JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The year 2009 challenged the biodiesel industry like never before. High feedstock costs, a global credit crisis, a recession with dropping diesel prices and uncertain federal policy signals pushed the industry to the brink. And yet, even in the face of this adversity, the long term outlook looks good. Those who hope to emerge on the other side, in what will hopefully begin a new era for biodiesel, will be made stronger by attending the 2010 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, Feb. 7 - 10 in Grapevine, Texas.
The 2010 conference theme is, "Today's Challenges. Tomorrow’s Impact."
"Being committed to biodiesel is like a marriage – you take it for better or for worse. And we're in the middle of worse," said Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board. "But our industry has shown resilience through hardship, and this conference will focus on finding the insight needed to help businesses weather thestorm. There are brighter days coming."
Those who attended the conference in 2008 will remember Don Reynolds, who predicted that unemployment would top 10 percent, that housing market would decline by 25 percent, and the financial market meltdown. This popular economic forecaster will be back to help answer this question: When it comes to the business environment, what is the "new normal?"
Attendees will also hear from Dr. Michael Shermer, who is the Founding Publisher of Skeptic magazine and a monthly columnist for Scientific American. He will give a keynote address on overcoming the pseudo-science that has threatened to cost America the proven benefits that biodiesel has delivered.
Hosted by the National Biodiesel Board, NBB has developed rich educational sessions, including:
• Leaders from all levels of the petroleum supply chain on how biodiesel fits into their future business strategies. This will be especially timely as the federal Renewable Fuels Standard inches towards implementation.
• Potential breakthroughs in new feedstock development.
• Legislative developments impacting biodiesel.
• Biodiesel's role in the clean and green diesel revolution.
• Winning biodiesel markets, like Bioheat.
Texas is a leading biodiesel state, with more production capacity than any other state. Joining forces with the Biodiesel Coalition of Texas, several sessions highlight the Texas industry.
"We are very proud to host the National Biodiesel Conference in the Dallas-Fort Worth area," said Mindy Mize, a Clean Cities Co-Coordinator for DFW. Clean Cities is a Department of Energy program targeted at petroleum reduction through the use of alternative fuels. "We are home to a biodiesel plant and many biodiesel users, including the Cities of Dallas, Irving, and Fort Worth, as well as Denton Public Schools and more. All of them have a great story to tell and help make our area a national leader in biodiesel." To facilitate networking and to provide a "free-flow" of discussion around a topic of interest to many biodiesel stakeholders, NBB has added several "conversessions". Each session will be moderated by an expert and will include ample time for Q&A among and between attendees.
The latest in diesel technology again will be displayed in a Diesel Vehicle Showcase, and a Ride-and-Drive for conference attendees.
The conference will be held at the magnificent Gaylord Texan just minutes from the Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport. To register and view the conference program, visit www.biodieselconference.org.
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