Sioux Falls, SD - Approximately 1,300 Jewell, Iowa-area residents attended the Grand Opening ceremony and toured the new $80 million Horizon Ethanol, LLC plant on Fri., March 3, 2006. Horizon Ethanol, which will produce 60 million gallons of ethanol annually from 21 million bushels of corn, is the 22nd ethanol plant built by Broin Companies, which provides turnkey development, design, engineering, construction, management, and marketing services for their premier partner plants.

"This plant is the jewel of the ethanol industry," said Bob Dinneen of the Renewable Fuels Association. "It is one of the most efficient plants in the industry, and we’re looking at a new horizon today."

During an hour-long program at the new facility, guests learned more about the 40 new jobs and $1.8 million annual payroll created by the new plant. Guest speakers including U.S. Sen. Tom Latham, State Senator Stewart Iverson, State Representative Jim Kurtenbach, local government officials, ethanol industry advocates, and representatives of Broin Companies also highlighted the advantages of the plant to area agriculture.

"As the 96th ethanol plant built in the U.S., Horizon Ethanol is entering the business at a very exciting time," said Jeff Broin, CEO of Broin Companies. "Last year ethanol production used more than 14% of the U.S. corn crop. Right here in Hamilton County, Horizon Ethanol will use 21 million bushels of corn raised on 130,000 acres of local land."

The plant, which is located northwest of Jewell, will also produce 178,000 tons of Dakota Gold Enhanced Nutrition Distillers Products™ for regional, national, and international markets. The plant incorporates Broin Companies’ revolutionary BPX™ technology, which increases ethanol yield, reduces energy input requirements, and lowers plant emissions.

Producing more ethanol is a key step in reducing America’s addiction to foreign oil, said Sen. Tom Latham. "Plants like Horizon Ethanol are critical to the United States. They provide tremendous opportunities, and we’re just scratching the surface."

State Senator Stewart Iverson and State Representative Jim Kurtenbach congratulated the Jewell community and local investors who have supported Horizon Ethanol and are helping Iowa remain a leader in the ethanol industry.

The ethanol industry also provides new ways to revitalize rural communities, noted Kristin Brekke of the American Coalition for Ethanol. "The opening of Horizon Ethanol is so meaningful because of what it can bring to local school districts, churches, and Main Street businesses. I hope it will encourage more young local people to move back to their hometowns."

As Iowa leads the way with new plants like Horizon Ethanol, this can also impact public policy, said Monte Shaw with the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. "Iowa has the opportunity to set model legislation regarding ethanol usage. Now we need to figure out how far we can go and how fast we can get there."

Taking advantage of these opportunities can help billions of dollars stay in Iowa, Shaw added. "Right now when you fill up your tank with fuel, only 12% of the money you spend stays in Iowa. When I stop at an E85 pump, however, 67% of that fuel purchase stays in Iowa."

Other Broin-managed ethanol plants operating in Iowa include Tall Corn Ethanol in Coon Rapids, Iowa Ethanol in Hanlontown, Otter Creek Ethanol in Ashton, and Voyager Ethanol in Emmetsburg. Frontier Ethanol near Gowrie is currently under construction and is expected to begin operations this summer.

Jewell can be proud to welcome Horizon Ethanol, said Ellen Huntoon, on behalf of U.S. Congressman Tom Harkin. "This will provide a huge boost to the area and is taking ethanol production, economic development, and national security to a new horizon."

Prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Vanguard Squadron with four 100% ethanol-powered airplanes entertained the crowd with a flyover prior to the ceremony. Plant tours held throughout the morning and afternoon allowed attendees an up-close view of the plant and the ethanol production process.

On display and attracting lots of attention was an Indy Racing League (IRL) Team Ethanol IndyCar®. Team Ethanol, driven by Paul Dana, is sponsored by many industry organizations including the Broin Companies. The team promotes ethanol as a high-performance fuel that is clean burning, renewable, and made in America. The IndyCar Series’ support for ethanol reinforces the product as a premier performance fuel. In 2006, the series will burn a 10% ethanol blend. In 2007, the cars will use 100% ethanol.

"The reception from the entire region for Horizon Ethanol has been phenomenal," concluded Jeff Broin. "We’re looking forward to creating a positive economic impact on the community and offering an alternative marketing strategy for area corn producers."