July 17, 2020. Northbrook, IL. – In late October 2019 employees of CTE Global, Inc, a supplier of enzymes and yeast for ethanol production, met to discuss the company mission and values. Emerging from the discussion was the desire to support the communities they serve. Volunteers came forward to form a task force focused on proposing, defining, and executing a community support program. The task force proposed several program ideas and all employees voted for the support programs they liked best. The overwhelming winner was a competitive grant program for 4-H youth.

Task force members worked with 4-H representatives in three ethanol producing counties to offer the competitive grant program. The grant competition aimed to help encourage the next generation of farmers to learn about the importance of ethanol to their community. The program was open to 4-H youth ages 12-19. Entrants were asked to write a 2-3-page essay describing what ethanol is, how their community is affected by it and how they are personally affected by it.

The first recipient selected was Ethan Swehla, a member of the Jolly Blue Bells 4H club of Chickasaw County, IA. Ethan reflected on how his family, community, country, and world is made better by ethanol. He wrote “Ethanol affects so many people by giving people jobs, by feeding farmer’s livestock dried distillers grain (DDG), and by using ethanol to fuel cars every day.“ He shared what he learned about the ethanol production process and speculated the he may someday work at an ethanol plant.

In the meantime, Ethan plans to use the grant funds to raise and breed a calf to show in the cow and calf project at the Chickasaw County Achievement Show.

The most recent recipient was Deena Degner, a member of the Wonewoc Badgers 4H club of Juneau County, Wi. Deena reflected on how ethanol production supports her local economy and is used in many products that we all depend on. She wrote “I know by using gasoline with ethanol I am not only being kinder on my environment but also helping all the farmers and plant workers who made it possible for me to purchase the fuel for my car.” Selection of a recipient in our final county has been delayed with 4-H representatives working from home and many club activities being put on hold.

Stephanie Pannell, a task force member, said “When presented with the idea to put together a community project for our customers located in the heart of Agricultural areas, there was no doubt in our minds that supporting 4-H kids was our calling. With the difficult news that many county fairs have been cancelled due to COVID-19, these kids really appreciated the extra support. When sharing the updates from the various winners each CTE team member was thrilled. We are already looking forward to setting up this community project again next year.”

CTE Global, Inc. is recognized as a leader in the bio-fuels industry for quality enzyme and yeast products.

https://www.cte-global.com