Bulletin for December 5, 2006.
 
West Des Moines Rotary November 28, 2006 Linda Leave The WDM Rotary Club began by welcoming four visiting Rotarians. John Leder presented a pin to Greg Kenyon in recognition of his 26 years as a member, (a pretty good number of those are perfect attendance!). The Sergeant-at-Arms was absent; however $104 was raised towards scholarship. Announcements included a reminder to those who volunteered to ring the Salvation Army Bell on December 2nd at HyVee (a warm thanks to those who participated, especially the first shift who stood outside in the bitter cold, then moved the red kettle inside the door for this editor). Recognition was also given to those who helped serve at the Thanksgiving dinner at the West Des Moines Community Center. The club will adopt four families for Christmas this year. Each club member is matched with a member in the family. Wrapping of gifts will be at the December 19th meeting, with delivery on December 23rd (after a breakfast at the West Des Moines Marriott provided by Terry McLane). Congratulations were given to Bill Kalianov, who was married this past weekend. Best Wishes from your fellow Rotarians! Members are encouraged to attend the December 2nd meeting. In attendance will be our Rotary district governor. Jason Wolfe reminded members to invite perspective new members in order to grow our club. Al Cross reminded members that the club will match contributions through the end of the year in order for members to become a Paul Harris Fellow. Our speaker this week was Dr. John Miranowski, a professor at Iowa State University. His topic was the Economics of Ethanol (Bioeconomy and Biofuels Market Expansion). Dr. Miranowski's presentation gave facts on the use, advantages, development and outlook for ethanol use, as well as engineering, science, economics, agriculture, and policy analysis, both in Iowa and in the global sphere. Dr. Miranowski told that biofuels have been slow to develop, but the industry is now seeing a more rapid growth. Currently, ethanol accounts for only 3% of the number of gallons of fuel sold in the United States, but there is potential for bio-renewals to be 25% by the year 2025. Industry issues include local economic growth, increasing plant costs, environmental quality impact, delivery to the population, and agriculture livestock and crop adjustment. Dr. Miranowski stated that the outlook for the biofuel industry is optimistic.