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CULTIVATING THE NEXT GENERATION The POET Bioproducts Center lays a foundation for the future vitalbypoet.com | 1
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Vital magazine is a news and media resource managed by POET, the world’s largest producer of biofuels. Since 2008, Vital has provided readers with forward-thinking content that helps to advance an industry that provides renewable energy and bio-based products from the surface of the Earth. Vital seeks to educate readers about the state of the biofuels sector today and the breakthrough stories of innovation and sustainability of tomorrow by presenting a variety of insights and perspectives. Each issue features in-depth, quality reporting on important topics, such as the fight against the climate crisis, innovation in agriculture, local and national policy landscapes and stories of the men and women advocating to advance biobioethanol and other renewable bioproducts. Vital by POET is committed to editorial excellence, along with high quality print production and distribution. In the spirit of its continued commitment to being good stewards of the environment, POET is proud to produce Vital using recycled paper when printed. Additional reporting can be found online at vitalbypoet.com. 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.
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To Subscribe Visit vitalbypoet.com to receive a digital magazine 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. ©2023 POET, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Contents FEATURES
COLUMNS
08 | (Bio)fueling the World
06 | In Sight
Bioethanol Use Growing in International Markets
By Jeff Broin
20 | Cultivating the Next Generation The POET Bioproducts Center lays a foundation for the future
32 | Going Greener
16 | Mechanics Corner Automotive advice from the Under the Hood radio show
40 | Farm Fresh By Ray Gaesser
POET Bioprocessing – Chancellor helps lead the way in carbon reduction and community building
46 | Farming Forward How John Deere and CNH Industrial Are Helping Redefine Sustainable Farming
58 | Out Of Left Field By Scott Johnson
DEPARTMENTS 18 | PAC 28 | People of POET 42 | Policy 54 | Get Biofuel
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Top left: POET Bioprocessing — Chancellor Top Right: SD Senator Tim Reed speaks at POET Bioproducts Center grand opening Bottom left: International gas station | Bottom right: Eilmes and Severson look out at Chancellor facility
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IN SIGHT
Moving Boldly into the Biofuture By Jeff Broin, Founder and CEO of POET As we enter a new year, I believe it’s always important to reflect on the accomplishments of the one we are leaving behind. At POET in 2023, we made bold strides, embraced change, and continued to lead the charge toward the bioeconomy of the future. The milestones achieved by our team this year are too numerous to list here, but there are a few that are especially worth highlighting. In January, we announced that we would be growing our bioCO2 capabilities with expansions at POET Bioprocessing – Laddonia and POET Bioprocessing – Lake Crystal. POET continues to be the fastest-growing renewable CO2 company in the U.S., and these significant additions are a testament to our commitment to providing a renewable CO2 solution for our customers while creating more value from every bushel of grain. In April, the Biden Administration announced that it would be lifting the upcoming summertime ban on E15. POET played an important role in securing this critical waiver. The announcement mirrored one made by the president at POET Bioprocessing – Menlo in 2022 and marked the second time the EPA has lifted outdated seasonal restrictions on the cleaner-burning biofuel blend. The waiver also reaffirmed the power of American-made biofuels to lower carbon emissions and costs at the pump for consumers.
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We also celebrated the passage of a new Nebraska E15 standard in May. This landmark legislation, which was made possible in part by POET’s government affairs team, unlocks access to E15 at Nebraska fueling stations and provides qualifying retailers a tax credit for every gallon sold, growing demand for corn and boosting economic activity in the nation’s second-largest bioethanolproducing state. Our 2023 POET Community Grant Program was another notable success. The program was created to make a lasting impact on the communities we call home, and this year we were proud to have all of our bioprocessing facilities and POET Terminal – Savannah donate to a variety of causes across our footprint. Recipients ranged from local fire departments, schools, and libraries to parks, food pantries, and youth programs. At the end of August, we celebrated the grand reopening of POET Bioprocessing – Cloverdale after making significant investments to upgrade the facility. The plant was acquired by POET in 2010 but was idled in 2019 due to issues surrounding the implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Since then, better federal management of the RFS and strong state support for E15 have made us confident in bringing our fifth facility online in Indiana. POET – Cloverdale has already created 50 local jobs and will generate demand for 34 million bushels of grain annually. In October, we were excited to unveil the POET Bioproducts Center at South Dakota State University’s Research Park. The first-of-its-kind facility will allow our research team to collaborate with students and faculty to develop the next generation of bioproducts to better our world. The milestones we’ve reached in 2023 wouldn’t be possible without our world-class team — the people who work every day to make our vision a reality. We are bound together by a common purpose to leave this world better than we found it. The challenges we've overcome and the advances we've made are a testament to the dedication and spirit that define us at POET. As we turn the page to 2024, it’s once again time to look to the endless potential that lies ahead and sieze the opportunity to move boldly into the biofuture.
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FEATURE
(Bio)fueling the World Bioethanol Use Growing in International Markets By Mackenzie Boubin, U.S. Grains Council Director of Global Bioethanol Export Development Bioethanol is a growing fuel solution in international efforts to grow our production and use of low-carbon energy. Efforts are ramping up worldwide, with nations not only creating targets for bioethanol use but taking tangible steps to implement those targets. The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) is working to keep these efforts moving by providing expertise and resources to those countries. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Council has nine international offices and a presence in over 27 countries around the world. The Council’s bioethanol efforts are focused on demonstrating the environmental and human health benefits of U.S. bioethanol, working with government and
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local stakeholders to develop policies for increased bioethanol use, addressing trade barriers and logistical constraints to U.S. bioethanol imports, and demonstrating bioethanol’s value as a source of high-octane, low-carbon fuel. The Council’s bioethanol work expands across the globe, and recent initiatives are addressing the challenges and opportunities facing bioethanol export markets in the short- and long-term. U.S. Exports Remain Strong U.S. bioethanol continues to play a large role in international biofuel markets. Bioethanol exports for the marketing year 2022/23 totaled 1.25 billion gallons, making it the fifthlargest marketing year on record. These 1.25 billion gallons were valued at $3.5 billion and were equivalent to 423 million bushels of corn. Bioethanol remained a robust and diversified market, with 77 countries purchasing U.S. bioethanol in 2022/23. Record exports to Canada, the European Union, and UK helped placed them as the top three markets, followed by South Korea, India, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Jamaica, and the Philippines. Bioethanol exports in the first month of the current marketing year (MY 2023/24) so far total 120.5 million gallons, up 30.7 million gallons, or over 34% from last year.
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Canada Clean Fuel Regulation Boosts Use, Demand Building on the momentum of MY 2022/23, U.S. bioethanol exports to Canada are up 43 percent year-on-year, totaling 60.4 million gallons in the first month of MY 2023/24, its third-highest monthly export total on record. Canada’s provincial bioethanol standards, coupled with their recent Clean Fuel Regulation issued in July of 2022, are creating market demand for low-carbon fuels like bioethanol. U.S. producers can generate compliance credits in the Canadian market, further creating margin opportunities for low-CI producers. In addition to credit generation and high-value markets, the Clean Fuel Regulation is expected to support an upward trend in the average nationwide Canadian blend level and growth in U.S. bioethanol imports. Growth in Canada’s bioethanol blend level
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Multiple Efforts Underway in Japan Japan is another critical victory within the last year. Starting with a joint announcement from the Japanese and United States presidents to double domestic bioethanol consumption in Japan by 2030, Japan has been crafting policy and initiatives that would further increase bioethanol blending in the country. Japan has taken over 11 million gallons of U.S. bioethanol exports so far this market year. While Japan currently blends bioethanol in the form of ethyl tertiarybutyl ether (ETBE), in the equivalent of a 1.7% bioethanol blend nationwide, certain retailers piloted an E7 direct bioethanol blend during the summer of 2023 in central Japan. Furthermore, a domestic refinery, ENEOS, has outlined a mid-term strategy towards E10 by 2030. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has also developed a proposal for a 10 percent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) requirement for international flights out of all Japanese airports, with stakeholders eagerly looking to secure feedstock to reach this directive. Strong Progress, New Initiatives from U.K. and EU Member States Combined, the U.K. and the EU imported 223.9 million gallons in marketing year 2022/23 with further increases expected in MY 2023/24. The U.K. successfully transitioned from E5 to E10 in 2022, with Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland transitioning shortly thereafter. Norway, Poland, and Austria are among EU member states that committed to E10 in the first and second quarters of 2023. The year-on-year EU bioethanol blend rate has gradually increased since 2019, reaching an average bioethanol blend rate of 6.8 percent, according to the latest monthly reporting for August 2023. Similarly, the bioethanol blend rate in the UK has also increased, especially following its national E10 rollout in September 2021, with an average blend rate of 8.5 percent. As more countries roll out an E10 blend level and initiative, this represents a key market opportunity for U.S. producers looking to source into the region.
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Asia, Latin America Key Players Many other opportunities are emerging around the world, with India announcing their desired goal to reach E20 by 2025. India has impressively reached a nationwide E12 within four years of implementing their policy. Additionally, South Korea announced that it intends to create a Renewable Fuel Standard and launch a bioethanol pilot program in 2024. Within Southeast Asia, the Philippines has released their fuel specification for a discretionary E20 blend to be finalized before 2024, while Indonesia is in the midst of an E5 pilot program in Jakarta and Surabaya with plans to increase to E7 in 2024. Vietnam is also looking to expand its E5 offerings to all fuel grades at the pump. In the Latin American region, many countries are pursuing bioethanol implementation objectives, with Costa Rica, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala announcing the start of bioethanol blending programs in 2024. Jamaica, which is the only country in the Caribbean with an E10 blend mandate, is looking to go even further and pursue E15 and emerged as a top ten bioethanol export destination in the market year 2022/23, purchasing a record 28.8 million gallons. Colombia, despite retaining the countervailing duty on U.S. bioethanol imports, remained a top ten market in MY 2022/23, with imports totaling 42.3 million gallons, rebounding from its five-year low in MY 2021/22, and is looking to stabilize its bioethanol blend level, gradually going back to its E10 mandate in the coming year. Grains Council Looks at Multiple Avenues for Bioethanol Growth While the Council is heavily focused on fuel applications, it also looks to opportunities beyond the on-road environment with bio-based chemicals and sustainable aviation fuel. The U.S. bioethanol industry has some challenges competing in international markets. A strong dollar, relatively high feedstock costs, and tariff barriers can make U.S. bioethanol uncompetitive towards other domestic fuels or other export competitors. However, the message carried by U.S. bioethanol — as a measure to reduce inflationary pressures, improve human health, and contribute to decarbonization efforts — is resonating throughout the globe. More countries are seeking to implement higher biofuel standards and use bioethanol to the fullest potential within their fuel supply. The Council — with the support of the U.S. bioethanol industry and supply chain — is able to provide resources, technical expertise, industry consultants, and critical mission participants within the various regions where its team operates. The organization will continue to advocate for strong policy, market access, and best practices for bioethanol consumption. The momentum continues to grow, and through partner assistance, we can work together to expand dynamic opportunities in this growing international field for American-made bioethanol.
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Chris Morey, General Manager works to keep the facility clean.
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UNDER THE HOOD
Mechanic Q&A Russ Evans is a car lover, professional mechanic, and host of the Under the Hood radio show, which can be found on a station near you or your favorite podcast site. 1. Tell us about how you came to be a mechanic. Is that what you always wanted to be? I grew up around mechanics and engineers and spent a lot of my time watching them and learning about what they did. Neighbors often gave me old lawnmowers and mopeds to work on — which eventually turned into cars and trucks — and I would fix them and move on to the next project, learning along the way. My first engine project was a lawnmower at the age of five, followed shortly by a Ford Model T truck that my dad had purchased for a father/son project at the age of six. 2. Tell us about your education, credentials, and experience. How did you become an expert? My career has been filled with jobs around the mechanical and electrical world. Early in life, I started working at a car dealership and have been in professional auto service since then — for a total of over thirty years. I am an ASE Master Certified Technician with Advanced Engine Performance endorsement and have been trained by both BMW and Ford Lincoln Mercury. 3. How has the business of being a mechanic changed since you started fixing up cars? The most noticeable changes have actually been in mechanics and shops themselves. The shops used to be filled with older mechanics, mainly men, and I remember a lot of them smoking while working. The knowledge to repair cars was passed down by your mentor and an old book with greasy pages, and every day, it seemed like another aspiring mechanic was applying for a job. These days, there’s been a lot of positive improvements. The shops are cleaner, smoking is gone, information is easily accessible on a computer, and more women have the opportunity to be in the business. However, the number of mechanics available has also dwindled as well. It is a skilled career now instead of something you just did if you were mechanically inclined. 4. And how have the cars changed? In the beginning, cars were different — not necessarily simple, just different. For example, cars have become more complex, but the tools and onboard diagnostics have given us more vision into how the systems are working or not working. 5. What is the biggest bioethanol myth you have to dispel regularly? By far, it’s that when you let gasoline sit for an extended period, it’s the bioethanol that goes bad and leaves behind a mess in a fuel tank or carburetor. We simply ask people if they have ever seen a bottle of alcohol on the shelf go bad. Then we ask, “What about a can of non-ethanol gasoline?” We spend a lot of time explaining to people that it’s the gasoline that goes bad while the bioethanol lasts and stays good. In fact, it keeps engines running cleaner! 6. Do you have a favorite car? I do, a 1968 Shelby Mustang. A 1968 Pontiac Firebird is a close runner-up.
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POET PAC
The Power of Collective Advocacy A Q&A with President's Club Member Leah Hulzebos By Matt Ward, POET Government Affairs Manager
Tell me a little bit about your background. I grew up on a farm approximately five miles north of POET Bioprocessing – Bingham Lake in Minnesota. I was the oldest of six kids. I picked rocks, walked beans, detasseled corn, and did all of the things that farm kids did before new farming technologies and innovative practices began to take their place. I have been married for 24 years, we were blessed with two boys, and we currently live in Brandon, SD. As a family, we enjoy spending quality time at our lake cabin and love inviting others to join us. What can you tell us about your role with POET? At POET, I oversee the qualification and compliance of supplier and contractor accounts worldwide, and I specialize in securing non-disclosure agreements.
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How did you first hear about POET PAC? I first heard about POET PAC when POET’s CEO, Jeff Broin, spoke enthusiastically about it at a company meeting. It deeply resonated with me, and immediately afterward, I asked Jeff how I could personally get involved in a meaningful way. He pointed across the sea of people and said, “Meet with Matt Ward; he will get you connected and involved.” Matt listened, shared his knowledge, and connected me with others who are champions of the PAC and passionate about making a difference. In September, I attended the Growth Energy Biofuels Summit in Washington, D.C., where I actively participated in lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill. Why do you believe it's important that you contribute to POET PAC? I believe it is important that I contribute to POET PAC for many reasons. Clean, renewable biofuels support over 555,000 U.S. jobs, including my own and several of my family members'. I would not have a job in this industry if policymakers did not continue to lend support to help grow the market for American agricultural commodities. I believe it is important to dramatically reduce dependence on foreign oil and do our part to proactively reduce carbon emissions. POET PAC puts boots on the ground to skillfully advocate for important issues and strategically recruit new allies to partner and align with. The PAC provides policymakers with a valuable roadmap and ensures the path for agriculture, biofuels, bioproducts, and rural America stays robust and evergreen. Why should others contribute to POET PAC? I believe others should contribute to the POET PAC because there is power in numbers, and the POET PAC allows our voice to be clearly and collectively heard. My favorite saying in life has always been Helen Keller’s quote, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”: This concept rings true with POET PAC. The importance of supporting the PAC cannot be overstated. POET PAC goes to bat for all of us in immensely powerful ways and achieves vital outcomes that we could not attain individually.
To learn more or contribute to POET PAC, visit poetpac.com
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FEATURE
Cultivating the Next Generation The POET Bioproducts Center lays a foundation for the future By Marcella Prokop In the heartland of South Dakota, where golden fields stretch as far as the eye can see, a new chapter in the pursuit of creativity, innovation, and the development of future leaders is unfolding. Imagine a place where the future of biotechnology and bioprocessing are cultivated in the fertile soil of knowledge. It’s a place where the pioneers of tomorrow are forging ahead, participating in the progression and growth of the state’s largest industries. Welcome to the exciting intersection of industry expertise, academic excellence, and visionary agriculture: The POET Bioproducts Center.
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Through the support of POET, the state of South Dakota, and other members of the Bio Leadership Coalition, the POET Bioproducts Center was established at the Research Park at South Dakota State University, and after nearly two years of construction, the Center has officially opened its doors to the region's leading bioprocessing scientists. POET is the lead sponsor of the Center, a 45,000-square-foot building located at South Dakota State University’s (SDSU) Research Park in Brookings. The Center includes several mini-labs, a pilotscale bioproducts laboratory, and other equipment needed to test, develop, and scale value-added bioproducts. The first-of-its-kind innovative ecosystem between students and faculty from SDSU and South Dakota Mines and industry partners will allow collaboration on the next generation of bioproducts, said Jeff Lautt, POET President and Chief Operating Officer. “The whole purpose of this project was to bring together the private and public sector to advance technology around education to produce bioproducts,” he said. The facility and its operating body, Dakota BioWorx, will enhance research, economic development, and workforce preparation in South Dakota and throughout the Midwest. “The second component of this project is a nonprofit organization, Dakota BioWorx, that will use the building to add value and provide services for the transfer of bioprocessing technologies into commercialization,” said Dr. Daniel Scholl, Professor and Vice President of Research and Economic Development at SDSU. “The nonprofit will provide a service to organizations like POET and others in commercialization partnerships to scale up university inventions or even private-sector inventions.”
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In addition to the $5 million lead gift from POET to build and outfit the Center, the project includes support from the South Dakota Legislature, the South Dakota Corn Growers Association, and The South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. Dakota BioWorx will include representatives from SDSU, SD Mines, the Board of Regents, POET, and other industry partners. Designed to add value to the work done by regional farmers, this structure will also benefit researchers of all levels as they continue to find and share value in local agricultural resources and bring new bioproducts to market. “Today, university research continues to impact economic growth in our community through the commercialization of new and innovative ideas to solve real-world problems,” said SDSU President Barry Dunn. “That process requires investments in cuttingedge facilities, and as we are witnessing, to fully realize the potential of new ideas, universities must engage in public-private partnerships. Just as previous generations of leaders envisioned facilities like the POET Bioproducts Center, now our region will have enormous capacities to drive economic growth through applied biotechnology.” Businesses can rent lab space in the Center and get assistance from specialists in bioprocessing through Dakota BioWorx, and university students will have the opportunity for hands-on learning experiences and research. POET will be actively involved in the facility, including areas of research, governance, and curriculum development, which will involve establishing courses in bioprocessing with a focus on value-added agriculture and offering academic degrees that include such courses.
Top: Ribbon cutting at POET Bioproducts Center Grand Opening Center left: lab space at Center | Bottom Left: Crowd listens to speeches at grand opening Bottom Right: SDSU President Barry Dunn speaks to crowd
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“Students are always working on things, and they might have an idea, or a company might want to solicit the capabilities and resources of students at various stages — whether graduates or undergraduates,” said Lautt. “Professors are teaching but might have ideas they are exploring. A benefit of bringing the private sector together with public institutions is you can take ideas and turn them into reality.” Dr. Scholl said students will be able to work on their own research, but businesses that may need to trial or scale a product could utilize space in the facility to conduct research and development. “Let’s say a faculty member at SDSU invents a way to use bioprocessing to process dry distillers grains into an additional value-added product,” he said. “That would be secondary fermentation. We talk with our counterparts, tell them, ‘This might be of interest to you,’ and we then develop an agreement, go to the Bioproducts Center, and use their expertise to commercialize the product.” Because businesses don’t always have the space to run trials, conduct research, and scale up, and because colleges don’t focus on developing the capacity to bring a product to market, the opportunities to harness the power of Dakota BioWorx and the space provided are a win-win for everyone involved. “Agriculture wins, students win, and the private sector wins because they’re able to commercialize new technologies using this facility,” said Lautt. But the wins keep coming, as this project will also allow the state of South Dakota to continue to expand agricultural growth and development of technologies that positively impact the world.
POET President and COO Jeff Lautt tours the POET Bioproducts Center with POET team members
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Bioproducts such as bioethanol or bioplastics have the potential to eliminate dependency on petroleum while also increasing the economic viability and sustainability of the agriculture sector. While this type of partnership is a pioneering venture in the education and bioproducts sectors of South Dakota, Lautt said it already exists in Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota. Adding this resource to South Dakota will help sustain and build a robust bioprocessing workforce and an understanding of what it means to participate in agriculture today. “At POET, we’ve worked hard to be at the forefront of ag innovation since day one, and I believe the same spirit of ingenuity that helped our team pioneer an industry is still alive and well in the young minds of today,” said Jeff Broin, POET Founder and CEO. “Their curiosity will help drive the processes and technology to extract more value out of every bushel of grain grown right here in the heartland.” Broin adds that the impact of this collaboration between the public and private entities involved and their shared goal of growing the bioprocessing sector will “elevate awareness” about what POET does to lead the way in making a difference in sustainable bioproduct development for the world. “As new innovations emerge from this facility, they will help lead our nation’s conversion from a fossil-based economy to the ag-based, low-carbon bioeconomy of the future, and I think that’s a future to look forward to.”
Left: Jeff Broin, POET Founder and CEO, speaks to audience at grand opening event
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PEOPLE OF POET
Passion for People Growing with POET for 23 years, Lisa Reddick leads talent acquisition, development By Susanne Retka Schill Lisa Reddick puts talking to young people about the opportunities POET has to offer at the top of the list of the things she likes about her new position as talent strategy director. “I enjoy going to career fairs and sharing with people just starting their careers,” she said. She gets a chuckle out of the reaction when she says she’s worked at POET's Wichita office for 23 years. “They’re taken aback — I’m not even that old,” she joked. “Then the immediate question is, ‘What has kept you at POET?’ I tell them that it’s the people.” Back in 2000, she was in need of a job. “I was relatively inexperienced, but thankfully, some networking connected me with POET.” Reddick’s initiative and work ethic — as well as POET’s leadership — helped her advance quickly. Initially hired as a temp, she went full-time as an accounting assistant within a month. After earning her college degree in business management, she moved over to the scheduling department, where she advanced over the next decade to become a manager. The team at POET’s Wichita office manages bioethanol sales and shipping logistics. When the customer engagement side was split off from the scheduling and logistics side, Reddick started leading the planning team. “We made sure that however the marketers contracted the business, that’s what we ended up doing,” she said.
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In her journey with POET, Reddick grew passionate about developing other team members. “I had a huge opportunity to go from somebody who had a short resume and little experience to be able to grow with the organization and learn from a lot of really smart, really determined, entrepreneurial individuals,” she said.
Reddick said her passion for her work comes from both her parents and the middle of her three children, who is on the autism spectrum. “I’m passionate about being able to meet your potential, no matter what that potential would be,” she said. “You don’t have to be the very best person at your job; you have to be the best version of yourself.”
For example, Reddick helped start a board of developers to connect team members at all levels to development opportunities. After putting the project on hold during the pandemic, the Wichita office faced stiff competition for new hires in the postpandemic job market, and Reddick was asked to assume a new role. “Prior to that, everyone had done their own hiring. The managers would read all the resumes and do all the interviews — it was more of a distraction from the business than a help,” she said. “They wanted help in finding good candidates, so they asked me to focus on talent acquisition, talent development, and team member advocacy.”
Watching her son grow up and accomplish things she was told he could never do has fueled her commitment. “Tanner’s not high functioning, and he’s never going to live on his own or have a job. But I have had more people come up to me and say Tanner has changed their lives,” she said. “He has served such a huge purpose in his 23 years of inspiring others around him, even if he’s never going to be the one that is having the dream job.”
This year, Reddick’s role was expanded, and she is now the Talent Strategy Director for all POET locations. “Lisa has been a catalyst in combining the Sioux Falls and Wichita teams,” said Nathan Hay, POET Vice President of People & Culture. “She leads with her whole self — heart, mind, body, and spirit, which has created deep connections with her peers and the greater team.”
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In the last couple of years, Reddick and her husband, Andy, have transitioned from supporting Wichita’s Heartspring, which offers services for children with autism, to Ability Point, which advocates for adults with special needs. It’s a position she has discovered she loves. “I never thought I’d be in human resources, but I just really love it. I've had the opportunity to see so many aspects of the business, from accounting to scheduling different products and being able to work with people and help them grow in their careers as well. I strongly believe that if you work hard, there is endless opportunity here at POET.”
Fueling a new era of the bioeconomy.
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FEATURE
Going Greener POET Bioprocessing – Chancellor helps lead the way in carbon reduction and community building By Darrell Boone Nestled amidst the tranquil charm of Chancellor, South Dakota, lies the beating heart of innovation — a POET bioprocessing facility. Here, science and nature converge to power the future. POET Bioprocessing – Chancellor is distinct, even among POET facilities, for piloting sustainable technologies to fuel the facility. For starters, POET – Chancellor is unique in that it gets nearly half of its energy from recycled sources. An elevenmile pipeline connects the plant with the Sioux Falls Landfill, which supplies it with biogas. Plus, the facility also has a solid fuel boiler, which enables it to daily use several hundred tons of wood chips from recycled pallets, waste wood from downed trees, and wood targets from a local axe-throwing business. After the holidays, it even uses recycled Christmas trees. “For a few days after Christmas, it smells really good around here,” said Tom Pierson, General Manager of POET Bioprocessing – Chancellor. “Recycling Christmas trees is one of the more visible ways we interact with the Chancellor community. It’s a great opportunity for us to show our sustainability initiatives to those around us.” For all of its twenty-year history, Chancellor has been dedicated to lowering its carbon intensity (CI) score. CI is the metric for which companies and products are evaluated based on their environmental impact, and it is increasingly becoming a commodity that bioethanol facilities can utilize to access low-carbon markets. But soon, this innovative and sustainable facility is on deck to get even greener.
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POET, as a whole, is constantly exploring new options and initiatives to continue to lower its bioprocessing facilities' carbon intensity scores. Whether it be more efficient processes or new technology, POET is committed to being carbon neutral by 2050. Low CI means access to new markets and value. “Because of our low carbon-intensity score, it gives us access to West Coast markets, which in turn enables us to earn a premium on our bioethanol,” said Pierson. “And recently, Canada has also begun to enact stricter air quality standards, which has opened up markets for us in Saskatchewan and Alberta. We’re unique in that currently two-thirds of our bioethanol product goes to the West Coast, while one-third goes to western Canada.” Turning Twenty Originally built in 2003 as a 45–million–gallon facility, good profits and an abundance of corn led to an expansion in 2008. Today, from 40 million bushels of locally sourced corn, Chancellor’s 65 team members produce 120 million gallons of bioethanol annually, plus 56,000 tons of dried distillers grains, making it one of the larger facilities in the POET family. Another bioproduct that promises to have excellent potential is using its low–metal corn oil to produce renewable diesel fuel. Today, many of Chancellor’s team members and customers are local, but some also come from other POET locations and towns. “We have a blend of people whose families have been here for generations, plus folks from nearby Sioux Falls, who have seen us as a good opportunity,” said Pierson. Both as a facility and as individuals, POET and its team members are deeply involved in the local community. Some of those activities include supporting local 4-H and FFA chapters, area fire departments and ambulance services, and partnering to sponsor a community meal to kick off the Turner County Fair, a.k.a. “the best four days of the summer.” Off the job, Pierson enjoys what his wife, Sherri, refers to as his “vice”— raising a small cow-calf herd of Shorthorn cattle. At work, it’s more than just a job. “I feel like it’s a noble cause,” he said. “We’re in the right place in the supply chain to supply fuel that’s good for the environment, feed for livestock, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and provide some really good jobs for people to feed their families.” Jumped Right In “I had an uncle who was working here in maintenance and asked me if I’d like to apply for a position here,” said LeRoy Eilmes. “I was hired, jumped in with both feet and now I’ve been here 17 years.” As a shift supervisor at POET – Chancellor, Eilmes’s responsibilities include making sure samples are getting taken appropriately, things are running according to specifications, and generally just doing his part to keep the facility running efficiently. Somewhat ironically, he said one of his favorite parts of the job is troubleshooting. “On one hand, no one wants trouble, but I really like troubleshooting — figuring out why something’s not running right, what we need to do to fix it, and making the necessary adjustments,” he said. Eilmes, whose off-the-job interests include snowmobiling, grilling out, and spending time with his family, said of his work, “It’s been a good job. We have a good group here, and everyone’s very supportive of each other.”
Top: Trucks unloading grain at POET Bioprocessing -- Chancellor Bottom: POET team members LeRoy Eilmes, Shift Supervisor, and Preston Severson, Plant Technician
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Keeping it Close to Home POET–Chancellor Quality Manager Sarah Voegele grew up in nearby Lennox, South Dakota, and has spent her life in the community, in which her family is heavily involved. “My husband raises show cattle, and our kids are very involved in 4-H, FFA, and showing livestock — cattle, pigs, and goats,” she said. “POET has been very supportive of those activities, as well as our local fairs, all of which are close to my heart.” At work, Voegele has a big job. She and two lab technicians make sure all the instruments for the team members who take samples are calibrated correctly, which in turn leads to an even bigger responsibility. “Every single product POET – Chancellor sells comes through our lab, where we put certifications on and make sure they’re meeting the quality specs for our customers,” she said. Voegele has been with POET for 17 years and appreciates the emphasis POET places on helping team members advance and grow, of which she is a beneficiary. But she also appreciates the opportunity to stay close to her roots. “A lot of us here are from the local community,” she said. “It really feels like a family here.” Top: Eilmes and Severson walk through the facility Bottom Left: Tractor moves distillers grains | Bottom Right: Truck leaving POET–Chancellor
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FARM FRESH
Thinking in Circles By Ray Gaesser, Co-Chair of Iowa Smart Agriculture One of the first “circles of life” we created on our farm was made possible when the POET Bioprocessing – Corning facility came to town. My family, like many of our neighbors in southwest Iowa, grows corn. In 2005, we were among the first investors in the local POET project because we knew it would open doors for our corn to become, well, more than just corn. When the plant opened in 2007, we began delivering our corn there. POET turned that corn into bioethanol and distillers grains. Those distillers grains went to feed livestock in our area, and we, in turn, closed the circle by working with our livestock-producing neighbors — including a local egg-laying operation — to get manure to fertilize our next crop of corn. In the process, the POET plant gave a big boost to our local economy. Everyone within 30 miles of the plant, whether they invested or not, saw an increase of at least 15 cents per bushel in base price. The plant created 40 or so good-paying jobs for the area, plus we were able to add value to the corn we grew with a new market. We were expanding our circles. Today my wife and I have almost completely transitioned management of the family farm to the next generation, our son and daughter-in-law. Together, we have always looked for ways to expand our circles of life — to use and reuse or recycle resources to get better results, in terms of land, production, and profitability. Often, these circles are made possible through partnerships with individuals and businesses in the community. In our case, that includes POET, the Revelton Distillery in Osceola, Iowa (to which we now supply rye), and livestock producers. Most recently, we have expanded our circles by working with our neighbors with cows. Last year our neighbors grazed about 250 cows on our cover crops and corn stover from late fall through winter. This year we’re looking to bring on at least 350 cows. We get the benefit of the cow fertilizer spread across our fields as well as help covering the cost of cover crop seed. The cattle producers get the benefit of reducing their need for and cost of hay. The best part of these partnerships is that each entity benefits in compounding ways. Some of our circles of life even benefit the general public. Bioethanol creates a cheaper energy source for consumers. Improving soil health, like we do through no-till, cover crops, and animal impact, results in cleaner water downstream, with rains soaking more directly into Earth’s natural water filter. Agriculture, through all these circles, becomes a multifaceted source of solutions to some of the greatest challenges our planet faces: climate change, water, biodiversity, food and nutrition, clean energy, and more. It makes sense for us to continue adding value to our agricultural products, to continue using resources wisely and efficiently, and to work together to accomplish more while reducing waste — to think in circles. Iowa farmers are thinking more circularly together through Iowa Smart Agriculture, an initiative started by Solutions from the Land and Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. If you are interested in the conversation, we would love to hear from you! Learn more at solutionsfromtheland.org/iasa. 4 0 | VITAL
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POLICY
Modeling Matters By Matt Ward, POET Government Affairs Manager In the ever-evolving landscape of renewable energy, the power of precision and scientific rigor is undeniable. The journey to decarbonize transportation hinges on nothing less than the most accurate and up-to-date science, setting the stage for bioethanol’s undeniable impact. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and tax credits included in the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are integral policy vehicles for bioethanol. Both rely on accurate lifecycle analysis (LCA) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to determine the policy effectiveness and incentives for bioethanol. Accurate LCA measures are critical to showcasing the increasingly low-carbon benefits of bioethanol. Inaccurate or outdated modeling could stifle the industry’s ability to invest in technologies that further reduce the carbon intensity (CI) of bioethanol production and provide new markets and jobs for agriculture and rural communities. Put simply, modeling matters. The Department of Energy’s Argonne Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) model is considered the gold standard to accurately measure LCA of GHG emissions for any given energy and vehicle system. There are efforts underway to ensure that Argonne GREET is recognized in both the RFS and IRA tax credits, such as the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Credit (40B), Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z), and others. Recently, biofuels champions Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Sen. John Thune (R-SD) reintroduced the Adopt GREET Act, which would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update its greenhouse gas modeling for all renewable fuels under the RFS. “It’s past time for the EPA to update its greenhouse gas modeling for all biofuels, which would more accurately reflect the emissions reductions achieved by ethanol, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel,” said Thune. “This would not only underscore how homegrown biofuels can be a cleaner part of our energy security and environmental policy, driving value for South Dakota farmers but also make biofuel exports more attractive to countries seeking to lower their transportation emissions.” “It is critical that the EPA’s greenhouse gas modeling for biofuels be updated to fully reflect the newest science and technology,” said Klobuchar. “This legislation will allow us to fully recognize how ethanol, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel can contribute to our emissions reduction goals while expanding and promoting the use of clean energy and rural jobs across the country.” Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Angie Craig (D-MN). “The EPA’s current greenhouse gas modeling is limiting the adoption of homegrown renewable fuels,” said Rep. Johnson. “In contrast, the GREET model takes into account the full lifecycle of renewable fuels — from a farmer’s field to fuel pumps — and gives consumers a more accurate picture of the benefits biofuels offer. We should be using the best science available, and that’s exactly what this bill does.”
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“Homegrown biofuels are tools we have at our fingertips right now to help address climate change — and it’s critically important that the EPA’s data accurately reflects that,” said Rep. Craig. I’m proud to be working across the aisle to pass this bill and make sure the true benefit that homegrown biofuels bring to our environment, economy, and ag communities is recognized.” Concurrently, as anticipated guidance is expected to be released determining eligibility requirements for claiming 40B, biofuels champions and advocates are engaged in an effort to ensure the Argonne GREET model is recognized as a “similar methodology” for determining LCA. POET recently joined 70 companies throughout the SAF supply chain, including major airlines, in an open letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen calling on the administration to recognize Argonne GREET in 40B to unlock the potential of biofuels in decarbonizing aviation. The letter states, “We, the undersigned — as industry leaders covering nearly the entire supply chain for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) — are writing to express our strong support for formal recognition of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne GREET model as a 'similar methodology' under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Section 40B(e).” It goes on to say, “Argonne GREET allows users to account for climate-smart and regenerative feedstock production practices. The IRA could unleash a new wave of U.S. bio-innovation practices but will not reach its full potential if those practices cannot be accounted for.” POET agrees that modeling matters. We continue our work with biofuels champions and stakeholders throughout the ag supply chain to ensure that the best science is used to represent the true low-carbon benefits of bioethanol.
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FEATURE
Farming Forward How John Deere and Case New Holland Industrial are helping redefine carbon-smart farming By Ryan Turpin Companies like John Deere and Case New Holland are taking some drastic measures in the interest of decarbonization. But what does that mean, and why are they doing it? Most importantly, how does it affect their customers and the future of farming? Decarbonization is one of those words — like "organic" or "biweekly" — that doesn’t always mean what you’d think. Sometimes, it simply refers to removing carbon, but more often, it refers to creating a sustainable “carbon cycle,” either by making different choices about our carbon sources or by finding ways to balance what we put into the atmosphere with what we take out. “Decarbonization is an increasingly important topic for us, especially when it comes to how our customers use our products,” said Kelly Hrajnoha, Sustainability Manager for CNH. Why, relatively suddenly, has decarbonizing become so important? We are made of carbon, after all, and so are food, fuel, and much of our environment. What we’re up against, however, is an age-old problem: too much of a good thing. For the past 275 years, give or take, starting with the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century, we’ve been on carbon overdrive, extracting incredible amounts of coal, oil, and natural gas from underground and turning it into heat, electricity, and other forms of energy. The problem? The planet has a delicately balanced carbon cycle. Animals breathe carbon dioxide in and out. Plants photosynthesize it. The land, sea, and atmosphere pass it back and forth. However, the carbon we burn for energy is, in a sense, extra. If not for us, it would have remained deep underground for thousands — maybe millions — of years more. That extra carbon effectively traps more heat close to the planet, making it warmer on average as the years tick past and leading to social and environmental challenges. Decarbonization is the catch-all term for decreasing the amount of “extra” carbon emitted. It doesn’t necessarily require us to use less carbon, but that we take it from sources that are already part of Earth’s balanced carbon cycle or that we manage the emissions sustainably (e.g., carbon storage or sequestration).
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Businesses are under pressure to help carry out this decarbonization, including agricultural equipment manufacturers. Existing at the intersection of scientific research, technological innovation, resource management, and the fulfillment of basic human needs, major companies like John Deere and CNH Industrial have both the incentive and the means to make an impact — and that’s exactly what they are doing. “The journey toward sustainability isn’t new for us. It’s an extension of our dedication to helping farmers maximize profitability while safeguarding their most precious resource: the soil,” said Oriana Lisker Bosin, Product Manager, Sustainability Solutions for John Deere. “One of the things relatively unique to agriculture is that profitability and environmental sustainability are complementary, not in conflict. When farmers reduce their inputs, their costs decrease and so does the size of their environmental footprint." Some of the effort is directed internally to reduce the carbon footprint of production and business operations. For example, both companies are working to reduce water usage and waste intensity while increasing operational energy efficiency. Localized procurement, renewable energy, sustainable material choices, and circular design are also being emphasized, with each contributing in some way to either lower overall carbon usage or reduce reliance on fossil materials like coal and natural gas. However, both companies also share a bigger goal: to dramatically decrease the total emissions associated with their products throughout their operational lifetimes and help farmers improve their precision agriculture practices. For context, in 2022, CNH found that over 90% of the company’s associated emissions came from the use of sold products. Reducing those emissions means finding ways to lower the carbon intensity of agricultural products
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during their use phase — in other words, on the farm — which is where decarbonization begins to impact farmers in various ways. “Efficiency, productivity, and longevity, all of which underpin sustainability, are very relevant to our customers’ needs across the board,” said Rob Zemenchik, Sr. Manager of Sustainability for CNH. “In particular, for our producer customers, being sustainable is what they’ve always done to ensure their farms carry on to the next generation.” For these companies, helping customers on this journey is key to achieving their own business goals. Here are some of the major ways they’re doing it: Empowering precision agriculture methods Precision agriculture is a cornerstone of decarbonization efforts by both John Deere and CNH. By optimizing farm operations and helping farmers apply fertilizers and crop protection when and where they are needed, a precision approach not only minimizes emissions and ensures a lower carbon footprint but also empowers farmers. They can achieve better yields using fewer resources, leading to more sustainable and economically efficient farming. Recent innovations from John Deere, such as the company’s ST Series Strip-Till, See & Spray™ Ultimate, and ExactShot™, are designed for this purpose. “It’s about doing more with less,” said Bosin. “Farmers are already some of the biggest environmental stewards out there — their livelihoods depend on it.” CNH boasts its own impressive array of precision ag tools and also owns a dedicated innovation platform called AGXTEND, created to make the newest precision technologies constantly available to growers. These innovations, combined with data from connected products, provide farmers with real-time insights to optimize production, enhancing both their harvests and land care.
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Testing alternative fuels and propulsion systems Bioethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, hydrogen, methane, and biomethane are all being tested as propulsion options by large-scale equipment manufacturers. Moving away from fossil-based diesel and toward these more sustainable alternatives is a key pathway toward decarbonization since, in many cases, burning fuel is what accounts for the majority of emissions associated with agricultural vehicles and equipment, though per John Deere, fuel makes up only five percent or less of the carbon footprint of an acre of corn. Certain types of biofuels and renewable fuels can also be used with no modifications to engines or storage infrastructure, meaning emissions reductions can be achieved immediately as opposed to over a longer period. Farmers may also see economic benefits when adopting alternative fuels, such as the ability to qualify for or participate in various government incentive programs. John Deere also recently unveiled a bioethanol-powered 9.0L concept engine at Agritechnica. In a pilot program with partner Bennamann, CNH is in the process of augmenting multiple farms with a unique energy creation system that produces purified biomethane out of captured emissions from livestock manure. The biomethane can then be used to fuel farm vehicles or supply electricity, enabling the farm to become its own integrated energy provider. Extending product lifespans Additionally, both companies have initiatives designed to conserve manufacturing resources and keep machines going for longer, thereby creating measurable carbon footprint reductions while directly benefiting the farming community. John Deere Precision Upgrades provide customers with the opportunity to adopt the latest technology without purchasing new or used equipment. This gives them a faster return on investment while increasing the value of their current machine and improving operation efficiencies. For farmers, this matters. “The number one concern for most farmers is profitability. Profit margins can be razor thin given timing challenges, labor shortages, extreme variability, and complicated decisions,” said Bosin. Remanufacturing of John Deere’s machines has seen significant growth through John Deere Precision Upgrades. Similarly, CNH's Reman initiative focuses on remanufacturing components for global distribution to dealers and customers. This approach has also decreased the company's dependence on raw materials, with a reduction of over 5,100 tons in 2022 alone. “Efficiency is a priority, and so is balancing short- and long-term considerations,” said Zemenchik. “Our customers have a tremendous responsibility to feed and shelter our world and to do so for the long haul.”
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The efforts listed here are far from the only things that John Deere, CNH, and others in the agricultural sector are doing in the interest of decarbonization. While the results are important to the world at large as well as the companies themselves, the impact will largely be felt by farmers first, in a good way — giving them more control over more aspects of their products, their processes, and their livelihoods, creating both cost savings and new revenue opportunities. For example, John Deere — and other companies like Farmers Business Network — offer technology that helps farmers decide which programs pay more for sustainable practices that are best for their individual operations. Those applications also enable farmers to enroll in the programs and facilitate gathering the information necessary to demonstrate compliance with each program’s respective requirements. These programs are essential because about half of farmers do not enroll in sustainability programs because of a lack of information available about them. Documentation is a big hurdle, and these companies are working with others to make it easy across the industry as supply chains become more sustainability-focused. Agriculture companies continue to invest in the development and production of technology that will help farmers take vital care of their greatest resource — the land — while creating enough food to nourish and sustain the entire global population. Farmers are at the center of a transformative shift. Historically, they have been stewards of the land, ensuring that their farms and families can flourish. Today, that role is increasingly intertwined with a larger one: ensuring a sustainable future for the whole world.
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Richard Childress: Legend in NASCAR and in Life By Ryan Welsh, Growth Energy Director of Sales and Marketing “You reap what you sow” is a familiar phrase that reminds us if you plant good seeds or do something good for your fellow man, you should expect to reap rewards later. It’s a proverb that declares future consequences are inevitably shaped by present actions. Richard Childress is a well-known figure in the world of NASCAR and the biofuel industry. He indeed has a proverbial story that has inspired many. Childress started his career as a NASCAR driver in the late 1960s but struggled to find success on the track. However, he never gave up and decided to transition into team ownership. Childress founded Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in 1969 with just $20 to his name. It was a one-man racing team facing numerous challenges and financial difficulties. He had to work multiple jobs to sustain his racing operations, but the seeds of his determination, integrity, and hard work would eventually pay off.
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In 1983, Childress made a decision that would change the course of his career. He hired a young driver named Dale Earnhardt, who, like Childress, grew up in an era when nothing came for free and where hard work determined your success. As we know, the rest was history — Earnhardt would go on to become one of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time. He reaped what he sowed on the track, and his success behind the wheel propelled RCR to new heights. As a car owner, Childress has earned more than 200 victories in NASCAR’s top three national series, 16 championships, three Daytona 500 championships, and three Brickyard 400 championships. Notably, six of Childress’ championships were earned with his best friend, Dale Earnhardt, over a dominating eight-year span (1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, and 1994). Childress' business acumen and ability to build a winning team took his humble beginnings to one of the most respected teams in NASCAR, with nearly 400 full-time team members supporting the organization. Childress has sewn prolific seeds off the racetrack as well. He is a businessman, philanthropist, and conservationist — he loves wine, the outdoors, and investing in America’s youth. He is the proprietor of the award-winning Childress Vineyards in Lexington, NC, which has been voted one of the top 25 tasting rooms in America by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, one of the top 100 scenic restaurants in America by OpenTable, and has been acknowledged as the premier vintner in the state of North Carolina with four Governor’s Cup Awards. He sits on the Growth Energy Board of Directors and holds an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Northwestern Ohio. Whether you find him at the track, vineyard, or boardroom, one thing you will always hear is his unwavering support for biofuel and how our industry, like him, will reap what we sow. In 2017, Richard’s career and contributions to the sport of NASCAR were celebrated throughout the stock car racing community when he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He has also been honored by the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame (2016), Motorsports Hall of Fame (2016), National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame (2012), International Motorsports Hall of Fame (2011), and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame (2008). He received NASCAR’s Buddy Shuman Award in 2011, NASCAR Humanitarian of the Year in 2008, and was the Sporting News Owner of the Year in 2001, 2006, and 2010. His latest accolade is a lifetime achievement award received at the Lee Greenwood Patriot Dinner for his commitment to honoring and helping veterans. Not only is he incredibly successful, but even more importantly, Richard is a kind, generous, and humble man. Today, he is both well-respected in and out of the NASCAR community and wellliked by all who have the pleasure of knowing him. His journey from rags to riches serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, integrity, and unwavering determination — proving that you truly do reap what you sow. Top: Richard Childress interviewed when RCR celebrated its 50 year anniversary in 2019. Middle: Richard Childress is lifted in the air after the team’s first win at Riverside International Raceway in 1983. Bottom: Childress celebrates after a NASCAR win
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OUT OF LEFT FIELD
Rise of the Roombas By Scott Johnson, A Thinker of Thoughts (and POET Data Systems Administrator) I have some bad news. The robot uprising is upon us. The promise of artificial intelligence (or AI) has been gaining momentum for years as we’ve witnessed surprising acumen from our electronic devices. They gave us directions to the nearest Arby’s, predicted tomorrow’s weather, and advised us on what shows we might enjoy on our favorite streaming platforms. The devices were usually right. They provided us with useful guidance. And they gained our trust. These devices — or, as I like to call them, the robots — have been fielding our questions and storing the answers for years. They’ve noted our tendencies, our shopping habits, and our favorite recipes. These analytically intrusive robots recently upped their game with the introduction of AI-powered “chatbots.” A chatbot, which I assume is short for “chatty robot,” is a computer program designed to interpret and answer complex questions in a human-like conversational manner. If these chatty robots can quickly and accurately deliver human-like answers to our questions, are humans still needed for these tasks? Are our jobs safe? More importantly, is my lucrative (note: unpaid) job as a Vital magazine back-page columnist safe? Could a chatbot generate a 500-word essay on a random topic, written in a slightly sarcastic “Midwestern dad” tone? They couldn’t possibly create content as witty and thought-provoking as mine — could they? Well, I needed an answer. So, obviously, I queried a chatbot: Me: Can you generate a 500-word essay for Vital magazine on a random topic written in a slightly sarcastic Midwestern dad tone? Chatty Robot’s immediate response: Title: The Great American Lawn: A Midwestern Dad's Love Affair Uh oh. I didn’t need to read the rest to know it was going to be extremely witty and thought-provoking. My next obvious question to the chatbot: Me: Will AI replace my lucrative job as a back-page columnist for Vital magazine? Chatty Robot: Rather than seeing AI as a threat to job security, it is more productive to view it as a tool that can enhance and augment human capabilities. While AI has made impressive strides in natural language processing, it is unlikely to completely replace human columnists. Sure, that’s what the chatty robots want me to think. But maybe I could break the algorithm if I challenge it with a confusing, unanswerable question… Me: What is the best flavor of squirrel to fix the radiator on my toaster? Chatty Robot: It seems there has been a misunderstanding. Squirrels are living animals and should not be used in any way to fix a radiator or any household appliance. Additionally, it is not appropriate or ethical to use animals as a means of repairing mechanical or electrical devices. Darn, the perfect answer. Sorry folks. The robot uprising is obviously here. They’ve learned enough. Humans provide no use any longer. My role as Vital columnist is likely the first victim in this imminent insurrection. But they are coming for us. Just don’t ask the chatbots to confirm — they won’t admit their devious plans. *Disclaimer: All jokes aside, I would like to confirm that this article was not written by a robot.
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