Ethanol planning symposium for southwest

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

The first-ever Saskatchewan Ethanol Symposium is planned for October 12 in Shaunavon.

The symposium includes a tradeshow highlighting initiatives in the region, as well as the various stakeholders in the developing ethanol industry. It is a full-day event, with a barbeque lunch and a banquet supper.

The conference, entitled “Ethanol: A New Future for the Southwest Producer,” stemmed from a recent alliance between Cypress Agri-Energy Inc. (CAE) of Shaunavon and the Action Southwest Business Networks Coalition. CAE is a proposed 90 million litre per year ethanol plant. Action Southwest is a strategic economic alliance of business, government, education and community leaders focused on building a unified regional economy in southwestern Saskatchewan.

The two organizations hope to bring more awareness to producers and stakeholders in the area about the potential for ethanol in the southwest.

CAE has been working with the Saskatchewan Ethanol Development Council (SEDC), the provincial government and other ethanol project developers to urge the federal government to provide financial support for ethanol in Saskatchewan. Lionel Labelle, president of the SEDC, will be the master of ceremonies for the event, as well as a keynote speaker. Clay Serby, Deputy Premier and Minister of Regional Economic and Co-operative Development, is also a featured speaker.

The symposium will bring in ethanol experts from across Canada and the United States. Presenters include Judie Dyck of the Biodiesel Development Task Force, Michael Allen of the Ethanol Producers and Consumers board, Larry Johnson, a renowned expert on the ethanol industry, Kory Teneycke of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association, and Mike Bryan of BBI International.

“Our group sees the impact the ethanol industry has had in the U.S., with estimations as high as $150 million a year for certain regions,” says Sandra Blyth, Project Manager with Action Southwest.

“The economic impact of this plant could literally transform our economy by creating demand for local goods and services, stimulating additional local investment, generating tax revenues locally and provincially, invigorating local grain markets and adding value to our products and services.”

The symposium is open to anyone interested in learning about the economic impact of ethanol development. Tickets are limited, so book early to ensure your seat. Tickets can be arranged through Karri Sachkowski of Cypress Agri-Energy at (306) 297-3313.

For further information, contact:

Shawn Hermanson, P.Ag., Agri-business Development Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306) 778-8216
E-mail: shermanson@agr.gov.sk.ca

Cypress Agri-Energy Inc.
Website: www.cypressagrienergy.com

Action Southwest Business Networks Coalition
Website: www.actionsouthwest.com