As luck would have it, I came across a news story this week that proves the point of last week's blog. If you remember, last week I was incensed because the people who are opposed to a biomass plant in Crawford County, Ind., were complaining because many of the local people wouldn't be able to fit into the positions being created by the project.

My argument was that creating jobs helps everyone in the community whether they get one of those jobs or not.

A story in the Wasecacountynews.com from Waseca County, Minn., about the economic impact of a corn-based ethanol plant, Guardian Energy, in Janesville, Minn., is one that resonates with many other areas where ethanol plants have been built.

The author James Anderson writes, "Whether the employees already lived here or have relocated for a position at the plant, their economic impact is already felt around Janesville. Guardian Energy's hourly salaries range from $14 an hour to a low $20-range per hour. On top of that, there are skilled and managerial salary positions."

Anderson talked to the people who own the Subway restaurant and the BP Expressway, who both confirmed that business had improved due to the ethanol plant.

The story also talked about the boost to trade industries in the area. "We continue to work with local plumbing companies," said Don Gales, Guardian Energy CEO. "I'm sure local trucking companies are doing well because of us, also service industries like machinists, electricians and contractors."
To read more about the impact of the ethanol plant on Janesville, go to http://www.wasecacountynews.com/news.php?viewStory=5652.

I don't think it's too big of a stretch to compare a biomass plant with an ethanol plant because they both take in raw material and process it into renewable energy.