Vital Magazine - Fall 2019

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE Fall 2019

POET Garners Fortune Magazine, Fast Company Awards in 2019

Energy Innovation POET Steam Turbine Project Adds Energy Efficiencies POET Never Satisfied Program Supports Tomorrow’s Leaders

big ideas

open doors to big solutions POET.COM

When the first POET plant opened over thirty years ago, it opened the door to endless world-changing possibilities. Beyond that threshold we’ve discovered a world of innovative renewable energy solutions. Biofuels, nutrient-rich proteins and oil alternatives are just the beginning.

36

FEATURES 08 POET Garners Fortune Magazine, Fast Company Awards in 2019

10

26 POET’s Steam Turbine Project Adds Energy Efficiencies

Preserving South Dakota’s Pheasant Hunting Heritage

36

Second Century Initiative Works with Farmers, Ranchers on Pheasant Habitat Development

POET Supports the Next Generation of Changemakers

Never Satisfied Scholar Program

16 A ‘Big Win for Producers’ Biofuels, Ag Industry Advocates Celebrate President Trump’s Plan to Uphold RFS

Visit VitalByPOET.com for exclusive online content.

Cover photo by Greg Latza

COLUMNS 04

In Sight

By Jeff Broin

14

Mechanics Corner

Automotive Advice from the Under the Hood radio show

22

Farm Fresh

by Brian Hefty

32

Nascar® Update

by Ryan Welsh

56

Out Of Left Field

by Scott Johnson

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06

COPYRIGHT

Policy Corner

09

Prime the Pump

34

Energy For Life

44

Renew

48

People of POET

POET’s Vital magazine is an important conduit to share how POET is moving our country and our world from depending on fossil fuels to producing sustainable resources from the Earth. We will represent the voices of producers and biofuels supporters, as well as educate and inform readers about agriculture and industry knowledge, opportunities and the power of the human spirit.

In the spirit of its continued commitment to being good stewards of the environment, POET is proud to produce Vital using 100% recycled

Vital is published quarterly by POET, LLC and other individuals or entities. All materials within are subject to copyrights owned

by POET. POET, JIVE, Dakota Gold, BPX, ProPellet and other associated designs and logos are registrations or trademarks of POET, LLC. Growth Energy is a registration or trademark of Growth Energy, a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the District of Columbia.

Any reproduction of all or part of any document found in Vital is expressly prohibited, unless POET or the copyright owner of the material has expressly granted its prior written consent to so reproduce, retransmit or republish the material. All other rights reserved. For questions, contact the POET legal department at 605.965.2200.

The opinions and statements expressed by content contributors and advertisers in Vital are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of POET. Neither POET nor its third-party content providers shall be liable for any inaccuracies contained within Vital, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. ©2019 POET, LLC. All rights reserved.

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

paper, with eco-friendly soy-based ink.

2

P / 605.965.2200 F / 605.965.2203

VITALBYPOET.COM

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IN SIGHT

The Future of Farming is Food, Fuel and Fiber

by Jeff Broin, Executive Chairman and CEO of POET

4

To say this year has been difficult for rural America would

In the past, it’s been in farmers’ nature to consider themselves

be an understatement. From low prices to trade disputes to

to be primarily producers of food. Having grown up on a farm

unpredictable weather patterns, farmers have faced one of the

myself, I can relate to that. And while that’s where American

toughest growing seasons in recent history.

agriculture has its roots, its path forward needs to be much

And the biofuels industry has been battling challenges hand-

broader if it is to be profitable in the years to come.

in-hand with agriculture. The excitement surrounding the

The ag sector needs to move away from its one-track “food,

approval of year-round E15 was swiftly met with 31 new small

food, food” mentality and shift its focus to the farming trifecta:

refinery exemptions from the EPA, the sum of which have

food, fuel and fiber.

slashed demand for 4 billion gallons of renewable fuel and 1.4

Farmers need demand, and the food market alone is not

billion bushels of corn since 2016. That in turn has resulted

sufficient to provide it and hasn’t been for decades. Contrary to

in dozens of biorefinery shutdowns and closures across the

popular belief, only about 1 percent of corn grown in the U.S. is

heartland and left many rural communities reeling.

the sweet corn humans eat. The rest is number 2 yellow corn,

During challenging times like these, it’s important to take a step

which is either fed to livestock or processed into other products.

back and look at the big picture. We have faith that farmers and

One-third of that crop is used for food, food additives and

biofuel producers will persevere through these tough times as

exports. Another third is used as animal feed, and the rest is

they have in the past. President Trump’s recent announcement

used in ethanol production. And as only some of us know,

of a reform package for ethanol and agriculture looks to be the

ethanol adds even more nutrition to the world; only the starch

start of a light at the end of this tunnel; however, it requires us

portion of the corn is used to make fuel, while all the protein,

to think about the futures of both industries and the best way to

corn oil and micronutrients are preserved to make additional

support their long-term prosperity.

feed and industrial products.

We know the success of American agriculture over the years

What society needs to know is that without biofuels like ethanol,

has spurred growth and profitability in agriculture around the

the world would be awash in grain with far too little demand.

world, therefore resulting in a 20-billion-bushel global surplus

Greenhouse gas levels and airborne toxins would continue

of grain. And although USDA is forecasting lower yields in the

to skyrocket, and rural America would face unprecedented

U.S. than last year, they predict that corn supply will be sufficient

declines in revenue and population. Additionally, the coproducts

to meet demand with the additional grain stored from last year’s

that result from ethanol production — and the Earth-friendly

crop. Add to that the fact that advancements in technology are

bioproducts they are used to produce — would be nonexistent.

constantly resulting in higher yields and, long story short, there’s

In a time when nonrenewable resources are depleting and

plenty of grain to go around.

climate is changing at an alarming rate, farmers are the heroes

But it needs somewhere to go.

we need. If we all work together to drive government policy and

tell our story, agriculture will come out of these tough times

In a time when nonrenewable resources are depleting and climate is changing at an alarming rate, farmers are the heroes we need. If we all work together to drive government policy and tell our story, agriculture will come out of these tough times stronger than ever.

stronger than ever. Together, biofuels and agriculture have the opportunity to meet society’s needs by harnessing our planet’s ability to regenerate rather than blowing millions of years of oilbased toxins and carcinogens into our environment and adding to the effects of climate change.

I have staked my entire career on my faith in the potential of agriculture to create a better world, and I’m confident that we can make it happen. In fact, we don’t have a choice.

The future of farming is food, fuel and fiber — and that future needs to start now.

VITALBYPOET.COM

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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.

POLICY CORNER

POET Team Members Push for Action to Restore Biofuel Demand POET has been at the forefront of engaging with policymakers to address demand destruction from Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs) and other critical issues facing the biofuels industry today. Since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued 31 new SREs in August, agriculture and biofuels representatives have been working on a united front to urge the Trump Administration to uphold the President’s commitment to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and to address the economic crisis created by the EPA’s use of SREs. Those united efforts made an impact and helped lead to securing a new biofuels reform package, which was announced by the White House on Oct. 4. The reform package will account for SREs beginning in the 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs), add infrastructure funding for E15 and E85, and resolve trade issues impacting ethanol. POET worked closely with industry allies and elected champions in meetings with the White House to help secure the reform package. For more information, see page 16.

The following is an update about the 2020 RVO Comment Period and advocacy efforts during the Growth Energy Biofuels Summit in September.

2020 RVO Comment Period: POET Representatives Testify at EPA Hearing, Team Members Submit Comments

6

During the initial comment period for the 2020 RVOs,

behalf of POET and spoke about the importance of the

POET team members, through several concerted efforts,

agency to discontinue small refinery waivers.

urged the EPA to hold oil companies accountable, uphold

“EPA’s 2020 RVO proposal, the continued issuance of illegal

the law and stop undercutting the RFS.

small refinery waivers, and insistence on unreasonably

The proposed rule, required by law under the RFS,

large RIN banks will further depress RIN prices and

determines how much biofuel should be blended into the

undermine the RFS,” Sahay said. “Nonetheless, we hope that

fuel supply in a given year. While POET was encouraged

EPA will correct course and properly administer program

by the 15 billion gallons proposed for starch-based biofuels,

that is important to the President and key to America’s

the proposal did not address reallocation of small refinery

energy future.”

exemptions.

Following the comment period, and significant direct

POET team members submitted comments to the EPA

engagement by POET with biofuels champions and White

urging the EPA to revise the RVO numbers to account for

House officials, the White House announced a biofuels

lost gallons that are eroding the demand for homegrown

reform package on Oct. 4 that will address demand

biofuels. In comments, team members wrote that if any

destruction from SREs.

legitimate waivers are granted, the EPA needs to reallocate

POET, Growth Energy and biofuels advocates will now

those waived gallons to oil companies still obligated to

focus on holding the EPA accountable to the President’s

follow the RFS.

directive to implement the policies outlined in the reform

On July 31 representatives from POET and Growth Energy

package. There will be more opportunity to advocate for

were among those who testified before EPA officials at

biofuels during an upcoming EPA rulemaking period.

a hearing on the agency’s proposed 2020 RVOs. Shailesh

Stay tuned to poet.com/policy to find out how you can get

Sahay, Senior Regulatory Counsel at POET, testified on

involved.

VITALBYPOET.COM

POLICY CORNER

Growth Energy Biofuels Summit: POET Team Members Discuss Devastation of SREs, Other Critical Issues to Biofuels Industry Fifteen POET team members joined more than 100 other industry advocates in September at the Growth Energy Biofuels Summit in Washington D.C. Over several days,

Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD) has been a strong supporter and biofuels champion in Washington. Pictured are Aaron Riswold, Congressman Dusty Johnson, Heather Powell, Justin Strawn, Bill Rosenau and Adam Wirt.

summit attendees heard industry experts and special guests, including U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17), discuss the state of the biofuels industry. Those conversations helped them prepare for more than 250 meetings with legislators and their staffs.

POET team members also had the opportunity to meet with Representative Ron Estes (R-KY-4) and Chief of Staff Josh Bell. They discussed industry challenges and heard from Rep. Estes about how he is supporting the industry.

In addition to meetings with elected officials, POET team members were actively engaged with White House discussions about increasing biofuel blending mandates.

POET was part of a meeting with biofuels industry representatives to discuss President Trump’s expected biofuels reform package During meetings on the Hill, team members shared personal stories to show the devastating impact of the EPA’s abuse of small refinery exemptions on the biofuels industry and rural America. In addition to SREs, POET team members also asked legislators to increase biofuel blending through the RFS reset, increase international markets for biofuels, support high octane fuels and advance corn kernel fiber cellulosic biofuels.

Sen. John Thune (R-SD) received the 2019 Fueling Growth Award in recognition of his service and support of the biofuels industry. Pictured are Michaela Color (Growth Energy), Amy Davis (Novozymes), Bill Rosenau (POET Biorefining - Groton), Aaron Riswold (POET LLC), Dana Lewis (Redfield Energy), Sen. John Thune, Justin Strawn (POET LLC), Heather Powell (POET LLC), Adam Wirt (POET Research Center) and Joe Kekesh (Growth Energy).

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

7

POET Garners Fortune Magazine, Fast Company Awards in 2019 When the mission and vision of

facilities across seven states, POET is

a company centers on changing

a global leader in creating renewable

the world, it probably comes as no

products that benefit overall health,

surprise that POET — the world’s

reduce climate change, and improve

largest producer of biofuels — was

overall sustainability efforts in the

named to FORTUNE’s 2019 list that

U.S. and around the world. POET

honors top companies around the

produces 2 billion gallons of biofuel

world who are doing just that.

and more than 10 billion pounds of

POET — founded in 1987 and

nutrient-dense animal feed each year.

based in Sioux Falls, S.D. — has been

The company is creating sustainable

named to FORTUNE’s fifth annual

solutions to tackle some of the world’s

“Change the World” list alongside

most challenging problems, including

51 other companies. The list honors

climate change. Studies on global

for-profit global companies that are

warming from 13 U.S. federal agencies

using their core business to help the

and the United Nations continue to

planet and address pressing social or

indicate the urgency of this problem

environmental issues.

and the need for biofuels as the

POET

is

named

to

the

solution. Global ethanol production

list

acknowledgement

of

the

and use reduces greenhouse gas

company’s main product, ethanol,

emissions by up to 110 million metric

and its contribution to improving

tons. That’s the equivalent of taking

the environment and the world for

20 million vehicles off the road each

future generations. POET is also

year.

being recognized for its coproducts

“Current research shows that air

like JIVE, an asphalt rejuvenation

pollution kills more people each

product, which are creating new ways

year than smoking — and no one is

to improve the environment and the

safe from its effects. Add to that the

world for future generations.

impending threat of climate change

The 2019 list recognizes companies

and the economic crisis facing rural

like

America, and it’s clear that the work

in

Switzerland-based

company

8

being

TE

technology

Connectivity,

whose

we’re doing at POET is more critical

connectivity and sensor technology

now than ever,” said POET Chairman

is used in industries from automotive

and CEO Jeff Broin. “Biofuels like

to health care, including providing

ethanol are an affordable, readily

lifesaving

technology

stroke

available solution, and our high-

patients.

Other

honorees

protein coproducts lower worldwide

included giants in the banking and

food prices. We need to get more clean

tech industries like Bank of America,

biofuels and fewer toxic chemicals in

Mastercard, Apple and IBM.

the gas tank in order to preserve our

With a network of 28 bioprocessing

planet for future generations.”

for

2019

VITALBYPOET.COM

It’s the second time in 2019 that POET has been recognized with an acclaimed

award

recognizing

the

company’s wide-reaching impact. In February 2019 POET landed on Fast Company’s prestigious list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies.

POET

was

recognized

for

the

company’s pioneering work on JIVE. The product allows asphalt producers to use more recycled asphalt, which makes their product less expensive and is better for the environment.

JIVE is the most recent example of how POET’s influence reaches beyond renewable fuel. The company continues

to

launch

additional

bioproducts from starch and biomass.

POET plants take in corn or other feedstock and convert that into not only ethanol but an ever-growing range of bioproducts, including corn oil and distillers grain, a coproduct that is a valuable feed for farmers.

The company has a robust research and development team and continues to find new ways to optimize biofuel production

and

develop

new

bioproducts. One of the breakthroughs in efficiency is BPX, POET’s patented process developed over a decade ago that allows their plants to not have to cook the corn. This process decreases energy and water use up to 15 percent in comparison with the conventional process of making ethanol.

PRIME THE PUMP

E15 Now Available on GasBuddy Smartphone App

outdated government regulations, E15

Bosselmans offer E15/Unleaded 88 at

is now available for sale at the pump

more than 1,800 locations across 31

all year-round.

states.

Drivers Can Now Find the More Affordable Choice at the Pump

around the country.

Drivers across the U.S. can now

“Drivers all over the U.S. rely on

take advantage of the lower price at

GasBuddy to fuel their lives, and we

the pump for E15, also marketed as

are looking forward to giving them

Unleaded 88, through GasBuddy’s

another option at the pump that

database and app.

is cleaner-burning and provides a

E15 is a fuel blend with 15 percent

savings of up to 10 cents per gallon.”

biofuel that is approved for cars 2001

Today, Kwik Trip, Sheetz, Casey’s

and newer, which is 90 percent of cars

General Store, Cumberland Farms,

on the road today. It typically costs

Thorntons, Kum & Go, RaceTrac,

5 to 10 cents lower than E10, and 30

QuikTrip, Rutter’s, Minnoco, Protec

to 40 cents lower than a non-ethanol

Fuel, Murphy USA, Family Express,

fuel. Thanks to the recent lifting of

Royal Farms, Pump & Pantry, and

GasBuddy is a smartphone app and website where drivers can search for gas stations nearest their location to compare fuel prices.

A

new

partnership

between

Growth Energy and GasBuddy allows GasBuddy’s app users access to a comprehensive database of E15 at more than 1,800 retail locations “We are thrilled to partner with the nation’s leading and most respected fuel app to help more Americans access the engine smart and earth

For more information on E15/Unleaded 88, head to UNL88.com. Visit gasbuddy.com to find the retail station nearest you that sells E15.

kind benefits of Unleaded 88,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

How to Use GasBuddy 1. Download the GasBuddy app or visit gasbuddy.com 2. Search for gas prices by city, state and zip code (listings for all cities in the U.S. and Canada) 3. Select “UNL 88” and click “Find Gas”

9

Preserving South Dakota’s Pheasant Hunting Heritage

Second Century Initiative works with farmers, ranchers on pheasant habitat development

by Lura Roti

photo courtesy of South Dakota Dept. of Tourism

10

VITALBYPOET.COM

Farm work kept Steve Halverson’s

Dakotans and 84,000 non-resident

We must now preserve and expand

dad busy from dusk till dawn, but

pheasant

agree.

habitat to ensure that the second

each fall, Harlan took a break from

“Hunting is part of our South Dakota

century of pheasant hunting will be

harvest to take Steve hunting.

way of life,” says South Dakota Gov.

as great as the first,” Noem explains.

“Dad taught me how to shoot

Kristi Noem.

and a few times a year, he took me

To preserve South Dakota’s hunting

hunting. Opening day, big parties of

tradition, Noem launched the Second

friends would come in, and Dad often

Century Initiative during Legislative

took that day off from farming to

Session 2019 and signed Senate Bill

enjoy time with friends and family. I

176 into law. The bill allocates $1

would go along, packing my BB gun,

million to expand pheasant habitat

thinking I shot every bird that fell,”

and hunting opportunities through

recalls Halverson, a fourth-generation

the Second Century Habitat Fund.

Kennebec, S.D., farmer.

A

Located on the rolling hills of central

tradition, pheasant hunting is integral

South Dakota, pheasants thrive on

to the state’s economy. The sport

Halverson’s family farm, where the

connects rural South Dakota with

family has focused on increasing

visitors from across the nation who

pheasant habitat for more than three

spend more than $175 million each

decades. “Hunting is something I’ve

year.

always enjoyed. It’s something my

“The first century of pheasant

generation grew up doing.”

hunting put South Dakota on the map

And

more

than

63,000

South

hunters

long-standing

would

South

Dakota

as a destination for every hunter.

Why habitat matters Preservation

and

habitat

development are top of mind after South Dakota’s pheasant population dipped in 2017 to a record low of about 4.6 million in response to drought and severe winter weather conditions.

Hunters took notice. In 2017, there were 16 percent fewer pheasant hunters than 2016.

“There between and

is

a

direct

pheasant

participation

in

correlation population the

sport.

When populations are strong, we

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem hunts in Sully County.

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

11

see

participating.

they need woody habitat (shelter

When populations are down, we

more

hunters

belts) or cattail sloughs, corn or

see less participation,” says Tom

sorghum stalks, which provide food

Kirschenmann,

as well as thermal cover.

Wildlife

Division

Deputy Director for South Dakota

“They like habitat with plenty of

Game, Fish & Parks.

edges,” is the simple way Matt Morlock,

A diverse and innovative program,

State

Second Century Initiative is designed

Forever, explains it. “Pheasants like

to engage the next generation of South

to hang out and nest in low cover, but

Dakota youth and families in hunting

they don’t want to be too far away

and other outdoor activities, while

from the security of tall, heavy cover

at the same time bolster pheasant

in case a predator comes around.”

numbers

by

increasing

“Habitat is key to affirm and sustain the heritage of pheasant hunting which runs deep in South Dakota,” Kirschenmann says.

2007,

pheasant

when

for

Pheasants

habitat

statewide.

In

Coordinator

South

Dakota’s

populations

reached

Working Lands Program Incentivizes Preservation

11.9 million, available habitat was abundant, with more than 1.7 million

Because more than 80 percent of

acres of private land enrolled in the

land in South Dakota is privately

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

owned,

landowner

Today, about 1 million acres are

essential

to

enrolled, and pheasant populations

friendly habitat statewide. This is

are less than half. Kirschenmann

where the Second Century Working

explains that while extreme

Lands Program comes in. The five-

weather events like flooding,

year incentive program pays South

blizzards or drought impact

Dakota farmers and ranchers a one-

pheasant

the

time incentive payment of $150 an

right habitat is available, birds

acre to plant marginal crop acres to

rebound quickly.

grassland.

The right habitat for pheasants

Funded by the Second Century

allows them to successfully build

Habitat Fund, grass seed mixes are

a nest, hatch a clutch of eggs and

provided

raise a brood, as well as provides

at no cost. Once the grass stand is

them with food and protection

established, landowners may hay or

from predators, extreme heat

graze enrolled acres.

and cold. “Their entire lifecycle

“We

revolves

focus of this program. The Governor

populations,

around

if

available

to

buy-in

increasing

private

emphasize

the

is

pheasant-

landowners

(working)

habitat,” Kirschenmann says.

recognizes producers need a habitat

Pheasant’s habitat needs vary.

program to fit within their existing

For

need

operation and allow them to continue

undisturbed grassland habitat.

to use enrolled acres for livestock,”

When it comes to predator

Kirschenmann explains.

protection and winter survival,

Halverson is impressed by the

nesting,

pheasants

program’s flexibility. “Game, Fish

12

VITALBYPOET.COM

Food plots, like this one of early longtail milo, provide pheasants with food as well as protection from extreme weather and predators. photo courtesy of South Dakota Pheasants Forever

& Parks get the big picture of how

with

important

ranchers

marginal, low-producing areas of

nine weeks to survive.

are to wildlife in the state,” says

crop ground to native grassland. He

Insects provide essential protein,

Halverson, who was asked by Noem

increases winter food and cover by

helping

to serve on the board for the Second

planting 160 acres of sorghum food

quickly. Adding mass quickly is crucial

Century Habitat Fund.

plots in 2 to 8-acre plots. “I’m a believer

to winter survival, which explains

farmers

Halverson

and

habitat

by

planting

chicks depend upon insects the first

pheasants

gain

weight

researching

in taking marginal farm ground out

why in the first few months of life, 95

ways to increase pheasant habitat

of production and putting it into CRP

percent of a pheasant chick’s diet is

on his family’s farm in the mid-80s

or other conservation programs. The

insects. Pheasants don’t eat corn and

to

pheasant numbers explode.”

other grains until they are 9-weeks

to support their growing day-hunt

His conservation efforts don’t stop

old, Halverson explains.

business. “Back when I was in college

there. Halverson added several woody

He says numbers are slowly on the

at South Dakota State University,

shelter belts. And since the mid-90s,

uptick, and where it makes sense,

I would go to the library and do

he has managed his crop acres with

he’s continuing to integrate habitat

research on wildlife habitat,” he says.

no-till farming practices.

into his farming practices. Recently,

“I knew I was going to return to the

“Production

and

he added cover crops to the existing

farm and envisioned expanding our

conservation can go hand-in-hand.

rotation of corn, soybeans and wheat.

commercial hunting business here.”

When I make a decision on my farm, I

He says the winter cover provided

Halverson Hunts began with four

try to find practices that are good for

by cover crops extends his livestock

or five day-hunts a season and has

pheasant habitat and production. My

grazing season into mid-March and

grown to more than 400 hunters

goal is to find things like no-till that

provides additional winter protection

returning each season. Halverson

benefit both. No-till is good for soil

to pheasants.

and his parents began converting

health and leaves more cover on the

“You can’t have pheasants without

marginal, non-productive crop acres

fields for wildlife and grazing cattle.”

habitat. It’s just the way it is,”

to native grasslands, enrolling those

Even with an emphasis on habitat

Halverson says.

acres in CRP.

development, Halverson’s pheasant

“I read an article that said 40 to 50

numbers took a hit during the 2012

acres of CRP, in the right spot, will

drought. “Chicks need insects and dew

produce as many pheasants as 500

to survive. There aren’t many insects

acres of open prairie,” Halverson says.

during a drought and there wasn’t

Halverson provides his pheasants

any dew,” he explains. Pheasant

increase

began

ideal

pheasant

populations

agriculture

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

To learn more about the Second Century Initiative, visit https://gfp.sd.gov/second century-initiative/

13

MECHANICS CORNER

What You Need to Know About Using E15 Automotive advice from The Under The Hood radio show

Ethanol has been around in our fuels for a long time.

we would say, try it yourself and you make the decision.

Since the 1980s, fuel composition has consistently been changing. The latest change is more ethanol in the fuel

4. I’m concerned about the planet and pollution. Is ethanol

supply, due to ethanol’s economic, environmental and

any cleaner than gasoline?

performance benefits. It’s a natural progression, along

Ethanol is cleaner-burning than gasoline by its nature.

with improvements in engine technology. In May 2019 the

You probably know that ethanol is a form of alcohol, and

Trump Administration approved year-round sales of E15, a

our guess is that you have seen alcohol burn at some

fuel blend with 15 percent ethanol. With that change, our

point. When it is burned, it gives off almost no form of

Under The Hood radio show listeners have been asking

visible smoke. When gasoline burns, there is a dark haze

several great questions about E15. Here are the top five:

emitted by the burning fuel. A wider use of E15 will help in lowering emissions from cars that lead to pollution.

1. Is E15 good for my engine, or will it harm it in any way?

Increasing the concentration of ethanol in gasoline reduces

Ethanol has been added to gasoline in the U.S. fuel supply

carbon emissions and displaces some of the most toxic and

for decades, mostly at 10 percent and now at 15 percent.

carcinogenic fuel additives.

Drivers have been choosing it for its price point and have found it to work almost identically to non-ethanol gasoline

5. I get a check-engine light when I use E15 in my car but

when used at 10-15 percent. Some of the benefits, besides

not when I use premium. Why does the fuel cause this?

being much cheaper in most cases, are a cleaner-running

It’s not the fuel. The minor difference between ethanol

fuel system and cooler cylinder temps. Many folks have

and non-ethanol fuel is referred to as fuel trims (how much

their own opinions, but as full-time mechanics and users of

air and fuel are mixed together by the computer to make

the fuel this is what we are seeing.

the engine run its best), and it is not enough to cause a check-engine light. However, if the vehicle is in a poor state

2. What kind of car can we run E15 in?

of tune and likely already not as fuel efficient as possible,

E15 has been certified for use in any gasoline-powered

then that slight difference may cause a light and indicate

car with a U.S.-certified emissions system from 2001 or

it’s time for some love for your car in the form of a tune-up

newer, whether it’s flex fuel or not. To be clear, 90 percent

or other repairs to get its efficiency back to par.

of all vehicles on the road today fall into this 2001-and-up category, so chances are that’s your vehicle. Many people

The Under The Hood radio show is America’s Favorite Car-

have used it in older cars too, but use in 2001 and newer has

talk show heard on over 230 stations and podcast. The Motor

been tested and approved by the Environmental Protection

Medics, Russ Chris and Shannon, are three great friends

Agency and Department of Energy. Older models were not

having fun and offering a wide range of automotive advice

tested due to variability and age.

without the aid of instudio computers or reference guides.

3. Can I save money using ethanol?

Yes, you can. Just look at the pump price and you will notice a significant difference between non-ethanol fuel and ethanol blends of E15. The cost savings for E15 range from 5 to 10 cents better than E10, and 30 to 40 cents better than a non-ethanol fuel. Some people may tell you that they see many miles per gallon difference between the fuels, but

14

VITALBYPOET.COM

Sen. John Thune visits with POET Chairman and CEO Jeff Broin at the POET Headquarters on Oct. 14, 2019.

16

VITALBYPOET.COM

A ‘Big Win for Producers’ Biofuels, Ag Industry Advocates Celebrate President Trump’s Plan to Uphold RFS On Friday, Oct. 4, the biofuels and

trade issues impacting ethanol.

package.

agricultural industries celebrated a

Leading up to the announcement,

“President Trump’s announcement

new reform package that will restore

POET has been working closely with

has reaffirmed his commitment to

the integrity of the Renewable Fuel

industry allies and elected champions

farmers and rural communities and

Standard (RFS), giving a sorely needed

in meetings with the White House to

marks a great victory in the Renewable

economic boost to rural communities

deliver this reform package and to

Revolution. The President’s actions

across the Midwest and expanding

stop demand destruction resulting

will restore integrity to the RFS —

environmental benefits across the

from

refinery

starting with the 2020 RVO levels

U.S.

exemptions (SREs) and to support an

— and help pave the way for the

The reform package announced by

expedited national rollout of E15.

rollout of E15, creating a huge win

the White House includes accurately

Biofuels and agriculture industry

for

accounting

advocates

for

small

illegal

elected

farmers,

biofuel

producers

officials

and consumers alike. Millions of

across the heartland heralded the

Americans will see greater savings

2020 Renewable Volume Obligations

announcement for what it means

at the pump and have the freedom to

(RVOs),

to farmers, biofuel producers and

choose climate-friendly, American-

barriers that restrict fuel retailers

consumers.

made E15, while our nation’s farmers

from offering higher biofuels blends,

POET Chairman and CEO Jeff Broin

will see increased demand for their

and adding infrastructure funding

expressed thanks both to President

grain at a critical time.

for E15 and E85, along with the

Trump and to the tireless work from

On behalf of all POET team members,

President’s commitment to resolve

biofuels champions to secure this

we sincerely thank President Trump.

regulatory

and

small

exemptions, or SREs, beginning in the eliminating

refinery

the

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

17

We’re grateful for his leadership

15 billion gallons in the RFS, but

and the relentless support from our

also coming up with some new

champions, Senators Ernst, Grassley,

infrastructure ideas and branding

Thune, Rounds, Fischer, Sasse and

that we could do that will hopefully

Governors Reynolds, Ricketts and

increase the amount of E15 in the fuel

Noem,” Broin said.

supply,” he said.

Sen. John Thune (R-SD) visited

Thune also thanked POET for the

POET’s headquarters on Monday, Oct.

company’s leadership. “We appreciate

7, and met with POET Founder and

the important role that POET has

CEO Jeff Broin and team members

played not only in this region but

to celebrate the announcement and

across the country. POET has helped

how it stands to benefit agriculture

push and move the ball along and

and biofuels. Thune addressed many

point out why these policies matter,”

of the recent challenges faced by

Thune said.

farmers, including adverse weather

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem,

conditions and trade concerns, and

who also visited POET’s headquarters

how along with resolving trade,

in celebration of the announcement,

increasing

said the announcement will help

demand

is

a

solution to increasing grain prices.

producers

“What this announcement brings

market for grain. “This is a big win for

when

implemented

an

increased

greater

producers. With expanded ethanol capabilities, producers will see an

for renewable fuels for farmers here

increased market for their product

in South Dakota,” he said.

and improved long-term stability.

Thune mentioned that he was in

This move is absolutely critical for

several meetings with the Trump

South Dakota farmers and ranchers

Administration leading up to the

as recent years have seen lower

announcement where he discussed

commodity

the need to move away from issuing

market conditions.”

SREs and how “that undermines

In Iowa, the nation’s largest corn-

the RFS and our goals for increasing

producing state, elected officials also

demand for biofuels.”

called the announcement a victory for

was

is

secure

certainty about what the future holds

Thune

18

biofuel

optimistic

about

prices

and

unstable

farmers and biofuel producers.

the biofuels package. “The early

“This

is

great

news

for

indications are very positive with

and rural America,” said Sen. Joni

some of the steps they’re taking not

Ernst (R-Iowa). “President Trump is

only with the respect to restoring

following through on his commitment

integrity to the RFS and getting

to our nation’s hardworking farmers

VITALBYPOET.COM

Iowa

This is a big win for producers.

With expanded ethanol capabilities, producers will see an increased market for their product and improved longterm stability.

This move is absolutely critical for South Dakota farmers and ranchers as recent years have seen lower commodity prices and unstable market conditions.

and biofuels producers. The RFS is

(R-Iowa).

essential to the livelihoods of folks

“A robust renewable fuel standard

across our state, which is why I’ve

is critical to a healthy ag economy in

been fighting tirelessly on behalf of

Iowa and across the nation,” said Iowa

Iowa’s farmers and producers every

Gov. Kim Reynolds. “We are grateful

step of the way and making Iowans’

to President Trump for honoring the

voices heard throughout this process.

federal statute to blend 15 billion

Our message was clear: uphold the

gallons of ethanol annually, and

RFS — 15 billion means 15 billion. The

allowing existing E10 pumps to deliver

President heard that message and has

E15 fuel, helping drive domestic

acted on it. The steps outlined today by

demand for biofuels. By protecting the

the administration will help increase

RFS, President Trump demonstrated

demand for our biofuels, provide

his commitment to rural America and

certainty for farmers and producers

the American farmer.”

for years to come, and ensure that

POET, Growth Energy and biofuels

EPA is implementing the RFS as it was

advocates will now turn attention

written.”

to the EPA to follow the President’s

“President Trump listened to the

directive

concerns of farmers and biofuels

policies.

and

implement

these

What this announcement brings when implemented is greater certainty about what the future holds for renewable fuels for farmers here in South Dakota.

producers and delivered on their behalf. The president listened to all points of view and delivered,” reiterated

Sen.

Chuck

Grassley

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

19

POET PAC

Congresswoman Craig:

Biofuels Play Essential Part in Minnesota Farm Economy Rep. Angie Craig represents Minnesota’s Second Congressional District.

She is fighting for a Minnesota where every family member gets a fair shot to earn a good life. Rep. Craig learned the value of hard work from her mother, a single mom who raised three children while earning her teaching degree, and from watching her grandfather work as a farm foreman and then lose his job during the farm crisis in the 1980s. She learned firsthand how important it is to ensure family farms have the resources they need to succeed. That means increasing opportunities for an outstanding education, lowering health care costs and driving market access for our farmers. She will work with anyone and everyone to improve the lives and opportunities of Minnesotans.

We talked with Rep. Craig about the significance of the biofuels industry to Minnesota’s future, along with her thoughts on the growth of the E15 market in the state.

Contributions to POET PAC are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to POET PAC will be used in connection with federal elections and are subject to the limits and prohibitions of federal law. The maximum an individual may contribute to POET PAC is $5,000 per year ($10,000 per couple). Corporate and foreign national contributions are not permitted under federal law. Please make checks payable to POET PAC. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to obtain and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 per calendar year. Your contribution to POET PAC is strictly voluntary.

20

PAID FOR BY POET PAC

POET PAC Can you share with our readers why the biofuel industry is important to the future of Minnesota?

Biofuels are an essential part of Minnesota’s farm economy. Expanding markets for biofuels creates jobs

In Minnesota there are 302 sites selling E15 yearround. Do you anticipate further growth for the E15 market and the possibility of it becoming the new E10?

and drives economic growth in Minnesota. As national

I supported the President’s decision to allow for year round

conversations surrounding climate change continue, we

sales of E15, despite the problematic aspects of RIN reform

must position farmers as being part of the solution, not

that were tied to that rule. When it comes to expanding

part of the problem. We know that biofuels significantly

further growth in the E15 market, a lot of it comes down

lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve our chances

to the need for infrastructure investment. I am looking

of lowering bad emissions in the United States. I’m proud

forward to finding ways to incentivize these developments

to support our nation’s biofuel facilities to improve our

with my colleagues and local stakeholders. Ultimately,

climate and our farm economy alike.

we have to continue to tell the story of biofuels to gain consumer demand for the low cost and low emission fuel

Hardship waivers are being granted to the world’s largest and most profitable oil refineries at the expense of the American farmer. These hardship waivers also continue to undermine the intent of the Renewable Fuel Standard. What do you think can be done to grow and stabilize markets for the ag industry?

source that biofuels provide.

These “hardship” waivers are a slap in the face to farm

what my colleagues on both sides of the aisle should do a

country, plain and simple. These waivers are a handout

little more of — listening. I visit local farms, hold farmer

to big oil companies made on the backs of family farmers.

listening sessions and bring farmers to Washington to

For this reason, I joined a bipartisan letter to urge the

testify before the House Agriculture Committee because

Administration to end this unfair practice of issuing small

the best ideas don’t come from Washington lobbyists; they

refinery waivers to big oil companies, and I will continue

come from my constituents at home. While times are tough

to advocate for policies that expand our biofuels industry

in farm country, the farmers I talk to are resilient folks who

through my work on the bipartisan Congressional Biofuels

just want a fair shot. When we have more rural voices in

Caucus.

the halls of Congress, we’re able to push for better policies

If you could share one last message with our readers who are invested in the future of ag, what would that message be?

Farm families make up the fabric of Greater Minnesota.

I have spent these first few months in Congress doing

that expand markets and grow economies for our farmers.

Want to join POET PAC?

POET PAC Giving Levels President’s Club: $5,000 Champion: $2,500 to $4,999 Partner: $1,000 to $2,499

Use one of the following options to make your investment today!

Advocate: Up to $999

Online

www.poetpac.com

Phone

(605) 965-2377

Email

poetpac@poet.com

Designate a percentage of grain The next time you visit your local POET bioprocessing facility, let the grain team know you want a portion of bushels to go to POET PAC. THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

21

FARM FRESH

Nutrient Availability Depends on Soil pH

by Brian Hefty If you are a non-farmer, when you think about how

yields, soil pH must be carefully managed. This is challenging

agricultural production must increase in the next 20 years to

both horizontally and vertically. Soil pH can vary from acre to

support our increasing world population, I’m guessing that soil

acre and even foot to foot across a field, but it can also change

pH doesn’t pop up as one of your top concerns. Most people

each inch going down in the soil profile. As farmers continually

think fertilizer, weed control, improved genetics, better and

move toward less tillage, which is great for building organic

more irrigation, and equipment technology head the list of keys

matter and beneficial soil microbial levels, one of the challenges

to achieving more food. While those things will all get better and

is the soil doesn’t get mixed around. Soil pH can really vary

lead to higher yields, I would argue that soil pH may be the most

from inch to inch going down, with no good way to even that out

important factor of all.

quickly.

Each crop has a range on the pH scale where it does best. For

Let me leave you with this data: According to Midwest Labs,

example, the ideal soil pH for corn, soybeans and wheat is likely

if a farmer has a soil pH of 4.7, he can expect to get only 34

in the low to mid 6’s, while alfalfa needs pH near 7 (neutral), and

percent of his full yield in corn and only 2 percent of his full

blueberries need the pH down near 5. Soil pH in the Midwest is

yield in alfalfa. At a 5.7 pH, those numbers go to 83 percent and

wildly variable, to the point where we commonly see pH in the

42 percent respectively, which is much better, but still quite low.

4’s all the way up to 9. It’s important to understand that the pH

Think of it this way: 200-bushel corn becomes 166-bushel corn.

scale is logarithmic. While a 6.0 is ten times more acidic than

The same type of yield losses can be expected if soil pH is too

a 7.0, and a 5.0 is ten times more acidic than a 6.0, a 5.0 is one

high.

hundred times more acidic than a 7.0. The same idea applies

Here’s the great news: Farmers absolutely can get soil pH in the

with the bases when pH’s are over 7.

range they want, commonly using lime to raise pH or elemental

Nutrient availability is one reason why soil pH is so

sulfur and improved drainage to lower pH. As farmers do

important. On our farm, as we have changed soil pH, we’ve

a better job managing pH on every acre, I absolutely expect

seen a big difference in nutrient levels in leaf tissue. Here’s

agricultural production to continue to increase. When this

an example of how this can happen. Phosphorus is one of the

happens based on the same or maybe even fewer inputs, that

most important plant nutrients (think food for plants). Farmers

reduces the carbon score for corn and helps corn meet the low

apply phosphorus to the soil by using manure, compost and

carbon fuel criteria. This can create a new market for farmers

commercial fertilizer. The problem is that a good share of the

beyond standard fuel and fiber.

phosphorus can get “tied up.” Calcium can bind with phosphorus when the pH gets over 7.0, especially in the 8.0 to 8.5 range, by forming calcium phosphate, which is insoluble in water. Since plants bring most of their nutrients in with water, this is a real problem. In low pH soils, especially in the 4’s and 5’s, phosphorus can get “tied up” with iron and aluminum, again rendering it unavailable to plants.

Here’s where I’m going with all this background information: In order to maximize crop production and minimize the amount of inputs the farmer needs to apply to achieve high

22

VITALBYPOET.COM

opportunity is everywhere if you know where to look

POET.COM

At POET, the workday ends, but the work never does.

We’re using renewable resources and our endless passion to create biofuels, nutrient-rich protein and oil alternatives.

24

VITALBYPOET.COM

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

25

POET’S STEAM TURBINE PROJECT ADDS ENERGY EFFICIENCIES

by Steve Lange | photos by Greg Latza

26

VITALBYPOET.COM

In 2017, after the urging of a manager in its bioprocessing

exits the turbine and is captured and channeled back into

plant in Portland, Ind., POET installed its first steam-

the system. The lower-pressure steam is then able to be

powered turbine, a device designed to capture excess steam

used for the ethanol-making process.

and convert it into electricity to help power the plant.

The actual equipment for one type of turbine used at

Just over two years later, POET recently completed

POET plants — which is housed in a room added next to

the installation of turbines in a dozen plants across the

the existing steam boilers — is approximately the size of a

Midwest.

semitrailer.

The project represents more than a capital investment

Those generators produce an average of roughly three

in the future of POET. It represents the kind of in-house

megawatts of electricity per plant. That’s enough electricity

innovation that has helped define POET for the past 30-

to power one-half of one bioprocessing facility — or

plus years. Like a lot of POET initiatives, the idea originated

approximately 2,000 houses — for a year.

from a team member, was planned by POET engineers and

“Essentially, all we did was increase our working

was built by POET’s own team.

pressure of our existing boilers in order to turn the turbine,

And it was a project designed to find even more

and then we still use the same amount of heat energy,” says

efficiencies within each POET plant, to take another step

Bentzen. “We found another way to take energy that was

toward sustainability and to do the right thing for the

being wasted and use it to create electricity.”

environment.

For Chris Dickman, POET’s Biofuels Regulatory Program

“This is one of those ideas where you look at it and say,

Manager, the turbine project “made too much sense not

‘Well, we’re saving money and helping the environment. It’s

to implement. There are so many synergies here,” says

the right thing to do for the company and it’s also just the

Dickman. “We already had equipment generating steam,

right thing to do,” says Charlie Bentzen, Process Engineer at

and we’re simply adding equipment to generate electricity

POET.

from that steam. We know we have to keep searching for

Bentzen, who worked as an engineer at POET Biorefining

these kinds of advantages.”

– Jewell when they installed the steam turbine there, saw

At POET Biorefining – Chancellor in Chancellor, S.D.,

the construction and the on-site team’s reaction firsthand.

they have taken sustainability a step further. They burn

“The entire team was excited to get a steam turbine

methane captured from the Sioux Falls city landfill in the

because we were going to be part of creating something

driers used to make dried distillers grains. Their turbine is

that would give us direct payback,” says Bentzen. “It was the kind of thing that told everyone, ‘Hey, we’re always growing. We’re always improving. We’re open to new ideas.’”

And that POET was especially open to new ideas from fellow team members.

“Matt Clamme, Plant Manager at the Portland, Ind. plant, kept looking at capturing this steam and kept challenging us to make this happen,” says Rod Pierson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of POET Design and Construction. “We looked at it again and realized how much this would reduce our carbon intensity. It was a different type of project for us to implement, but it gave us an opportunity to learn and to use this technology in other areas as well.”

As far as the technology goes, POET’s boilers produced medium-pressure steam, which is what the bioprocessing plant requires in its ethanol production process. Engineers then increased the pressure those boilers produced, and

We’re reducing our use of electricity, reusing our own energy more efficiently, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cutting down on our carbon footprint. It’s everything we’re about.

routed that high-pressure steam to turn the new turbines, which then spin a shaft that creates electricity through a generator. After it is used to turn those rotors, the steam

Rod Pierson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of POET Design and Construction

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

27

powered by a solid fuel boiler that burns 400 tons of wood chips — created from local landscaping waste, waste trees, waste pallets and even discarded target boards from a local ax-throwing company — every day.

“Ethanol is a clean-burning, renewable fuel, and we think it’s important to also use clean renewable fuels as our fuel source to run our facility,” says Rachel Kloos, Plant Manager. “The impact of climate change is really important to POET, and we want to get away from the use of fossil fuels in our facilities.”

Since its founding, POET has continued to search for — and discover — creative and cost-effective ways to use every bit of starch, oil, protein and fiber from every bushel of corn. They produce a product that allows asphalt manufacturers to use more recycled asphalt, making their product less expensive and better for the environment.

They refine corn oil into feed additives and biodiesel and industrial lubricants. They convert leftover solids into

We already had equipment generating steam, and we’re simply adding equipment to generate electricity from that steam. We know we have to keep searching for these kinds of advantages.

products ranging from syrups to animal feed. Recently, POET discovered a process to convert corn kernel fiber — that’s essentially the skin on the outside of the kernel — Chris Dickman, POET’s Biofuels Regulatory Program Manager

Rachel Kloos, Plant Manager, and Ryan Wood, Plant Engineer, work together at POET Biorefining – Chancellor.

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VITALBYPOET.COM

The impact of climate change is really important to POET, and we want to get away from the use of fossil fuels in our facilities.

Rachel Kloos, Plant Manager

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

29

into cellulosic ethanol.

And they did.

And the continued search for greater energy efficiency

Just three months after the completion at the initial plant

inside POET’s bioprocessing plants is nothing new, either.

in Portland, the turbine at the North Manchester, Ind., was

The steam-to-energy-turbines — and operations like the

up and running. Within two years, POET has installed 14

sharing of heat between processes such as distillation and

turbines in 13 plants across five states.

evaporation — fall into the “Combined Heat and Power”

“We’re reducing our use of electricity, reusing our own

system, one of POET’s Four Key Environmental Stewardship

energy more efficiently, reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Practices. These four keys are designed to create the

and cutting down on our carbon footprint,” says Pierson.

smallest possible environmental footprint at each of the

“It’s everything we’re about.”

company’s facilities.

Like all of POET’s projects, each success — and even each

The other practices include BPX Technology (POET’s

failure — keeps the team moving toward the ideal of energy

patented plant-wide process that converts starch to sugar

self-sustainability. It’s a “reduce, reuse, recycle” attitude

with enzymes instead of heat); carbon capture (they

that dates back to the opening of POET’s first commercial-

capture carbon dioxide, a natural byproduct of ethanol

scale ethanol plant in Scotland, S.D., in 1987, when the Broin

production, for use in everything from fire extinguishers

family designed and built and painted most everything

to carbonated beverages); and Total Water Recovery (every

themselves. When they needed equipment, they searched

POET bioprocessing center continuously recycles its water

out defunct ethanol plants and closed creameries. When

and eliminates liquid discharge).

they heard the Schlitz Brewery was going out of business,

“Overall, across the company, we’re looking at a general

they drove to Milwaukee to buy parts, demonstrating yet

queue of projects that focus on continuous improvement,”

again a resourcefulness mindset.

says Dickman. “Especially those that have benefits in terms

“This is another project that gets us closer to cutting the

of electrical cost savings and greenhouse gas reduction. The

cord and being completely self-sufficient,” says Dickman.

turbine project offered both, so once we were successful in

“It’s another step that makes us wonder where all this

terms of implementation and installation, then it just made

could eventually lead. Zero electricity input? No reliance

sense to keep hammering them out.”

on outside energy? This is what we think about. It’s what

we do here. We all understand that we can’t be stagnant

We all understand that

and we’ve got to always be working to find that next

we can’t be stagnant

it’s the right thing to do.”

improvement. Sometimes, it’s not the easy thing to do. But

and we’ve got to always be working to find that next improvement.

Sometimes, it’s not the easy thing to do. But it’s the right thing to do.

Chris Dickman, POET’s Biofuels Regulatory Program Manager

30

VITALBYPOET.COM

NASCAR UPDATE

The Green Flag: Harnessing the Power of Influence to Cultivate Even More NASCAR, American Ethanol Fans

by Ryan Welsh NASCAR has more than 90 million fans around the world,

been not only a motorsport of extreme competition but also a

ranging from casual to avid enthusiasts. Celebrity promotion

vehicle of self-promotion lifting all who are involved with it.

and partnerships like American Ethanol’s with NASCAR has

Maybe Big Bill had a crystal ball back then and could see our

helped NASCAR reach even more people. One place you’re most

time: the “Age of the Influencer.”

likely to see celebrities interact with NASCAR is behind the green flag.

Until 2011 the green flag in NASCAR was known as sacred ground. It was plain green for competition reasons, and no

Like throwing the ceremonial first pitch in a Major League

sponsor was going to muddy that water with their brand. That

Baseball game, NASCAR has its honorary starter wave the

is, until American Ethanol became an official partner and, more

green flag to launch the race. Bringing someone in from outside

importantly, a competition partner of NASCAR. After all, Sunoco

NASCAR’s boundaries also garners attention from that person’s

Green E15 was now in every race car’s fuel tank, proving itself

followers. Since Big Bill France started NASCAR in 1949, it has

as a superior fuel week in and week out. We wanted more

Actress Charlize Theron waves the green flag on Feb. 18, 2018 at Daytona.

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VITALBYPOET.COM

Source: Getty Images

Source: Getty Images

Actor Gary Sinise waves the green flag at Daytona.

visibility in the sport and NASCAR offered the green flag, giving

of NASCAR. Why wouldn’t they? NASCAR is the largest promoter

us the opportunity to raise even more awareness for American

of brand names the world has ever known. They built an empire

Ethanol.

on it. Celebrities are the icing on the cake.

The green flag is in the limelight at every NASCAR race. It starts

Yeah, most celebrities are into self-promotion; we get that. They

the action at the beginning of the race and at every stage. It also

are at the track promoting their thing, their favorite brand, an

restarts the action after every accident and caution flag. Other

upcoming movie or just themselves. But why not tie into that star

than a photo finish, it is the most exciting and intense part of

power and reach an audience that isn’t familiar with NASCAR or

a NASCAR race. The person who gets the honor of waving that

notably American Ethanol?

green flag at the beginning of the race has always played an important role for the day. The honorary starter is often well

American Ethanol has carved its own bold home in the NASCAR

known and comes from beyond the track. Behind the green flag

world. We are in the top ten of the most recognized brands in

you will most likely find a celebrity. Charlize Theron and Gary

NASCAR, sitting at No. 7. We are in victory lane every week on

Sinise are just a few of the celebrities who have waved the green

every car in NASCAR, not to mention in the tank. We also get the

flag.

boost of following from the folks that wave the green flag every race.

Having a celebrity endorse or promote your product isn’t new — it’s been a brilliant way to get above the noise in the

Without our partnership with NASCAR it would be extremely

advertising world. This marketing strategy picked up steam

hard to reach the masses that follow the sport of NASCAR and,

long ago decade by decade, and soon you had Andy Griffith

thanks to our logo on the green flag, the masses who follow the

promoting Corn Flakes. Some of the most memorable product

influencers beyond the track.

promotion to me are “Mean” Joe Greene with Coca-Cola or Betty White with Snickers. Coincidentally, these big-name brands have had partnerships or are currently promoting in the sport

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

33

ENERGY FOR LIFE

TAKE A BREAK – EVEN GOD DID

1. Set one day a week for a Sabbath rest. This would ideally be Sunday (the seventh day of the week, as God instructed). However, if that is not possible for you, pick one day out of the week for your “Holy Rest” and stick to it. This day should look different than any other

by Melissa Fletcher, Spiritual Care Advisor, POET We live in a fast-paced world where packed schedules are the new normal, and we have the unfortunate tendency to judge a person’s worth based on the busyness of his or her life. The worst part is that this isn’t just true for adults, but for our children as well.

We may say that we don’t like it, but what are we doing to stop it?

day out of your week. Make it a day of worship, family time and peace, and be thankful that God has ordained a day of rest for you.

2. Make your personal relationship with God and your family a priority. Reexamine your values, and take an inventory of all the extra activities that fill your time. If they are robbing you of the ability to spend time with God and your family, something has to go.

Take a look at your calendar. How full is it? Are you overbooking yourself or your family? Is it filled with things that bring meaning to your life, or is it draining your time, energy and finances? Are your daily activities truly worthwhile, or are they pulling you away from the things you value and love the most?

This is the dark side of busyness. We think that all of these extra-curricular activities add value to our lives, but in reality, they often cause stress, tension and burnout.

Make sure you schedule nonnegotiable times for family bonding, relaxation and prayer.

3. Unplug. Put your phone down and turn off the television. Get outside and breathe in the fresh air.

Take a walk with your spouse. Visit a park with your kids. Take time to find refreshment in nature. You will be amazed what you experience when you take in the world with all of your senses.

Don’t mistake busyness for productivity, and don’t let it rob you of precious time. Once a minute has passed,

Genesis 2:2-3 (New Living Translation) says, “On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation, so He rested from all His work. And God blessed the

you can never get it back. Let’s make an effort to get back to the simple life and enjoy the time the Lord has blessed us with.

seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when He rested from all His work of creation.”

Even God, the Creator of the world, knows the importance of rest. That is why, in Exodus 20:8-10, He gave us the fourth commandment: “Remember to

QUIT THE CULT OF BUSYNESS

by Cole Fricke, Wellness Coordinator, POET

observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the

Busy seems to be the new “it” thing — busy at work,

seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the

busy at home, busy with kids. Busy, busy, busy. No time

LORD your God. On that day no one in your household

to do this or that, no matter how great it might be for

may do any work.”

our mental, spiritual or physical health; we’re focused on our overzealous devotion to The Cult of Busyness™.

If God emphasizes the importance of a day of rest for His people, why do we have such a difficult time

We like to wear our busyness as a badge of honor, and

obeying this commandment? It was out of His great

we’re always one-upping each other with the amount

love for us that He instructed us to rest. He knows the

of busyness in our lives. “Oh, you think you’re busy?

work will always be there and that our body, mind and

Let me tell you how busy I am.” That’s a game neither

spirit need time to refresh and recharge.

person wins. But if I’m busy, then that means work/ family/life must be going well... right?

So, what can we do to make rest a priority in our lives?

Here are three things to help you stay on track:

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VITALBYPOET.COM

FIT IT IN WORKOUT

When you constantly cultivate busyness, there’s always something you can let go. Save your energy for legitimate reasons, and you’ll be able to handle the stressful times in your life much better. Use this simple technique to help prioritize your time:

by Cole Fricke, Wellness Coordinator, POET Think you’re too busy to fit a workout program into your life? Think again! There are plenty of ways to be

1. Take some time this week to take a good look at everything you have going on. You can focus on tomorrow, the next week, the next month or even the next year.

active throughout the day. One of my favorites is an As Many Reps as Possible (AMRAP) workout.

Do a set of exercises every hour on the hour throughout your day, performing as many reps as possible of

2. Make two columns. Analyze all the things you have going on in that time period that contribute to your busyness, no matter how insignificant they might seem.

3. In one column, note everything that takes legitimate time, effort and emotion. Prioritize those things to spend your energy wisely, and quantify how much time you spend on them so you can have an idea of the time you have left over. In the second column, list the unnecessary activities of your life.

each exercise until you can’t do it with proper form anymore. That might be five reps; that might be 50 reps. The variety it what makes it fun!

Here’s the workout:

FREQUENCY Perform three to four times a week (every other day is fine)

DURATION

4. Look at your daily routines for inefficiencies and complacencies. Prioritize and quantify those, too!

5. Now that you’ve got those lists, start to let go of the things you don’t need. Start small if you have to, but taking the time to look over a written list is the best way to make more informed decisions. There’s no law that says all 24 hours must be filled, so don’t stress yourself to fill them! Take some time to just do nothing once in a while. It can do wonders for your well-being.

You can do them as often as you want throughout the day, but aim for at least three to four times daily. Each exercise lasts as long as you can keep proper form!

DIRECTIONS Perform the following exercises in order, moving from one to the next with no rest once you’ve lost your form on the exercise: Round 1: Squats Round 2: Pushups Round 3: Mountain Climbers Round 4: Glute Bridges Round 5: Chair Dips Round 6: Planks View videos of these exercises at www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/finder Keep track of your personal bests, and try to beat them every time! You’ll make progress in no time, plus you can get on with your day. How’s that for efficiency?

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

35

Never Satisfied

SCHOLAR PROGRAM POET Supports the Next Generation of Changemakers

by Miranda Broin

36

In its third year, POET’s Never

out among the crowd. Each Never

see what we see in these gifted

Satisfied

Satisfied

$5,000

individuals. POET is proud to play

reached further than ever before.

scholarship

program

toward his or her fall 2019 semester

scholar

received

a part in helping these trailblazers,

More than 2,100 applications came

at a college or university, and one

innovators, dreamers and doers reach

in from across all 50 states, and

scholarship was reserved for a student

their goals. They are well on their

there was no shortage of impressive

who has a relative working at any

way to changing the world, and we’re

candidates looking to use their talents

POET location. The scholars are truly

certain they will never be satisfied

and passions to make a difference.

dedicated to their respective missions

until they have done so.

It was no easy task to select just ten

and deserving of every reward they

recipients from such a large pool of

achieve.

applicants, but this year’s class stood

As you read on, you’re sure to

VITALBYPOET.COM

At the POET lab in Sioux Falls, Austin Layton runs a sample on the spectrophotometer to better understand fermentation performance.

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

37

Antonia Rose Block

Hometown: Wilmot, S.D. Major: Chemical Engineering School: South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Antonia has big dreams to take the STEM world by storm, and it’s clear she has the capabilities and the drive to do so. Her goals align seamlessly with POET’s mission; she has a fierce desire to preserve the planet for humanity, and she’s taking the

first step this year by pursuing a degree in chemical engineering with an environmental emphasis. Antonia understands that to address the global climate issue, we need to start at the source with practical solutions. “I want to live in a way that clearly exhibits that people can do anything if they put their mind to it, that each individual is unique and has something special that only they can offer to the rest of the world, and that together we can create a future that is more healthy, vibrant, sustainable and better than today.” Wherever her path leads her, we know that Antonia will do great things for our world — and inspire others in the process like she has inspired us.

Hailey Kingsbury

Hometown: Naperville, Ill. Major: Speech Pathology and Audiology School: Miami University (Ohio)

Hailey truly embodies what it means to have a servant’s heart, whether that involves enacting change in her community or working to improve the livelihoods of women across the globe. On the home front, she has volunteered and built meaningful relationships through a buddy program and touched the lives of children as a piano and preschool teacher. When she learned the shocking statistics of how many young women in developing countries are unable to get an education due to lack of access to a fundamental human resource — clean water — she founded her own organization, Girls for Girls International, to work to change that. Hailey’s next adventure is her pursuit of a doctorate degree in audiology, with which she hopes to serve and support the deaf community. She says believes in the power of pursuing change in all aspects of life, and she’s already put that philosophy into action. We can’t wait to watch Hailey’s future unfold.

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VITALBYPOET.COM

Rick Kittelson

Hometown: Baltic, S.D. Major: Electrical Engineering School: South Dakota State University Rick’s

never-ending

pursuit

of

knowledge

perfectly

exemplifies what it means to be Never Satisfied. He constantly questions the world around him, searching for ways to learn and experiment, and to design and innovate practical solutions to real-world problems through technology.

In high school, Rick was not only a talented inventor of small but useful electronics but he also found an outlet for his passion in the cutting-edge world of robotics, setting multiple records for designing and programming robots on his school’s team. Now he plans to take his skill set and apply it on a much larger scale, harnessing the world’s potential for change as an electrical engineer. Rick doesn’t believe in taking shortcuts or limiting himself based on his resources, and we can already tell he’s going to do big things. “If the money isn’t there or the technology doesn’t exist, push the limits. Make it cheaper, make it better; if it doesn’t exist, create it. This is how I will use my Never Satisfied mentality to change the world. “

Austin Layton

Hometown: Fort Wayne, Ind. Major: Biology/Pre-Medicine School: Taylor University If Austin’s long list of achievements to date is any indicator of what his future will look like, he will undoubtedly be an outstanding leader in all aspects of life. It seems he never turns down an opportunity to make a difference; in high school he served in myriad leadership positions, from National Honor Society vice president, to captain of his football team, to student youth group leader at his church.

In his senior year, Austin started a tutoring program and created a district-wide clothing store for fellow students in need. He is driven by a passion to serve people, which is clearly directing the trajectory of his career. Austin’s ultimate goal is to establish a nonprofit that provides internships allowing medical students to provide health care services in impoverished countries. He is an unstoppable force and says he “will not slow down until I have changed my world.”

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

39

Sirrena Norris

Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y. Major: Film Production School: American Intercontinental University (Ga.)

Sirrena believes that every child has the potential to do great things regardless of background; he or she just needs the support or resources to do so. “If you can give a child a dream and the power to manifest it, they’ll become positive, successful and instrumental in bettering their community as an adult.” Sirrena realized her own leadership skills as a young woman in the U.S. military, where she dedicated 12 years of service before returning to school. She currently spends much of her free time working with vulnerable youth in Atlanta through sports, film and music programs, but she’s eager to do even more. She’s determined to get her teaching certificate and is making plans to acquire a building where she can run her own youth program and empower the next generation of dreamers.

Samantha Pearl

Hometown: Wheeling, W. Va. Major: Psychology/Pre-Law School: West Liberty University Having gone through her own battle with mental illness at a young age and experiencing firsthand the effectiveness of working through it with professional assistance, Samantha has discovered a passion in providing the same kind of support for individuals who need it.

She is certainly on the right track, pursuing a degree in psychology with plans to attend law school. In the meantime, she is gaining invaluable hands-on experience working at a law firm and advocates for mental health by sharing her story through a number of programs and speaking engagements. Samantha has big plans to use her love of both psychology and law to reform the way the justice system treats those with mental illness, but her first priority is to lift up her small community. With her strength, her drive to succeed and her sincere desire to give people hope, there is no doubt that Samantha will touch countless lives in the years to come.

40

VITALBYPOET.COM

Emerson Peaslee

Hometown: North Branch, Minn.

Major: Environmental Engineering School: University of Iowa Emerson’s passion for the environment took hold at a fairly young age when she learned how many people around the world have to walk several miles every day to collect water, which is often contaminated. She still wasn’t satisfied after helping to raise money to build wells, and her research introduced her to the profession of environmental engineering. She plans to utilize her talents in math, science and service to get her degree and work with nonprofits to make water more accessible across the globe.

Emerson has already spent two summers volunteering with the Conservation Corps, living in state and national parks to help restore them, and she plans to join the Peace Corps or Engineers Without Borders after college to immerse herself in field experience. “Clean water is a basic human right, and I will not be satisfied until every person has access to it,” she says.

Samuel Ryckman

Hometown: Pierre, S.D. Major: Mechanical Engineering/Computer Science School: South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Samuel’s love of problem-solving has led him down the career path of engineering, but his love of service — paired with his unique perspective of the world — will enable him to take it on in a whole new way. “I believe engineers must become more human and humane and become involved with ending problems for those who have little.” He hopes to lead other engineers in changing the status quo. In his first three years at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Samuel served as a project lead for Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS), which works to create sustainable solutions for communities in need. His most recent project involved designing a self-sustaining greenhouse for the Pine Ridge Reservation in Southwest South Dakota. With his impressive arsenal of experience and his determination to make a difference, Samuel will leave an indelible impact on this world.

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

41

Gavin Spoor

Hometown: Martinsburg, Mo. Major: Agricultural Systems Management School: University of Missouri Gavin didn’t grow up on a farm, but it seems that a passion for agriculture was destined to find him anyway. He remembers staring out the window as

young as three years old, watching nearby farmers work in their fields. Gavin first began working for a farmer at 16, and he partnered with a friend to form an ag business at just 19 years old: custom spraying for local farmers. That business has expanded to include other farm inputs and is still in operation today, and Gavin manages it while taking a full class load. He is also in his third year of farming his own plot of land where he grows corn, soybeans, cereal rye and popcorn, which he sells online and in several stores across Missouri. Gavin’s dream is “to see the Earth covered in green 365 days a year” and “to bridge the gap between farmer and consumer.” He plans to continue to grow his farming operation while his social media platform to educate the world in sustainable agricultural practices. Gavin has a bright future ahead, and we’re proud to play even a small role in his journey.

Arianna Smith Hometown: Howe, Ind. Major: Computer Science School: Purdue University

Arianna’s passion for computer science stemmed from an unlikely place: her family’s history with the medical field. She is one of four total siblings, and one of three that were diagnosed with and treated for cancer. Arianna was in treatment for four years starting at age 11, but she took it on with unmatched optimism and made the most of her time away from school. She began to look for ways that she could gain an education from where she was at, which led her to a web coding program online.

Spending so much time in a hospital, she also began to learn the difficulties many families face when their child requires extensive medical care — and she was not satisfied with what she found out. “This is where my Never Satisfied passion comes from; I want to use my passion for computer science and healthcare to ensure that families similar to or less privileged than mine never have to sacrifice in order to obtain life-saving health care for a loved one,” she says. She plans to develop medical software that makes health care more accessible and affordable for disadvantaged communities. We have a feeling that this is only the beginning of Arianna’s remarkable story.

42

VITALBYPOET.COM

the best ideas

are the ones you haven’t thought of yet POET.COM

At POET, we’re not looking for easy fixes for obvious problems. We’re looking for the next generation of problem solvers, who can identify challenges we don’t even know exist yet. So if you’re more interested in unanswerable questions than answers that can’t be questioned, you’ll probably fit right in.

RENEW POET Sponsors Women in Science and Technology Adventure Weekend More than 100 women attended the WiSE (Women in Science & Technology) Adventure weekend Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 at South Dakota School of Mines

& Technology (SDSM&T).

POET is a main sponsor of the WiSE program.

Danika Pollreisz, Process Engineer at POET, was a keynote speaker. She is a recent SDSM&T graduate and was an intern before starting full time at POET. Women participated in a fun-filled weekend, including outdoor courses like zip lines and high ropes, and also listened to career advice from WiSE mentors.

Students Visit POET Research Center POET Research Center in Scotland, S.D., hosted eighth graders from Scotland High School’s Ag class in September as they explored careers in agriculture. During their visit, the students learned about POET, the ethanol industry and its impact on the state of South Dakota. They also toured the plant and learned about available careers at POET.

44

VITALBYPOET.COM

POET Biorefining – Bingham Lake Hosts Company Picnic and Family Safety Day In July the safety committee at POET Biorefining – Bingham Lake organized a company picnic and invited community safety partners so family members could learn about ways to bring POET’s safety culture at work into their homes. The local sheriff’s office, fire department, EMT services and ag sector businesses brought in some of their emergency response vehicles and mobile demonstration units.

Cole Fricke, Wellness Coordinator at POET, and team members from Seeds of Change also shared information.

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

45

RENEW POET Biorefining – Hanlontown Participates in One Vision Fundraiser Team members from POET Biorefining – Hanlontown participated in One Vision’s 50th Benefit Walk Reunion and Human Foosball tournament and came home with the cup! One Vision met and exceeded their goal of raising $50,000 in their signature fundraiser, which provides services for individuals with autism and disabilities.

POET Biorefining – Emmetsburg Hosts Customer Appreciation Day Team members at POET Biorefining – Emmetsburg worked together to serve lunch to more than 200 customers in appreciation for their business.

POET Biorefining – Hudson Highlights Benefits of Homegrown Biofuels at Parade In September POET Biorefining – Hudson took part in the Alcester-Hudson Homecoming Parade in Hudson, S.D.

46

VITALBYPOET.COM

New General Manager at POET Biorefining – Caro Emily Boynton has been promoted to General Manager at POET Biorefining – Caro in Caro, Mich.

She started her career at POET as Quality Manager in 2002 and most recently served as Plant Manager since 2017.

As

General

Manager,

Boynton

will

oversee

all operations at the Caro plant, including the production of ethanol, other coproducts and a team of 45 people, including financial, commodities, operations,

maintenance,

inventory,

material

handling and EHS roles. Boynton is one of only a handful of female general managers in the ethanol industry and is proud to act as a role model for other women looking to grow into leadership roles in the field.

PEOPLE OF POET

Miranda Broin, Creative Coordinator and Alyssa Broin, Chief of Staff

48

VITALBYPOET.COM

A Culture Built by Family, for Families Family members share workplace, appreciation of POET company values and culture

by Andrea Van Essen

ith just 13 employees at

innovation.

spouse, child or sibling, there’s one

a single ethanol plant in

It’s a substantial claim, but POET’s

thing tying these team members to

small-town Scotland, S.D.,

team members are the first to stand

each other — and it’s not just blood.

behind it.

They were all drawn to POET for

a company thriving on family values,

it’s not difficult to imagine

And when it comes to speaking

its culture — one of innovation and

an unwavering commitment to its

about a company’s family values,

a deep commitment to its employees’

cause, and a close, caring team.

who better to speak to than POET

development and well-being. Whether

That was POET, at its inception in

employees who are also relatives?

it’s a schedule that allows families the

1987.

The

includes

flexibility they need to stay healthy

Thirty-two years, 28 locations and

a

family

and connected, or an attitude in the

nearly 2,000 employees later, those

members — from husbands and

workplace that inspires employees to

same values still hold strong. At its

wives to parents and children, as well

go above and beyond, culture is a key

core, POET is a family-owned and

as multiple siblings.

element of POET’s success.

operated company with a passion

Though most serve the company

for creating a better world through

in a different department than their

company’s

surprising

roster

number

of

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

49

Nathan Bockrath, Electrician, Stephanie Bockrath, Senior Accountant, POET Biorefining – Leipsic | photo

by Wes Mosley

Nathan and Stephanie Bockrath: POET Biorefining – Leipsic, Ohio Nathan Bockrath and his wife,

accountant.

Stephanie, couldn’t work in more

In

the

much at the plant, they appreciate

opposite areas of POET Biorefining –

Bockraths to drive to work separately

the opportunity to check in on one

Leipsic in Leipsic, Ohio. Nathan is an

because of their flexible schedules

another if they need to.

electrician, and Stephanie, a senior

or go multiple days in a row without

Stephanie recalls a time last year

running into one another at the plant.

when her mother was involved in a

However, it’s that flexibility that

car accident.

makes working at POET so gratifying

“It was comforting just to have Nate

for the couple.

be able to come have lunch with me,”

“It’s a pretty big advantage when

she said. “Having that support system

you have a sick child at home,” said

right there is nice if you need to calm

Nathan. “Most parts of the plant are

down.”

very flexible, so Steph could stay at

Additionally, they appreciate the

home for the first part of the day while

increased connection it offers them at

I go in, and then I’d come home in the

home.

afternoon so she can go into work.”

“You get a stronger understanding

The

and respect for what the other person

Everybody here realizes how important family is.

It’s really a familyoriented place, which makes it even better when you actually work together with your spouse.

Stephanie Bockrath, Senior Accountant, POET Biorefining – Leipsic 50

fact,

Even if the Bockraths don’t interact it’s

common

Bockraths

for

attribute

that

flexibility to POET’s family values.

is doing every day,” said Stephanie.

“Everybody

how

“At previous jobs, you could tell each

important family is,” said Stephanie.

here

realizes

other what you did that day, but here it

“It’s really a family-oriented place,

all kind of makes sense, and it actually

which makes it even better when

gives me a better understanding of

you actually work together with your

the plant.”

spouse.”

VITALBYPOET.COM

Rod Pierson, Senior Vice President & General Manager, POET Design & Construction and Lexie Pierson, IT Business Analyst | photo by Emily Spartz Weerheim

Rod and Lexie Pierson: POET, LLC

It’s interesting in meetings, because I see her as a business analyst, but normally, of course, I just see her as my daughter.

But it feels natural, and it always surprises me a bit when I leave the meeting.

Rod Pierson, Senior Vice President and General Manager for POET Design & Construction

For father and daughter Rod and

blessed to experience some of POET’s

Lexie Pierson, working together at

unique company benefits together.

POET has provided an abundance of

Both Rod and Lexie enjoy tending

shared experiences, both personal

to plots in the company’s community

and professional.

garden,

Rod, Senior Vice President and

opportunity to travel to Kenya with

General Manager for POET Design

POET’s nonprofit organization, Seeds

& Construction, has been with the

of Change.

company for nearly 22 years. Lexie

“In June, we were able to go on the

came on board two years ago as an

mission trip together, which probably

IT business analyst, and the pair have

wouldn’t have happened otherwise,”

enjoyed getting to see each other

said Lexie. “Every year, POET sends

around the office.

a group to Kenya. It’s a life-changing

According

to

Rod,

the

two

and

they

also

had

the

experience.”

occasionally attend meetings together.

Seeds of Change is POET’s global

“It’s interesting in meetings, because

nonprofit, with a mission of supporting

I see her as a business analyst, but

worldwide, sustainable development.

normally, of course, I just see her as

The organization was created after

my daughter,” Rod said. “But it feels

POET’s founder, Jeff Broin, and his

natural, and it always surprises me a

family went on a mission trip to Kenya

bit when I leave the meeting.”

with a local youth group.

Beyond the professional aspects of their time at work, the Piersons feel

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

51

Alyssa and Miranda Broin: POET LLC

For us, this isn’t just an eightto-five job; it’s a 24/7 passion that is — quite literally — in our blood. We know the significance of the work POET is doing, and its mission is always going to be important to us.

Miranda Broin, Creative Coordinator, POET

As the daughters of POET Founder

program and charitable foundation.

and CEO Jeff Broin and his wife

Her

Tammie, both Alyssa and Miranda

joined POET last year as Creative

Broin say that growing up, they did

Coordinator

not expect to work for the company.

Affairs

Alyssa, who serves as her father’s

As a co-founder of Seeds of Change,

Chief of Staff, actively pursued other

Miranda is also heavily involved in

professional

the organization and serves on its

opportunities

before

&

sister,

for

POET’s

board of directors.

the

Growth

Energy

Miranda, External

Communications

coming to POET, but after attending

team.

Executive

“It’s a really neat dynamic, working

Leadership Conference in 2016, she

with the family,” she said. “For us, this

discovered a new love for the biofuels

isn’t just an eight-to-five job; it’s a 24/7

industry.

passion that is — quite literally — in

“As kids, we watched our dad work

our blood. We know the significance

extremely hard and put so much

of the work POET is doing, and

dedication into the industry, and I

its mission is always going to be

think we developed a similar passion

important to us.”

just by association,” said Alyssa. “Our

Miranda

parents always did a great job of

opportunity

keeping work and family separate,

Alyssa on a semi-regular basis, often

but looking back, I appreciate how

on writing projects.

they

“Having

would

discuss

big-picture

says to

been

she

has

collaborate

raised

the with

together,

decisions with us and make sure we

I think we have a similar way of

understood what was going on. They

thinking, which really benefits us now

treated us with respect — even when

as we work together,” she said. “As

we were very young — and I think it

kids, we always had an idea of what

helped shape us into the people we

our dad did, but I don’t think we fully

are today.”

understood the gravity of what POET

Now Alyssa, who has been with

does until we were older. It’s really

POET for three years, works closely

been a privilege to have a front row

with her father, serving as his liaison

seat to it for all these years.”

for

day-to-day

affairs.

She

also

works with POET’s internal wellness

52

younger

VITALBYPOET.COM

photo b

by Emily Spartz Weerheim

Trevor, Todd and Spencer Freudenthal

The familyowned business speaks volumes, and the values of the company and the progression that you can have within POET is great.

Spencer Freudenthal, Logistics Coordinator, POET Nutrition

When it comes to experience at

Coordinator at POET Nutrition, and it

POET, the Freudenthal family runs

was his family who encouraged him

the gamut.

to apply.

Todd, Commodities Manager at

“It’s the only place I’ve ever really

POET Biorefining – Mitchell, has

known,” said Trevor. “The family-

been with the company since 2006

owned business speaks volumes,

but has managed elevators since he

and the values of the company

was 21 years old.

and the progression that you can

His older son, Trevor, who currently

have within POET is great. We have

works out of Sioux Falls as Director

positions in research, management,

of Credit and Financial Analysis,

marketing, legal, HR — you can really

has experience dating back to his

go anywhere you want to with a good

teenage years in 2007 when he spent

work ethic.”

the summer working in maintenance

For Spencer, that ability to work

at the Mitchell plant. Trevor also

at the same company as his brother

interned at POET during college, and

and father, who have always been

worked part-time for the company

in different fields, was something he

while in graduate school. In 2012,

never expected.

he was hired full-time as a financial

“You just don’t think those positions

analyst.

are all going to fall under the same

Trevor’s younger brother, Spencer,

roof,” he said.

was hired in 2019 as a Logistics

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

53

DOWN 1. Gung-ho 2. Think 3. Crows 4. Big bungler 5. French for sea 6. Suffix of enzymes 7. Turns over 8. Steven Jobs’ creation 9. Come by 10. Ad ___ 11. Put away 12. Falcon in film 13. Ambulance letters 18. Article in constant use 19. TV talk host Kelly 23. Heal 24. Foot pampering 25. Adoptive sister of Jessica Jones

in the Marvel Comics Universe

27. James Caan’s role in

“The Godfather”

28. Surveying science, for short

ACROSS

29. Country street 30. Stretch out

1. BBQ offering

42. Manicurist’s device

33. Winner’s cry

4. City on the Missouri

43. Coarsely ground corn

35. Inventive thoughts

9. Fountain order

44. Fixed, as tiles

36. Desert wanderer

14. Big deal

47. Malt kiln

38. It means nothing to the French

15. Fable maker

48. Agricultural degrees

39. Vogue rival

16. Carved family emblem

51. Like some shopping

40. Become prominent

17. Innovative Dakota Gold

53. Dinner course

41. Picnic invaders

production system that

55. Ugly ducklings

42. To’s partner

maintains nutritional integrity

metamorphosis

45. Thing referred to

20. Overly hasty

57. Untellable to Washington

46. Elevator button

21. Berth place

58. JIVE replaces it with

48. Contradicted

22. Tackle

49. Operatic style

26. Letter by Paul

components

50. Big stink

31. The Chiffons’ ‘’___ So Fine’’

65. Judges mallet

52. Bel ___ cheese

32. Uncanny

66. Viewpoint

54. Used a chair

34. Polar jacket

67. Getaway key on the keyboard

56. Can. province

35. Cleveland ballplayer

68. Kleptomaniac

58. Corp. leadership

37. Digit

69. Idyllic places

59. Sound of a good massage

38. The color of Voila corn

70. “Simpsons” cry

60. Roman 56

renewable non-toxic

61. Casual attire

distillers oil

FOR ANSWERS, VISIT vitalmagazineonline.com/answers

62. Corinne Bailey ___, Grammy nominee 63. Eastern cape 64. Abbr. for small change

54

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Seeds of Change

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OUT OF LEFT FIELD

Does Tiny Living Provide Big Benefits?

by Scott Johnson, Data Systems Administrator, POET I’m thinking about going tiny. “Going tiny” is the hip way to

picture the hours of fun my family would have just staring at

describe drastically downsizing your living situation. Typically,

each other in the same space because there is nowhere else to

a tiny home is an extremely small, often mobile space that

escape to. Anyone up for another game of Chutes and Ladders?!

demands simplified living and maximizing every square inch.

What an exciting challenge it must be to maximize space and

If you’re thinking, “Hey, isn’t that the same thing as a camper?”

creatively use items to serve multiple purposes! The stairs to the

Yes and no. Yes, in that it is indeed exactly the same. No, as in

bedroom loft contain hidden drawers for extra storage. The toilet

a camper isn’t specifically marketed as a “tiny home,” which is

seat doubles as a cutting board. The living room also functions

apparently important to prospective buyers.

as the foyer, parlor, home office, man cave, yoga studio, guest

Before you criticize my plan as uneducated whimsy, let me

bedroom and place where you cry yourself to sleep for making

assure you I have performed extensive research on the topic. I’ve

terrible life decisions.

binge-watched hours of tiny home searching and building on TV.

I can just imagine hooking up the tiny home and traveling

I also once fell asleep in cardboard box from a refrigerator while building a fort for my kids.

Admittedly, squeezing two adults, three kids, two dogs, two cats and a set of “fancy dishes” we got from our wedding but still have never used into 120 square feet would require sacrifices. For example, we’d have no room for that grand piano we’ve always wanted.

Or baby grand piano. Or preemie baby grand piano. I’ve always wanted a harmonica too!

Tiny living provides so many benefits that appeal to a variety of buyers. Yearning for the freedom to travel? Looking to reduce your environmental impact? Mis-calculated your taxes for the past decade and now you have to “downsize” until you’re up for parole? A tiny home might be perfect for you! One of the “pros” often cited with a tiny home is that it doesn’t require the burden of a septic system.

This is accomplished by taking advantage of

wherever the wind blows us. (Naturally,

The living room also functions as the foyer, parlor, home office, man cave, yoga studio, guest bedroom and place where you cry yourself to sleep for making terrible life decisions.

something called a composting toilet. I’m not

56

we would go with the wind for optimal gas mileage.) We would be just like the pioneers in the 1800s seeking a homesteading opportunity! OK, so technically the pioneers intended to actually build a home after traveling a thousand miles. They didn’t roll up to a hill overlooking the sprawling prairie and state: “Whelp kids, we’re here!”

“Gee-whiz, Pa. Are we going to build a house with ample space for our family on this expansive plot of land?”

“No, we’ll just continue living in our covered wagon. But look at the view! Now please get off your sister’s bed/kitchen table/ dysentery treatment area.”

I suppose living in a mobile tiny house may increase the likelihood that someone actually steals my house — not break into my house, but hook it up and haul it away. What

really sure what that is, but I’m certain it’s magical and not

if I was in the tiny shower when this happened? Unbeknownst, I

problematic in any way.

am illegally whisked down the highway. I walk out my tiny front

According to the people on TV, living in a tiny house is so much

door and BOOM, I’m in Delaware! (Also tiny.) I’m sure Delaware

fun! Maybe less is actually more? After all, tiny candy bars are

is lovely this time of year.

marketed as “fun-sized.” True, they may be the most “fun” if you

Yes, sir. I think I’m ready to commit! The tiny house movement

are a baby chinchilla on a low-carb diet. Do you know what I

has taught me you don’t need much in life to be happy: just a

also find fun? Eating an entire human-size candy bar instead of

place to lay your head, a space to share with your family and

14 tiny ones back to back. (I mean a size suitable for a human

a composting toilet. Oh, “COMPOSTING” — I understand now!

— not the size of a human, although I do love a challenge.) I can

Yeah, never mind, that’s not going to work. I’m out.

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is an endless resource

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