Milwaukee, WI – May 26, 2009 – Richard “Hardy” Sawall PE, Senior Vice President of Midwest Operations for New York-based Innovation Fuels - the New York based renewable energy company that manufactures, markets, and distributes second-generation biodiesel to customers around the world – has been appointed President of the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association. Sawall, 33, is the youngest president in the organization’s history.
Earlier this month and under the guidance of Mr. Sawall and his team, Innovation Fuels announced it has begun selling biodiesel to customers from its Midwestern renewable fuels hub / Port of Milwaukee terminal located on Lake Michigan. The 312,000 barrel (45,000 metric tons) capacity terminal spans ten (10) acres and is the first in the country that is totally dedicated for the sale and distribution of renewable fuels.
“We are extremely pleased and would like to congratulate Hardy on his achievement,” commented John Fox, CEO of Innovation Fuels. “What he has accomplished for Wisconsin’s renewable energy industry is already quite impressive but I think Hardy, himself, will tell you, it is just the beginning.”
“Hardy has contributed immensely as a board member and we look forward to his leadership in the coming year,” remarked Tony Hartmann, outgoing President of the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association. “The Association is privileged to have him in the President’s chair.”
“I am truly honored to have been chosen to succeed Tony Hartmann as president of the WBA and am very eager to continue to make strides toward having Wisconsin become an epicenter of activity for renewable fuels whether it be for production, sales, transportation or in marketing our products,” said Sawall.
Innovation Fuels’ Milwaukee terminal features existing truck and rail loading infrastructure, with excellent highway access and is served by two Class I railways, the Union Pacific Railroad and the Canadian Pacific Railroad. In addition, the Port of Milwaukee has international shipping access via the St. Lawrence Seaway and can receive river barge cargo via the Mississippi. The facility also has an idled connection to the Westshore petroleum pipeline, which could be used to bring in diesel and gasoline to the terminal for blending with renewable fuels, such as biodiesel and ethanol.
About The Wisconsin Biodiesel Association
The Wisconsin Biodiesel Association (WBA) is a membership trade organization that holds quarterly general meetings and promotes the commercial development, production, marketing, distribution, and utilization of biodiesel and other renewable biofuels. The WBA encourages grassroots participation in its membership by joining in common support for renewable biofuels as an effective means of promoting our nation’s energy independence and domestic economy, and with common appreciation of these alternative fuels for their benefit in improving air quality and reducing impact on climate change. Membership in the WBA is open to all persons and entities that have an interest in promoting the WBA Mission. All members receive voting rights and are represented through the Board of Directors. For more information log onto: www.wibiodiesel.org.
About Innovation Fuels
With shovel-ready projects in New York, New Jersey and Wisconsin, Innovation Fuels is a leading biodiesel company with a global reach and mission to replace diesel fuel with sustainably produced biodiesel. Innovation Fuels takes a proactive and solution-oriented approach to its business with a focus on fiduciary responsibility, social and environmental stewardship, and community safety.
Innovation Fuels currently operates integrated biorefineries within the United States at strategic port locations including New York Harbor and Port of Milwaukee that provide for the supply to regional customers and a network of international partners. Innovation Fuels is also dedicated toward creating green jobs including more than thirty (30) local green jobs at its New York Harbor biorefinery in Newark, NJ.
Biodiesel is produced by chemically reacting alcohol with vegetable oils, fats, or greases. Using innovative, proprietary production technology, Innovation Fuels biodiesel is the highest quality at the lowest cost to its customers. The company is also working toward the development of next generation feedstocks including pennycress and algae - all crops that don’t divert resources away from feeding people.
For further information about Innovation Fuels or to arrange an interview with Richard “Hardy” Sawall PE, SVP of Midwest Operations for Innovation Fuels or John Fox, CEO of Innovation Fuels, please call (212) 843-8073 or email amazur@rubensteinpr.com or visit www.innovationfuels.com.
Photos of Mr. Sawall and Innovation Fuels’ Milwaukee Terminal are Available Upon Request.
