ETHANOL PROMOTER RECOGNIZED BY CORN GROWERS
November 22, 2011
For Immediate Release Contact: Lindsay Mitchell
309-557-3257
Bloomington, IL – The Honorable Glenn Poshard was recognized by the Illinois Corn Growers Association for his work in support of the ethanol industry during their Annual Meeting at the DoubleTree Hotel today. He was presented with the Ethanol Award which seeks to celebrate the contributions of individuals that promote the ethanol industry.
Dr. Poshard has spent over forty years in public service, the latter of which he has served as President of Southern Illinois University. In that capacity, Dr. Poshard has been able to support the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center in Edwardsville, IL, ensuring that the center continues to receive funds for research and that it remains a hub for corn-based ethanol knowledge. At other times in his public service history, he has been able to offer legislative support to the corn-based ethanol industry, for which Illinois corn farmers are grateful.
“Glenn Poshard has served Illinois in so many ways that we are excited to be able to recognize him for his contribution to the ethanol industry,” said Jim Reed, ICGA President. “Without his support, the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center would be without a home and without appropriate funding, which leaves Illinois without a research center to continue our country along on the path to energy independence.”
Dr. Poshard is a three-degree graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Upon graduation, he spent several years in the educational system, serving as Assistant Director of the Southern Illinois Regional Education Service Center and Director of the Area Service Center for Educators of the Gifted until 1984 when he was appointed to the Illinois State Senate.
Dr. Poshard spent four years in the Illinois State Senate, ten years as the U.S. Congressman representing the then 22nd Congressional District, and in 1998 won the Democratic nomination for Governor of the State of Illinois. While a member of Congress, Dr. Poshard helped to grow a fledgling ethanol industry into the real economic engine for Illinois that it is today.
In 1999 Dr. Poshard was appointed Vice Chancellor for the Administration for the Carbondale campus of Southern Illinois University, and in 2004 he was elected President of the University system.
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