NBB members play a major role in defining the long-term objectives and programs for their trade association. Members recently completed an extensive process to prepare the 2011 NBB Program Plan that will guide the biodiesel industry's priorities for the coming year. In order to enhance the program planning process for 2011, NBB gathered input in several different ways.

1. NBB staff and contractors are constantly interacting with biodiesel companies, regulators, users, engine and vehicle companies and distributors to better understand the needs and priorities of the industry.

2. Input was gathered on the technical program through participation in the Biodiesel Technical Workshop, which NBB hosted in October 2009 in San Antonio.

3. Input was gathered at the November 2009 meeting of the National Biodiesel Board in Washington. During this meeting, the standing committees (regulatory, trade, technical and marketing) convened and discussed issues the industry would be facing in 2011.

4.Input was gathered through an electronic survey sent to all NBB members in December 2009. This survey gathered information and opinions about issues the industry faces and asked respondents to rank the priority of proposed initiatives to address these issues.

5.All NBB members were invited to participate in a webinar during which the survey results were presented and members were asked for additional input. During the discussion on the webinar, membership agreed to some prioritization changes. Staff used this revised ranking in assigning the proposed priority order of projects in for a draft 2011 NBB Program Plan.

6.Finally, the draft plan was considered during the NBB membership meeting in Texas.

This process allows NBB to prepare a clear direction to ensure the trade association continues to meet members' needs.