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BioVantage Fuels, LLC held a groundbreaking ceremony on a five million gallon per year biodiesel facility. The facility will begin operations in early 2008, making ASTM (American Society of Testing and Measurement) D-6751 specification, renewable biodiesel fuel for blending with traditional diesel fuel.
BioVantage Fuels is a start-up company with a goal of developing cost-effective renewable fuels. Founded by Brian Coker and Christopher Kelson the company seeks to leverage partnerships with the Growth Dimensions’ AgTech Initiative, the city of Belvidere, the local farming community, 'green' investors, and universities to create sustainable, environmentally-friendly energy solutions.
“We are very excited to be working in Belvidere, and we hope to
be the beginning of a much larger vision for the city and county, one based on new uses of agricultural products,” stated Coker. We are extremely grateful for all of the help we have received, and are receiving, from all the local supporters of biodiesel.”
BioVantage and the AgTech Initiative began their relationship almost two years ago as part of a symposium hosted by AgTech. Since then, the Initiative has played an integral role in connecting BioVantage to interested stakeholders and local leaders in the community. The two organizations continue to work closely together in a common goal for creating agricultural-based energy and jobs for the local community.
“This is an exciting time for Belvidere, for Growth Dimensions, for the AgTech Initiative and for our region. The ability to produce a renewable fuel product that will lessen our petroleum dependence and generate local opportunities is an all-around win,” stated Norb Ziemer, director of the AgTech New Uses Entrepreneurship Center. “We are delighted to have BioVantage here and look forward to continuing our partnership.”
This project has been made possible through the hard work and contributions of several individuals and organizations. BioVantage would like to thank Growth Dimensions and AgTech for their assistance and contacts, in particular for the assistance of Norb Ziemer and Mark Williams; Greg Brown, with DareCloud Development; Larry Anderson and the entire community of Boone County farmers; Don Banks and Belvidere Bank; John Phelps of the Rockford Local Development Corporation; and the BioVantage community of investors and advisors.
“On behalf of the citizens of Belvidere, it is indeed a pleasure to welcome BioVantage as a corporate citizen” said Belvidere Mayor Fred Brereton. “The AgTech initiative has been a very educational process, and it is exciting to see how it complements the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of Chris and Brian.”
Building completion is tentatively scheduled for late November, and BioVantage Fuels is working with their technology provider, SunBio Systems, to install all operating equipment in early 2008. |
