NBB Members Elect Leadership, Collaborate, Leverage Resources

The National Biodiesel Board is a member-driven organization. Each year, the membership elects representatives from the industry to serve on the board, helping shape the direction of the industry. The board reflects the wide range of member companies from feedstock operations to producers.

“The National Biodiesel Board is the sole organization representing American-made biodiesel’s entire value chain and renewable diesel interests,” said NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen. “Our strong team of leaders from all sectors of the industry continue to move this American-made fuel forward. We look forward to continuing our efforts to secure strong markets for America’s advanced biofuel and the nearly 64,000 jobs we represent.”

In November, NBB members gathered in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the industry on Capitol Hill, conduct association business and elect industry leadership during the biannual NBB membership meeting.

NBB members voted to fill eight board member spots for two-year terms:

• Kent Engelbrecht, ADM
• Ron Heck, Iowa Soybean Association
• Steve Nogel, Ag Environmental Products
• Ryan Pederson, North Dakota Soybean Council
• Harry Simpson, Crimson Renewable Energy LP
• Paul Soanes, RBP Port Neches LLC
• Robert Stobaugh, Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board
• Chad Stone, REG Inc.

Greg Anderson, Jennifer Case, Mike Cunningham, Tim Keaveney, Bob Morton and Mike Rath continue to serve on the board. The board also elected its officers with Kent Engelbrecht continuing to serve as chairman, Mike Cunningham as vice chairman, Greg Anderson as treasurer and Chad Stone as secretary.

NBB Leverages Dues Dollars Greater Than 3 to 1
One of the greatest values of NBB membership is the ability of the organization to leverage membership dues dollars with outside funding resources. Less than a third of NBB’s total revenue last year came from member dues dollars. For every $1,000 in membership dues paid, NBB members get nearly $3,500 in revenue to support biodiesel through the trade association’s ability to secure outside funding from state and national soybean checkoff programs, federal grants and other nontraditional income.

Every year, NBB staff submits project proposals for funding to more than 23 state and the national soybean checkoff organizations to fund biodiesel technical, communications, sustainability and education work on behalf of the industry. These projects are critical to industry efforts and couldn’t be completed without outside investment. This allows membership dues to be highly focused on advancing government affairs efforts at the federal and state levels.

“Gathering resources from all sectors of the industry and beyond, and pooling them in one place where they can be strategically focused on the top priorities of our industry, is a tremendous benefit to the advancement of our industry,” said NBB Chief Operations Officer Doug Whitehead. “Being a member of NBB offers a critical seat at the table when it comes time to direct those significant resources.”

Members provide their input on industry priorities through a number of avenues including the Biodiesel Technical Workshop, the fall NBB membership meeting, NBB standing committee discussions including regulatory, trade, technical and marketing committees, and an extensive online survey.
All of this input comes together and defines where staff will spend time and resources during the year.

Get Engaged, Join Today
To learn more about NBB, the organization’s structure, its financial make-up, and how to join or simply get more involved, contact Director of Operations and Membership Brad Shimmens at 800-841-5849 or at [email protected]. For NBB’s mission and vision statements, staff contacts and other details, visit www.nbb.org.