ethanol to

instead of the trade name E15.

their tanks with ethanol.

our stores in 2018,” Doddridge said.

“Customers don’t want to read

That’s not a surprise to Nathanial

“Now we’ve really added it to our

marketing materials. They just want

Doddridge, Director of Fuels for

standard product slate.”

to fill up their tanks and move on,”

Ankeny, Iowa-based Casey’s General

But

Stores.

contributes

Nevermind that the pizza is from

customers

a gas station, Doddridge said. Most

Midwest about the benefits of E15. In

better than ever.”

Iowans would tell you that Casey’s, the

states like Arkansas, Oklahoma and

Those

now,

Prime to

in

the

educating areas

Pump

Doddridge said. “Since making the

Casey’s

branding change to Unleaded 88 last

outside

the

fifth-largest pizza chain in the United States, has some of the best around.

And the ethanol? Well, corn is king in Iowa, and the state leads the nation in ethanol production.

“Here

in

the

Midwest,

every

town we’re in is surrounded by agriculture,” Doddridge said. “This is an opportunity for us to bring a new product to our customers that’s good for their vehicles, but also a way to give the value right back to the farmers and ethanol producers in our communities.”

Casey’s rapidly expands its E15 offerings Iowa-based company wants to be the nation’s largest E15 retailer

by Janna Farley

54

VITALBYPOET.COM

But outside of the Corn Belt, people aren’t

as

familiar

with

ethanol,

Doddridge said. That’s where Prime the Pump comes into play.

Originally, Prime the Pump played

year, our adoption rates have been adoption

rates

should

increase even more now that the

The ethanol industry is now fully poised for domestic growth as this restriction had been the one factor keeping thousands of retailers from adding E15 to their fuel offerings.

summertime restrictions on E15 have been lifted, said Kelly Manning, Vice President of Development for Growth Energy.

“We will now have easier and more access to this fuel that saves us money at the pump, has more octane so our engines run better and significantly reduces tailpipe emissions compared to regular gasoline,” Manning said.

“E15 will now replace E10 as the most popular fuel choice at the pump. Once this is fully realized, our industry will recognize around 7 billion gallons of new annual demand.”

The continued growth of E15 is good for producers, of course, “The ethanol industry is now fully

an instrumental role for Casey’s in

poised for domestic growth as this

the decision to start selling E15 in the

restriction had been the one factor

summer of 2017. The initiative targets

keeping thousands of retailers from

high-volume,

high-profile

retailers

adding E15 to their fuel offerings,”

to assist with initial investments in

Ohio, for example, Casey’s was one

Manning said.

infrastructure to support E15. The

of the first retailers to offer E15 to its

But it’s even better for consumers

biofuels industry has invested nearly

customers, Doddridge said.

— especially as Casey’s continues

$70 million in this initiative.

“When people pull up to the gas

to expand its E15 offerings in new

For Casey’s, the partnership meant

pump and see something different,

markets as well as retrofit its legacy

the chain was able to expand its

their natural inclination is to not

stores with the product.

E15 offerings faster than originally

touch it,” Doddridge said. “We have to

“Our customers like the value,”

anticipated. In August of 2017, there

educate those customers and tell them

Doddridge says. “They can get a

were only four Casey’s locations that

why it’s OK to put E15 in their cars.”

premium product at a lower price. It’s

sold E15. Today, they’re up to more

Prime the Pump has been working

an easy selling point for us. E15 can be

than 220 locations. By the end of

with retailers like Casey’s on how to

a market leader for Casey’s.”

2020, Casey’s will break the 300-store

consistently brand E15 across the

threshold. The goal is for Casey’s to be

industry, testing different names in

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

55

OUT OF LEFT FIELD

DOWN

The Power of Coffee

1. Cassini of fashion 2. Explosive liquid 3. Trouble 4. Bureau division 5. Milne’s Winnie

by Scott Johnson, Data Systems Administrator, POET

6. White-tailed eagle 7. Put ___ to (finish)

Some people wake in the morning immediately ready to

shaped like cats. We’re exhibiting an embarrassment of

confront any obstacle they encounter. They spring out of

vitality, blessed by the magical influence of coffee.

bed, take a deep breath and grin as if they can foretell the

The average American spends about $1,100 per year on

day is going to be special. They seemingly siphon energy

coffee. You’re probably thinking, no fair - did they have

and positive vibes from the morning sun itself, regardless if

coupons or something? It seems like a reasonable price

the sun is shining bright or hidden from view from gloomy

to pay for the energy to do things. Coffee is accessible to

12. Groaner

cloud cover. If there is anything I’ve learned from these

everyone - even the health-conscious. In its natural state,

13. Benchmark, abbr.

fascinating individuals it’s that...they simply cannot be

our morning hug in a mug has only one calorie per serving.

19. Surface measure

trusted. Something’s not right. Where did that enthusiasm

Take that, rice cake! Even smelling bacon costs 7 calories.

21. 3 in a tbs.

come from? For the rest of us, nothing can be accomplished

No need to fact-check that. I’m pretty sure it’s accurate.

24. Laundry convenience

without the proper daily instigator:

Of course, coffee was available well before America

25. Start of a toast

Coffee.

adopted it as its favorite beverage. Legend has it that

26. Tennis great Agassi

If you had any form of success yesterday, it was likely

coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder in the

driven by coffee. Surgeons, computer programmers,

ninth century. He noticed his herd nibbling berries from

28. Soccer fan in the family

engineers, morning talk show hosts -- all are sufficiently

an unfamiliar plant, then started acting strange and extra-

fueled with a joltin’ cup of joe before starting their day.

energized. (Although, how can one really tell if your goats

Business leaders closing billion-dollar deals wouldn’t have

are acting weird? They always seem a bit bizarre -- crawling

so much as tied their shoes without the power of coffee.

all over, eating everything in sight, doing yoga, etc.). The

In fact, most dress shoes don’t even have laces because

herder collaborated with a local monk who made a liquid

people head to work before the caffeine kicks in (and work

8. “As the World Turns” actress 9. English or French 10. Advice dispenser 11. Proxy, e.g. (abbr.)

29. Former Swedish car model 31. Businesses, abbr.

43. Kiddie transport, briefly

32. Job for an emcee

44. Heat stats

33. Apple pie maker’s appliance

1. Like a line, in math

45. Vane direction

34. Susan Lucci character Kane

concoction from the suspicious berries. They consumed the

5. Type of bog or moss

46. Log

36. Blasting stick, abbr.

typically requires shoes).

drink then stayed up all night studying for their Psychology

9. Northern Scandinavians

48. School orgs.

37. Atlantic food fish

Have you ever tried to push open a door that’s supposed

101 semester final and were still able to drive their kids to

14. 1970 Queen song

51. Words between man

40. Ref’s decision

to be pulled? Even though there is a sign in bold letters

soccer practice the next morning.

15. TV’s “Deal ___ Deal”

41. Legacy

16. On the topic of

52. Othello character

42. V-J Day pres.

47. Creator of Charlie and Matilda

instructing you to “PULL”? Then when you do finally pull in

Without coffee, productivity wanes. The saddest sound

ACROSS

frustration, the door bangs against your outstretched foot,

in the world is the harsh, dry gasp of an empty pump-

17. Jazz singer James

55. Engagement gift

slams shut again and causes you to say words that aren’t

action coffee carafe. Whenever that sound is heard, the

18. Solo performer

58. POET facility that drives long-

49. French Dadaist

allowed on network television? Of course you have. But

Dow Jones Industrial Average loses a point. Yes, there are

20. Country’s largest biofuels

term economic development

50. Food for livestock

has this common scenario ever occurred after adequately

the baffling few who can function at acceptable levels of competency without coffee. I’m not sure how...or why

trade association that

through its community and

caffeinating for the day? Of course not. The sign should

53. Croc’s cousin

read, “DRINK COFFEE, THEN ATTEMPT TO OPEN DOOR.”

they do it. I’m not suggesting those folks are WEIRD for

recently awarded Jeff Broin,

region

54. In a state of readiness

American productivity has been fueled by Java since The

not drinking coffee. (Although, I do believe they are more

Founder and CEO of POET,

62. Michelin offering

56. Bedevil

Boston Tea Party. When tea was king, our floundering nation

likely to own a unicycle than the rest of humanity.) But

the American Biofuel

65. Ice cream thickener

57. No-see-ums

didn’t have enough energy to produce or create anything

imagine what that anomalous minority would be capable

Visionary Award

66. Taking advantage of

58. Deutsche article

useful whatsoever. We hadn’t even invented the cracker

of properly caffeinated! There are a myriad of unresolved

22. Washington’s bills

67. Fall times, abbr.

59. Meal scraps

yet (1792). But after this historic event, consuming coffee

problems waiting to be conquered - world hunger... climate

23. “Mon ___!”

68. Fence entryway

60. “__ we forget . . .”

(instead of tea) was considered a patriotic gesture. This

change... figuring out how the heck you’re supposed to de-

24. Half a Latin dance

69. Mid-afternoon time

61. Three in a casino

new caffeine catalyst propelled an onslaught of national

seed a pomegranate. The enlightened know that coffee is

27. Tach readings

70. Break in the music

62. Same old, same old

productivity. Shortly thereafter, our freshly stimulated

the energizing force necessary to solve the world’s complex

30. German cathedral city

71. DIY handicrafts site

63. Large spreading tree

minds conceived the threshing machine, telegraph and

problems. Coffee is good. Coffee is life. We wouldn’t trade

32. Freezing liquid

cotton gin. Still buzzed today, we’ve moved on to curved

our coffee for all the tea in China. We’d probably just dump

35. Muesli ingredients

TVs, robot vacuums and Bluetooth waterproof speakers

it in the harbor anyway.

38. Squash or pumpkin

FOR ANSWERS, VISIT

39. Location of one of POET’s 28

vitalmagazineonline.com/answers

56

and mouse

VITALBYPOET.COM

64. Board member, abbr.

state-of-the-art plants

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

57

4615 N. Lewis Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104

imagination

is an endless resource

POET.COM

At POET, we understand that when it comes to energy solutions, the earth provides everything we need, no drilling required. Right here in South Dakota, we use renewable resources to create biofuels, nutrient-rich proteins and oil alternatives. Even after three decades, brand new innovations keep sprouting.