Over 40 people gathered at WoodMaster / Northwest Manufacturing in Red Lake Falls Wednesday, April 16th to learn about biomass opportunities in the region and across Minnesota at an event organized by Northwest Clean Energy Resource Team (NW CERT).
“Biomass is a win-win-win-win: It is good for the economy, consumers, education and the environment,” said Tim Lutz, superintendent of Kelliher Public Schools. “It’s going to take vision and perseverance to make it happen.”
After noting that energy efficiency is the first step in developing a project, presenters spoke about the opportunities that biomass projects have for growing manufacturing jobs, using local and sustainable fuel sources, supporting the forest economies of rural communities and reducing the risk of wildfires.
“Potential for growth is here…we want to be a part of promoting and growing the biomass industry, and seeing it become a viable long-term option,” said Becky Philipp, project manager at Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI).
Click on the names below to review presentations.
- Industry Trends Panel:
- Chuck Gagner, President/CEO, Northwest Manufacturing, Inc.
- Marcus Grubbs, Development Specialist, Headwaters Regional Development Commission
- Becky Philipp, Project Manager, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
- Projects Panel:
- Erika Bailey-Johnson, Sustainability Coordinator, Bemidji State University
- Joe Courneya, Project Development Specialist, Red River Basin Commission
- Tim Lutz, Superintendent, Kelliher Public School
- Mike Triplett, Economic Development Planner, White Earth Nation
After a lively question and answer session and tasty snacks generously provided by Northwest Manufacturing, participants toured the WoodMaster/Northwest Manufacturing facilities and saw commercial and residential boilers. “Local jobs and supporting local industry, that is what we’re about,” said Chuck Gagner, president and CEO.
Speakers and audience members agreed that northwest Minnesota is uniquely situated to be a leader in the biomass industry. Marcus Grubbs, development specialist at Headwaters Regional Development Commission, was optimistic. “This industry can turn waste into profit and create a market for a product that might not be used otherwise. Using locally-sourced biomass is part of the culture of the northwest region. Your neighbor is your supplier is your customer.”
See photos from the event:
Note: The Third Annual Heating the Midwest Conference is coming soon! Click here to learn more and register!
