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Linda Giltz
Senior Regional Planner


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Planting the Seeds for a Robust WNC Biofuels Sector


Biofuels image

The Planting the Seeds project is taking a comprehensive and integrated approach to improving the economics across the biofuels value chain and addressing key barriers to industry expansion. The goals of the project are:

  1. expanding reliable and competitive feedstocks;
  2. co-product development to improve economics across the biodiesel value chain;
  3. expanding demand through outreach, education and quality; and
  4. ensuring strategic regional coordination.

The project is being led by AdvantageWest and funded by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Land of Sky is one of many project partners and our role is to provide outreach materials, organize workshops, and conduct fleet assessments and outreach. 

We have planned four Regional Biofuels Educational Workshops, occurring around western North Carolina in August and September, 2014. See below for details.

For more information on the project visit Advantage West’s website (Planting the Seeds Biofuels Project).

We are excited to share two new, short videos about biofuels.  They will answer some questions, address misconceptions, and highlight biofuels producers and users in Western North Carolina.

Planting the Seeds - Biofuels in Western North Carolina

Biofuels - Myths and Misconceptions


Learn About Biofuels at these Educational Workshops

August 19, 2014 • 9 am – 1 pm • Sylva, Southwestern Commission
August 22, 2014 • 9 am – 1 pm • Hickory, Western Piedmont Council of Governments
September 10, 2014 • 12 – 2 pm • Rutherfordton, Isothermal Planning & Development Commission
September 12, 2014 • 10 am – 2 pm • Boone, Appalachian State University

All workshops are FREE and include lunch.  Please register if you plan to attend!

Making the switch to biofuels is easier than you may think!  Come to one of these workshops to learn more about biofuels/biodiesel, the benefits of using biofuels, and related local business opportunities.  You can improve the operational efficiency and energy portfolio of your fleet, while supporting your local economy.  Public and private fleet managers, business owners/entrepreneurs, farmers, and other interested people are invited to attend these workshops. 

The workshops will include informative presentations and lively discussions led by national and local experts and practitioners.  Speakers include Matthew Rudolf, Business Development & Americas Director, Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials; Jeremy Ferrell, Outreach and Operations Manager of ASU’s Biodiesel Research and Production Facility at the Catawba County EcoComplex; Woodrow Eaton, Founder and d General Manager of Blue Ridge Biofuels; and Randy Dellinger, General Manager of Foothills Bioenergies.  The following topics will be covered with ample time for Q&A:

  • Overview of Biofuels, their Benefits, and Trends
  • WNC’s Biofuels Market and Supply Chain*
  • Local Users’ Experiences
  • Related Projects/Programs

* Includes farming, food processing, retail sales/use, oil recycling and fuel production and distribution.
For more information, contact Linda Giltz, Senior Planner at Land of Sky Regional Council, at 828-251-6622 or linda@landofsky.org

Workshop Presentations:

Workshops are presented by Land of Sky Regional Council and AdvantageWest. Funding for the workshops provided by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.