This summer will mark my fourth International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo and the fourth time I’ve been there for the presentation of the High Octane and Excellence awards. The list of past winners includes some very distinguished and accomplished individuals and I’m looking forward to learning who the winners will be this year.

BBI International, publisher of Ethanol Producer Magazine and other publications, established both awards. The Award of Excellence is for people in the ethanol industry that “have made significant contributions to the fuel ethanol industry through their research, technical advisory and/or development activities,” according to the description on the website. The High Octane Award, on the other hand, “recognizes a person whose passion and unstoppable pursuits have significantly benefited the ethanol industry, [honoring] his or her passion and unstoppable pursuits that just seem to drive their daily routines and commitments.”

In order to select the best award winners, we need your help. If you know someone that deserves the Award of Excellence or the High Octane Award, please submit your nomination at the FEW website. The deadline to throw names in the hat has been extended to May 10.  But don't delay, before you know it, it may be too late! 

Here’s a list of past winners:

2000

Award of Excellence - Dr. Raphael Katzen (KATZEN International)

2001

Distinguished Service - Dick Gadomski (Process Systems Inc.)

2002

Award of Excellence - Dr. Rodney Bothast (Nat’l Corn-Etoh Research Center)

2003

Distinguished Service - Dave Vander Griend (ICM Inc.)

2004

Award of Excellence - Dennis Vander Griend (ICM Inc.)

2005

Distinguished Service - Patrick Foody (IOGEN)

2006

Award of Excellence - Dr. Mike Ingledew (Univ of Saskatchewan)

(At this time, the award schedule was changed so both awards are now presented every year.)

2007  

Award of Excellence - Steve Lewis (Poet)

High Octane Award - David Kelsall (Ethanol Technology)

2008  

Award of Excellence - Dr. Jay Shetty (DuPont)

High Octane Award - David Kolsrud (DAK Renewable Energy)

2009  

Award of Excellence - Phil Madson (KATZEN International)

High Octane Award - Kathy Bryan (BBI International)

2010  

Award of Excellence - Gunter Brodl (Vogelbush USA)

High Octane Award - Jeff Broin (Poet/Growth Energy)

2011  

Award of Excellence - Dr. Bruce E. Dale (Michigan State University)

High Octane Award - Rick Tolman (National Corn Growers Association)

2012  

Award of Excellence - Dr. Gerald Shurson (University of Minnesota)

High Octane Award - Larry Johnson (LLJ Consulting)