As we close 2006 and look toward 2007, one can't help but wonder what new opportunities the year will bring. Certainly, 2006 will be a year to remember. 2006 saw unprecedented growth in the industry, a State of the Union address by the president supporting ethanol, the sad passing of two ethanol race car drivers, major announcements about cellulose-to-ethanol production and a subtle refocus from Wall Street back to Main Street. It has clearly been a year to remember.

I think we can sum up in two words what the focus of 2007 and beyond will be, "biomass utilization." The shift from a carbon-based economy to a carbohydrate-based economy has begun. Fuels, chemicals, fibers and power from biomass are the future. Biomass is one of our most plentiful resources and, as such, represents the oil of tomorrow.

The vision for this industry has to be global in scale. As the saying goes, "Act locally, think globally." The needs, as well as the opportunities, are staggering in scope. We can help to feed a hungry world by producing food-grade distillers grain. We can provide technology and expertise to help developing countries become more energy independent. We can help light many parts of the world that aren't even on the power grid, and we can do all of this with existing technology.

BBI International has developed an initiative called "Going Green Globally." This initiative is a worldwide pipeline that will connect thousands of organizations, individuals, companies and associations around the world, encouraging the open exchange of information on biomass utilization. Going Green Globally is part of our commitment to the future of biomass. It is our sincere hope that you will join us in this initiative.

So, as we close 2006 and look to the future, let's begin to think and act on a global scale. The focus shouldn't just be on replacing gasoline and diesel fuel; the focus should be on reducing the use of oil. When oil is the focus, it allows us to embrace all technologies, including ethanol, biodiesel, solar, wind, geothermal, fuel cells, anaerobic digestion, gasification and a host of other emerging technologies. It's not just about petroleum; it's about oil. It's about home heating oil, power generation and renewable-based products. It's about replacing an oil-based economy with a bio-based economy.

Frankly, the oil industry has taken us as far as it can. It is now up to us to get from where we are today to where we need to be tomorrow. The momentum has never been greater and the need never more profound.

Have a great month!

Mike Bryan
Publisher & CEO
mbryan@bbibiofuels.com