In April, the Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association (MPMA), in conjunction with Fuel Iowa, hosted the annual Upper Midwest Convenience Store & Energy Convention in St. Paul, the largest show for fuel marketers and convenience store professionals in the area. During the convention, guests browsed the trade show floor, attended various workshops and listened to keynote speakers.

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) was one of the many trade show exhibitors. The Council’s booth highlighted biodiesel, with numerous fuel distributors stopping by the booth.

“We talked with many people about the opportunities in higher blends of biodiesel, tank and storage options for blending B100 and B99 and tips on good tank maintenance,” MSR&PC Senior Director of Product Development & Commercialization Mike Youngerberg said. “We also had a number of petroleum marketers who have participated in our See For Yourself mission  this year, and even past years, commenting on how much they learned about biodiesel and that they’ve made use of that knowledge in their business.”

To help answer these questions, MEG Corp joined Youngerberg in the booth. MEG Corp, a petroleum industry leader in product solutions, testing services and fuel consulting, frequently collaborates with MSR&PC on biodiesel and checkoff-related projects.

This year’s convention wasn’t ordinary – it marked the 100 year anniversary of MPMA.

Formed in 1923, MPMA was created to “provide services to the petroleum marketer, help them at all levels of government and to support fellow marketers.” The organization focuses on four emphases: education, regulatory analysis and programs to help with compliance; legislative and regulatory monitoring,  and services for the members.

As always, MSR&PC strives to wisely invest Minnesota soybean growers’ checkoff dollars. The biodiesel industry is just one avenue where MSR&PC’s investment is experiencing great rewards. But, like farmers, MSR&PC never settles and continues to inform the public and expand the biodiesel industry. The Upper Midwest Convenience Store & Energy Convention is an excellent opportunity to get in front of petroleum marketers to answer their questions, listen to their concerns and promote biodiesel.