GAPRI Factsheet #2
Iowa Bio-Products: Entrepreneurship and Opportunity
When nineteenth century journalist Horace Greeley gave Josiah Grinnell the famous advice "Go West Young Man", his immortal words became symbolic of the sense of hope and opportunity the early settlers saw in the fertile lands of the American frontier.
In the area surrounding Grinnell, Iowa, the town that bears the name of that optimistic young settler, members of the public and private sector are coming together to explore new opportunities to use the regions rich agricultural resources to provide energy independence, a healthy environment, and a strong economy to future generations.
For the last century, America's economy has moved away from agricultural oil and fiber crops in favor of petroleum-based chemicals. Due to our growing dependence on foreign oil in recent decades, we began facing political instability in the Middle East and the national security risks that come with it. Coupled with dwindling domestic reserves and increasing environmental and health risks associated with the use of petroleum, clean, renewable, home-grown alternatives to petroleum are becoming more attractive once again.
With the growing need to replace petroleum products with agricultural alternatives comes great economic opportunity for Iowans. Fledgling businesses across the state are sprouting up to answer the call for innovative solutions to our nation's needs. Agriculturally-based bio-products, products developed from recycled materials and use of bio-products from agriculture and industry are all being explored by Iowa-based companies as possible ways to kick our crude oil habit.
Here in Poweshiek County, several local entrepreneurs are moving into the bio-products field and taking the first steps toward making the region a center for the fast growing bio-products industry. SoyClean in Brooklyn manufactures and distributes soy-based products including lubricants, cleaners and wood sealer. Creative Composites, also in Brooklyn, uses plant fiber and resins to manufacture structural and acoustical panels for building, vehicle and industrial applications. Creative Horizons of Iowa is exploring the possibilities of growing alternative crops like kenaf, a fibrous African plant similar to hemp, commonly used around the world in paper production. Sho-Me Container in Grinnell is entering the field by adding a line of bio-degradeable plastic containers made of corn-based resin. In addition to these locally-based efforts, the area will soon be home to a biodiesel plant in Newton and an ethanol plant in Grinnell.
Across the state, companies are leading the way with innovative new ways to replace petroleum products. From packing materials and industrial lubricants to body care products and soy-wax candles, Iowa is a hotbed for entrepreneurship in the field of "greener" alternatives. A list of other Iowa companies compiled by Iowa State University is included in this factsheet.
Both the Federal and state governments are making substantial investments in growing the bio-ecomomy. Although the $1.3 billion committed to biofuels and $50 million committed to a biomass grant program in the recent federal energy bill are dwarfed by the $6 billion in subsidies and tax breaks given to the oil and gas industry, grant and loan opportunities exist for farmers and businesses involved in bio-products through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy. The State of Iowa is making an investment of more than $15 million per year in research and development of crops and bioenergy and bioproduct technologies at Iowa State University (and partnering research entities) and significantly more investment in new enterprises that commercialize these technologies. According to the Iowa Department of Economic Development, Iowa now boasts 7% of all jobs in the state are in the biosciences; 40% of all US biodiesel production; 24 built or soon to be built ethanol plants; a position near the top of the list of states in bioscience patents; and the fastest growing economy in the US. Iowa has set specific goals to develop at least ten regional biorefineries in Iowa by 2020 and start at least five new bio-businesses each year.
Iowa’s bioeconomy is not just about developing biofuels and products, but about creating employment, investment and ownership opportunities for Iowans and preserving the integrity of Iowa’s agricultural economy. By building on the groundwork laid in the biofuels industry and exploring new, more sustainable energy and fiber crops, utilizing ag bi-products, waste and recycled materials, Iowa can lead the way to a more environmentally friendly homegrown economy and independence from foreign oil.
Iowa’s BioProduct Industry
This list developed by Iowa State University Extension - CIRAS in cooperation with USDA's Federal Biobased Products Preferred Procurement Program.
1 Absorb-A-Products, Ms. Diana Blomker, 1822 Kentucky Ave., Humboldt, IA, 50548, 515-332-2076, 515-332-2132 abzorb@trvnet.net
2 "Adhesive Compounders, Inc., Mr. Gene Holmes, 326 SW Fifth Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309, 515-244-0396, 515-244-0418
3 AGRI Industries, 700 S.E. Dalbey Drive, Ankeny, IA, 50021, 515-964-2200, 515-964-2250
4 Agri-Solutions, http://www.agrisolutionsinc.com, PO Box 17, Red Oak, IA, 51566, 712-623-4873, 712-623-4875 agrisolutionsinc@yahoo.com
5 Amaizing Energy www.amzenergy.com, Jeff Brook, P.O. Box 309, Denison, IA, 51442, 712-263-2676, 712-263-4789 amaizingenergy@frontier.net
6 Ardore Candles, www.ardorecandles.com, 220 Central Ave., Esterville, IA, 54334,800-559-4845 sales@ardorecandles.com
7 B4 Ventures, LLC dba B4 Brands, www.b4brands.com, Mr. David Jansen, 1001 North Washington Street, Lisbon, IA 52253 319-455-3210, 425-928-6959, dj@b4brands.com
8 Big River Resources, www.bigriverresources.com, Jim Leiting, 15210, 103rd Street, West Burlington, IA, 52655, 1-800-463-9850, (319) 753-1103
9 Bio Based Industries, 7502 Hammond Avenue, Waterloo, IA, 50701
10 Bluestem Solid Waste Agency, www.bluestem.org, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404, 319-398-1278 319-398-1279, info@solidwasteagency.org
11 Bubbles 'n Lights www.bubblenlights.com, Lori Ratzke, 215 North Main St , Clarion, IA, 50525, 515-325-6111, 515-325-6309 lori@bubblesnlights.com
12 C.J.’s Candle Creations, 121 Turkey Rd, Fruitland, IA, 52749-9378, (563) 264-3017
13 Candleworks, www.soyawax.com, Soyawax 1029 Third Street. SE,Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401,319-363-1774, 763-374-4513 soyawax@aol.com
14 Chamness Technology, www.chamnesstechnology.com, 2255 Little Wall Lake Road, Blairsburg, IA, 50034, 515-325-6133 cti@chamnesstechnology.com
15 Corn, LP, http://www.cornlp.com, Brad Davis, P.O. Box 280 1303, Hwy 3 East, Goldfield, IA, 50542 866-838-0683
515-825-3905, bdavis@goldeaglecoop.com
16 Corrugated Solutions, LLC, www.corrugatedsolutions.biz, Ms Marybeth Gardam, 1629 NW 102nd Street, Clive, IA, 50325 (515)210-7928, 515-457-7733, mbgardam@corrugatedsolutions.biz
17 Country Girl Candles, 6073 460th St., Primghar, IA, 51245, 712-448-2776, weathers@midlands.net
19 Eco Lips, Inc., www.ecolips.com, Mr. Steve Shriver, 329 10th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, 319-364-2477, 319-364-3550, info@ecolips.com
20 Environmental Lubricants Manufacturing, Inc., www.elmusa.com, Gene Tripp, 1307 Badger Avneue, Plainfield, IA, 50666 319-231-7935, 319-352-4702, gtripp@mchsi.com
21 Feed Energy Company , www.feedenergy.com, Feed Energy Company 3121 Dean Ave., Des Moines, IA, 50317, 1-800-451-9413, 515-265-4163
22 Four All Seasons, L.L.C., www.biosourcefertilizer.com, Mr. Delayne D. Johnson, 204 East 1st Street, Box 230 Holstein IA, 51025, 712-368-4311, 712-368-4750, djohnson@GalvaHolsteinAg.com
23 Fox River Mills, http://www.FoxRiverMills.com, Joel Anderson, PO Box 298, Osage, IA, 50461, 641-732-3798, 641-732-3375 info@foxrivermills.com
24 Frontier Ethanol, http://www.frontierethanol.com,1562 320th St., PO Box 126, Gowrie, IA, 50543, info@frontierethanol.com
25 Gelluminations, creativeilluminations.com, 11959 Hwy 276, Spirit Lake, IA, 51360, 712-336-6944, gelglow@ncn.net
26 Gold-Eagle Cooperative, www.goldeaglecoop.com, Brad Davis, P.O. Box, 280, Goldfield IA, 50542, 800-825-3331, 515-825-3732, bdavis@goldeaglecoop.com
27 Golden Grain Energy, http://www.goldengrainenergy.com/index.htm, Walter Wendland, 1822 43rd Street SW, Mason City IA, 50401, 1-800-443-2676, 641-421-8457, wwendland@ggecorn.com
28 Grain Processing Corporation, www.grainprocessing.com, 1600 Oregon Street, Muscatine, IA, 52761-1494, 563-264-4211 563-264-4289, sales@grainprocessing.com
29 Green Building Supply, www.greenbuildingsupply.com/Public/Home/index.cfm, 508 N. 2nd Street, Fairfield, IA, 52556 (800) 405-0222, (641) 469-5601, info1@greenbuildingsupply.com
30 Green Pet Products, Inc, www.greenpet.com, Nikki Dannen,. 410 West Center Street , Conrad, IA, 50621, 1-800-405-6378 641-366-3148, nikki@greenproducts.com
31 Green Plains Renewable Energy http://www.gpreethanol.com 119 South Elm Shenandoah IA 51601 1.877.246.2938 702.220.4535 info@gpreethanol.com
32 Green Products Company www.greenproducts.com Mr. Matt Schryver PO Box 756 Conrad IA 50621 641-366-2001 641-366-2366 matt@greenproducts.com
33 GreenKrete Building Systems, http://www.greenkrete.com, Mr. Ronald Bessette, 3007 West Grimes Ave., Fairfield, IA 52556, 641-472-0067, 641-472-0219, ron@greenkrete.com
34 Hawkeye Renewables, http://www.hawkrenew.com, Bruce Rastetter, 21050, 140th Street, Iowa Falls, IA, 50126 (641)648-8910, info@hawkrenew.com
35 Horizon Ethanol, http://www.horizonethanol.com/index.asp, 2601 320th Street PO. Box 483, Jewell, IA, 50130 INFO@HORIZONETHANOL.COM
36 Hostmann-Steinberg, http://www.hostmann-steinberg.net/index1.html, Des Moines, IA, 515-262-3900 webmaster@hostmann-steinberg.net
37 Independence Corn By Products, www.bestcobs.com, Mr. Scott Wing, 1895 Bland Boulevard, PO Box 349,
Independence, IA, 50644, 800-237-8262, 319-334-4916, sales@bestcobs.com
38 Iowa Ethanol, LLC, http://www.iowaethanol.com, 3638 Fir Avenue, Hanlontown, IA, 50444 641-896-2500 info@iowaethanol.com
39 Lee Seed, Co., www.kettlekandles.com, 2242 Hwy 182, Inwood, IA, 51240, 800-736-6530, 712-753-4542 info@soynuts.com
40 Lincolnway Energy, LLC , http://www.lincolnwayenergy.com, Rick Brehm, 22740 590th Ave. P.O. Box 433, Nevada, IA 50201-0433, (877) 842-5482, (515) 382-2417, info@lincolnwayenergy.com
41 Little Sioux Corn Processors, LP, www.littlesiouxcornprocessors.com, 4808 F Avenue, Marcus, IA, 51035, 712-376-2800 712-376-2815
42 Maddy's Daddy's Candles, Kelly Smith, 116 First St. NW, Hampton, IA, 5044, 641-456-3689
43 Midwest Grain Processors, http://www.mgpethanol.com, Dan Hernandaz, 1660 428th St., Lakota, IA, 50451, 515-886-2222 info@MGPethanol.com
44 Midwest Renewables, 1277 102nd Street, Fairbank, IA
45 Milk Maid Soaps, Linden, IA, 50146
46 Natural Soy Products, www.naturalsoyprod.com, Mr. Bill Ballard, 2 Liberty St., Watkins, IA, 52354, 319-227-7418,
319-227-7428, naturalsoy@southslope.net
47 Naturally Iowa, LLC, http://naturallyiowa.com/default.htm, Mr. William Horner, 1518 S. 16th Street, Clarinda, IA, 51632 712-542-6455, bill@naturallyiowa.com
48 Nature's Gift, 218 Curtis Street SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404
49 Organic Compost Solutions, 16605 Oak Avenue, Bloomfield, IA, 52537
50 Organic Matters, 500 West Main Street, Robins, IA, 52328
51 Otter Creek Ethanol, http://www.ottercreekethanol.com, 4970 260th St., Ashton, IA, 51232 info@ottercreekethanol.com
52 Permeate Refining, Inc., Mr. Robert Lehman , P.O. Box 9521, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52409 9521, 319-362-0844
53 Pine Lake Corn Processors LLC, www.pinelakecorn.com, 33371 170th Street, Steamboat Rock, IA, 50672, (641) 868-2676 (641) 868-2677
54 Plentiful Harvest, 708 North Grant, Afton, IA, 50830
55 Prairie Glow Soy Candles, www.lorcandles.com, 406 S. Lincoln Eagle, Grove, IA 50533, 888-448-4451 lcandles@goldfieldaccess.net
56 Protective Coatings Inc., Mr. James Riensche, 2400 Palisades Road, Mount Vernon, IA, 52314, 319-895-6146, 319-895-0137, protectivecoatings@earthlink.net
57 Quad County Corn Processors, www.quad-county.com, Mike Jerke, 6059 159th Street Galva, IA, 51020, (712) 282-4628 (712) 282-4618
58 Raccoon River Candle Company, www.raccoonrivercandles.com, P.O. Box 504, Waukee, IA, 50263, 515-978-3422 sales@raccoonrivercandles.com
59 Raining Rose, www.rainingrose.com, Mr. Chuck Hammond, 407 9th Avenue, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, (319)362-8101 (319)362-8139, chuck@rainingrose.com
60 Roquette America, Inc., www.roquette.com, 1417 Exchange Street, P.O. Box 6647, Keokuk, IA, 53632, 319-524-5757 319-526-2345
61 Sho-Me Container, www.sho-me.com, Lawrence Den Hartog, 704 Pinder Avenue, Grinnell, IA, 50112, 641-236-4798 641-236-3478, sales@sho-me.com
62 Siouxland Energy and Livestock Coop, Bernie Punt, 3890 Garfield Ave., Sioux Center, IA, 51250, 712-722-4904, 712-722-4816, bpunt@farmerscoopsociety.com
63 Soil Technologies Corporation, www.soiltechcorp.com, Steve Nichols, 2103 185th St., Fairfield, IA, 52556, 641-472-3963 641-472-6189, info@soiltechcorp.com
64 Soy Basics, www.soybasics.com, John Nicolaisen, 375 Industrial Ave., New Hampton, IA, 50659, 641-394-2129
65 Soyawax, www.soyawax.com, 1029 Third Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401, 319-363-1664, 319-363-1570 info@soyawax.com
66 SoyClean, www.soyclean.biz, Mr. Kurt Brannian, 118 W Front St., PO Box 518, Brooklyn, IA, 52211, 641-522-9559 641-522-5559, kurt@soyclean.biz
67 SoyLights Candle Company, www.soylights.net, Melanie Throne, 49524A 150th Avenue, Scarville, IA, 50473, 866-558-3900 641-592-0201, soyventures@wctatel.net
68 Sunrise Energy , Jim Stewart, 2154 78th Street, Blairstown, IA, 52209
69 Tall Corn Ethanol, LLC, www.tallcornethanol.com, 1015 Grant Ave., Coon Rapids, IA, 50058, info@tallcornethanol.com
70 The Flame Candleworks Company, www.theflamecandleworks.com, 2271 120th St., Lowden, IA, 52255, 877-944-5651 319-294-9612, chakrarose@earthlink.net
71 The HON Company, 200 Oak Street, Muscatine, IA, 52761, 800-624-9212
72 Tree World Inc., http://www.treeworld.com/, 4413 N.E. 14th, Street, P.O. Box 4821, Des Moines, IA, 50306, 800-252-6051 604-885-3522, info@treeworld.com
73 Two Rivers Soap Company, http://www.tworiverssoaps.com, Jennifer Thompson, P.O. Box 36168, Des Moines, IA, 50315, 515.287.7452, contact@tworiverssoaps.com
74 Vibroacoustics Solutions Inc., http://www.vibroacoustics-solutions.com, Mr. Sam Senti, 2205 229th Pl., Boone, IA, 50036 515-292-3578, 515-292-3578, sam@creativecomposites.net
75 Voyager Ethanol, LLC, http://www.voyagerethanol.com/, 4724 380th Street, Emmetsburg, IA, 50036 info@voyagerethanol.com
76 West Central Soy, www.westcentralsoy.com/, Ms. Mari Kreft, 406 First Street, Ralston, IA, 51459, 712-667-3200, 712-667-3215 marik@westcentral.net
77 World's Best Cat Litter , www.worldsbestcatlitter.com, 600 Oregon Street, Muscatine, IA , 52761, 877-367-9225 , 563-264-4788
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"This material was prepared with the support of the United State's Department of Energy. However, any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the DOE."
For a complete set of references and links to other information on bioproducts, visit www.gotoplanb.net/gapri