Meet Rentech's Chris Amey, Incoming Chairman of PFI's Board of Directors
At the PFI Annual Conference in Asheville, North Carolina, last month, PFI's Board of Directors elected a new chairman. Chris Amey from Rentech will take over from American Wood Fiber's Stephen Faehner to lead PFI and its board for the next year. Mr. Faehner will remain on PFI's Board of Directors as Past President.
Chris Amey, Commercial Director for the Washington, DC-based Rentech, has been with the company for six years. During that time, he has been instrumental in transitioning the company from a focus on the commercialization of their former fuel conversion technologies to wood fiber processing, looking to grow both the domestic and industrial wood pellet businesses. Chris has a background in bioenergy, with 17 years' experience in engineering and commercial development. Originally from Canada, Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental and civil engineering from Canada's University of Waterloo.
In Asheville, Chris summarized his views on the role of PFI in advocating for the pellet fuels industry and its many members:
"The thing that gets me excited about this role is PFI's membership. When you have the opportunity to spend time with PFI members like I have for the past couple of years, there is a passion for wood pellets that exceeds that of any other industry association. This exists because for our members, working in the wood pellet industry isn't just a job - it's a livelihood - many businesses are family owned, and there is a strong connection with the employees and rural communities where much of this industry is located."
Chris cited communication and increased collaboration with other industry groups as priorities over the coming year, with increased attention to the environmental benefits of bioenergy.
"We as an organization will continue to ensure that we effectively communicate and disseminate all that we feel is important to the industry and do our best to keep our members well informed. We will continue to work hard to ensure the long-term viability and continued growth of our industry. Whether that's by protecting our collective interests from unnecessary and potentially ill-informed regulations or ensuring that our industry is successful in receiving its fair share of subsidies and support from the Hill."
"Finally, every one of PFI's members has a voice in the organization and our activities, and we encourage suggestions and input from every one of our members, to me or to PFI's staff members."
PFI Welcomes New Board of Directors Officers and Members
At the PFI Board of Directors meeting in Asheville, new officers and members were chosen to lead the association.
Chris Amey with Rentech will be the new PFI Chairman, with Pacific Coast Pellets' Stan Elliot serving as Vice Chairman, Hamer Pellet Fuels' Lori Hamer serving as Secretary/Treasurer, and American Wood Fibers' Stephen Faehner serving as Past President.
Other new board members include: Jase Lock, ANDRITZ; Stephen Devoe, Sr., Fiber Energy; and Cory Schrock, Fiber By-Products.
Thank you to all officers and members serving on the PFI Board of Directors, including those stepped down from a leadership role this year.
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Host an Event for Bioenergy Day 2016, Taking Place on October 19
October 19, 2016, marks the Fourth Annual Bioenergy Day! Many pellet fuels manufacturers are planning facility tours and other events to emphasize the many economic and environmental benefits of bioenergy to elected officials, customers, the media and other stakeholders.
We urge anyone interested in building ties to their communities to consider hosting a Bioenergy Day event, either on your own or jointly with other bioenergy businesses or supporters in your region. There are many resources available to help you plan, including a Participation Guide on theBioenergy Day website. Previous participants are also willing to share best practices, lessons learned, and other tips to ensure a smooth and successful event.
Thanks to many sponsors, including the U.S. Forest Service, and participants, Bioenergy Day has grown each year. Organizations across the country have engaged their communities on bioenergy, earning dozens of media stories and helping more people understand bioenergy. State and local governments, elected officials, universities and businesses have all recognized bioenergy in its many forms. Biomass power, domestic and export pellets, biogas, anaerobic digesters, combined heat and power - all of these types of bioenergy are part of Bioenergy Day.
To learn more, visit www.bioenergyday.com, or send an email to Carrie Annand at [email protected].
