LEIPSIC — POET Biorefining is now producing corn oil at 25 of its facilities, including Leipsic, with new patent-pending technology.
The addition means that POET’s total capacity is 250,000 tons a year, enough feedstock to produce 68 million gallons of biodiesel annually, the company said.
POET has been selling its corn oil into biodiesel and feed markets since January 2011, when POET Biorefining, headquartered in South Dakota, first began to produce it on a commercial scale. Strong demand for the product prompted upgrades at the majority of the plants in the POET network.
“Having a more diverse portfolio of products has been a benefit for POET, particularly when ethanol margins are challenging,” POET Chief Executive Officer Jeff Lautt said. “Expanding our product line is an important part of our strategy for growth.”
POET’s other plants in Ohio, in Fostoria and Marion, are also producing corn oil.
Marathon CFO to speak
PERRYSBURG — The Northwest Ohio Regional Economic Development Association will hold its annual meeting from noon to 1:30 p.m. March 14, at the Holiday Inn French Quarter.
Donald C. Templin, senior vice president and chief financial officer of Findlay’s Marathon Petroleum Corp., will be the keynote speaker.
NORED is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a nonprofit association of economic development practitioners and partners spanning a dozen counties in Northwest Ohio. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting NORED Administrator Jerry Arkebauer at jarkebauer@hotmail.com. Cost is $25.
Marathon Petroleum is the largest company in Northwest Ohio with 2011 revenues of $78.8 billion and net income of $2.39 billion. It is the fifth-largest oil refiner in the country and the largest oil refiner in the Midwest. The company’s retail brands include Marathon and Speedway, the nation’s fourth largest chain of company-owned and operated retail gasoline and convenience stores.
“When Marathon Petroleum became an independent, publicly-traded energy company in July of 2011, it had a choice of remaining in Northwest Ohio or moving its corporate headquarters. It chose to stay in Findlay, and we have asked Mr. Templin to tell us what led to that decision,” said Ford Weber, president and CEO of Lucas County Economic Development Corp., and current NORED president.
Templin will be introduced by Anthony P. Iriti, director of Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development Corp. and a member of the the NORED board.
Rhodes plans sessions on credit for work
LIMA — Rhodes State College will host two information sessions for people to learn about receiving college credit for work experience.
The sessions will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 27 and April 3. To register for either session or to arrange for an appointment on the subject, call Beth Burnett at 419-995-8426 or email Burnett.B@RhodesState.edu.
The sessions will be helpful to employees with employers that promote continuing education through tuition reimbursement or other means, and for employees with five or more years of work experience. Potential students could also receive credit for community service, certificates from seminars or other continuing education and professional development activities.
Chamber debuts new website
VAN WERT — The Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce recently debuted its newly designed website, vanwertchamber.com, which is now also available in a mobile version.
Members can now register for events, submit online payments, view their business information and have access to the latest member information.
The website also includes a business directory listings, job postings, coupons and special offers, and an events calendar.
