The NCERC at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville began its 10th anniversary celebration Thursday by hosting more than 100 guests who were in St. Louis for the annual International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW) at America’s Center. See the video story.
“What we’re truly celebrating is the biofuels industry’s growth and development during the past 10 years,” said Center Director John Caupert. “This continues to be the only facility in the world where research for ethanol, advanced biofuels and specialty chemicals are all occurring simultaneously.”
Caupert and his staff conducted tours of the Center’s pilot plant, analytical laboratories and fermentation suite. They also hosted a lunch for “A Celebration of Feedstocks and Fuels.”
The majority of domestic and international visitors touring the facility were biofuels industry vendors and those interested in biofuels and specialty chemicals research and development along with ethanol producers and farmers. Representing SIUE were Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Ann Boyle and Vice Chancellor for University Relations Patrick Hundley.
Government representatives from Illinois included Mary Shalapin for U.S. Rep. William Enyart (D-12th district), Philip Lasseigne for U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-13th district) and Steve Tomaszewski for U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-15th district). Jim Larkin filled in for state Dept. of Agriculture Director Bob Flider.
Caupert is equally proud of the Center’s history in workforce training. “More than 600 individuals have received work force training here,” he said. “More than 92 percent of those folks are gainfully employed in the biofuels, specialty chemicals and refining industries.”
Arisdyne was the Tour Day sponsor while Center corporate donors Burns and McDonnell, CPT and Siemens also were represented.
Photo: NCERC at SIUE Director John Caupert addresses visitors to the Center’s 10th birthday celebration.