Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association

SUPPORTING LEGISLATIVE ACTION:Encouraged state investment in storage and dispensing infrastructure for higher blends of ethanol through the Minnesota Department of Agricultures Biofuel Infrastructure program. Worked with a coalition of stakeholders to support additional funding for the Minnesota Department of Agricultures Bioincentive Program to further incentivize advanced ethanol production in the state. Collaborated with feedstock growers and retailers to push for an increase in the number of stations offering higher blends of ethanol. Advocated on behalf of the effort to ensure that Minnesota retailers along with those from seven other Midwestern states - can continue to sell Unleaded 88 during the summer driving season.

PROMOTING BIOFUELS THROUGH EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION:Developed and implemented communications and educational outreach to educate consumers, students, and the public about the benefits of renewable fuels and promoted programming related to the organizational mission, including 300 social media campaigns, 837 radio advertisements, 44 press releases, 2,406 downloads of our mobile app for locating higher blend retailers, 1 booth at a regional trade show, and 11 tours for student groups at renewable energy producing facilities. Held 11 promotional events to distribute educational materials on the benefits of higher blends of renewable fuels and arranged more than 300 weekly retailer ads to promote Unleaded 88 providing extensive after sales support.

EXPANDING MARKETS FOR BIOFUEL THROUGH FUEL SUPPLY CHAIN ACTIVITIES:Partnered with an external contractor to realize enhanced market penetration for renewable fuels by working with retail locations to provide awareness of federal and state biofuel infrastructure grant availability, leading to the addition of 15 new retail locations offering higher blends of renewable fuels across the state in 2022. Worked with 17 successful applicants (out of 44 grant award recipients) for state biofuel infrastructure funding and provided a pathway for 50 applicants or roughly two-thirds of the total applicants for program grant funding. Additionally, served as a liaison between retail locations and federal and state government for regulatory assistance while also serving as a liaison between the wholesale fuel and wholesale infrastructure sales/installer community.