SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (November 30, 2007) – The largest ethanol producer in the world took time to mark their 20th year in the business today. POET was joined by United States Senator John Thune, South Dakota Lieutenant Governor Dennis Daugaard and other elected officials at their corporate headquarters in Sioux Falls, S.D. to commemorate the occasion.

Jeff Broin, founder and CEO of POET, said, “There are so many people, from team members, to elected officials, investors and others, who have played a role in making POET what it is today. It was an honor to gather with many of them and reflect on what we’ve done to reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, improve the environment and develop rural America. With their support, we look forward to doing even more over the next 20 years.”

“Jeff Broin and POET were present at the creation of the American ethanol industry,” said Senator Thune. “They deserve the highest praise for their historic leadership and for building South Dakota’s economy for the past 20 years.”

POET was founded 20 years ago when the Broin family from Wanamingo, Minn. purchased an ethanol plant in Scotland, S.D. Today, its 21 ethanol plants annually produce just over 1.1 billion gallons of ethanol and 3 million tons of DDGS, making it the largest producer of ethanol in the world. With five plants under construction and one in the midst of expansion, POET will be producing 1.5 billion gallons of ethanol by the end of 2008.

Also in attendance at the event were staffers from U.S. Senator Tim Johnson and U.S. Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, South Dakota State Representative Jim Putnam, Farm Service Agency Director and former South Dakota State Representative Steve Cutler, as well as Indy Racing League driver Ryan Hunter-Reay.

About POET
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world, is an established leader in the biorefining industry through project development, design and construction, research and development, plant management, and marketing. Formerly known as Broin, the 20-year old company currently operates 21 production facilities in the United States with six more in construction or under development. The company produces and markets more than 1.1 billion gallons of ethanol annually. For more information, go to http://www.poetenergy.com.

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