The market development committee continues its work to expand ethanol’s market share in Iowa by increasing the availability of ethanol and encouraging the blending of ethanol in more than one grade of gasoline.
For gasoline retailers, the ICPB has focused recent efforts on educating retailers about how they can take advantage of Iowa’s new ethanol-related income tax credit. In addition, the ICPB works to encourage fuel retailers to offer more ethanol products in their lines.
Consumer education has been an ongoing endeavor for the market development committee for more than 25 years. The ICPB has played a major role in answering consumers’ questions and setting the record straight. Over the years, the ICPB has printed fact sheets, run radio commercials and promotions, posted billboards, sponsored a toll-free ethanol hot line, and much more.
One of the ICPB’s most successful tactics has involved providing guidance to the automotive service industry. The committee works with auto fuel experts from Northwest Iowa Community College to take the facts on ethanol to auto and small engine mechanics and service managers who deal with everything from auto care to mower and chain saw maintenance. Recent efforts include driver education teacher training, fuel quality seminars for service technicians, and a quarterly newsletter. Click here to read issues of the Fuel Tech Connection newsletter.
The committee also explores new market opportunities in Iowa for new uses of ethanol as a renewable fuel source, including working with fuel suppliers and equipment manufacturers to launch such new products as E-diesel and E85.
To read more about ethanol, including information about production and grower opportunities, see Ethanol.