Board Meeting Minutes

Cape Fear Biofuels Board Meeting - February 28, 2006

Attendance - Deva, Matt, Sarah, Hayssam, Trace, Brent, Roey, Bill, Anthony

Committee Reports

Education

Various articles were circulated regarding GM’s new flex fuel campaign. http://www.grist.org/news/muck/2006/02/24/griscom-little/index.html?source=daily

Discussions regarding fuel distribution at Earth Day were conducted. Matt will continue to negotiate with the parks department to hopefully gain support. The Earth Day booth will include new banner, tri-fold display, pamphlets, and home-brewed fuel. Banner will cost ~$130. Possible designs to be circulated around the board during the next two weeks.

Sarah’s internship project is being retooled to create a more manageable goal due to her advisor’s concerns.

Treasury/Fundraising

CFB now has over $2,000 in the bank! This includes all membership dues, fundraising, and contributions from Girl Mark’s workshop. A paypal account has also been set up and will soon allow potential members to pay online with credit/debit cards.

A major fundraiser is in the works for May 2006. This event will be geared towards a broad audience of students, politicians, local dignitaries, and the interested public. No definite date has been set, but the event will take place at Corporate Canvas on Front Street. CFB has already begun collecting items to be auctioned off, including a generous donation from painter James Davis.

An educational/media event is also being organized in conjunction with a national bluegrass act (Hot Buttered Rum String Band) which will take place on March 21^st at the Soapbox. HBRSB tours the US on an SVO bus and have agreed to do a “meet and greet” event prior to the show. All efforts will be made to bring the local media out to the event. CFB will also be providing the band with SVO to take them to their next show!

Engineering

Bill has continued his dialogue with a local chemical company about renting storage space for our first shipment of B100. He discussed the logistics and prices, including tank cleaning fees which could exceed $1,000. Jon is also researching other options for tanks in the Southport area. A cost benefit analysis will be done to decide if tank rental is in our best interest.

Anthony (Independent Biofuels) discussed plans for a $500 tank/trailer assembly. In short, a few days work could create a mobile 500 gallon tank which would also have a protective shelter. Several board members agreed to assist in the construction.

New Business

The GirlMark workshop was a huge success. A total of 22 people attended, with some traveling from Kansas and New York. Participants learned several “tricks of the trade” as well as basic knowledge about fuel production. GirlMark made the trip from California and we extend a big thank you to her!!

Thanks also to Cape Fear Community College for hosting the event.

Brent and Trace will be fine tuning the bylaws for review at the next general meeting. These bylaws serve as guide for the daily activities of the co-op and help with basic housekeeping tasks such as board elections, accounting, etc. They will be distributed following approval from the board.

The next general membership meeting will be March 9^th at Tidal Creeks, please mark your calendars.

WORKSHOP TOMMOROW at CFCC

For those of you that are dying to make some homebrew biodiesel there should still be a few spots open at the workshop (at last notice there were about 10 seats still open). Looking forward to seeing everyone there:

Maria "Girl Mark" Alovert on how to make homebrew biodiesel on Sat-Sun Feb 25-26 at CFCC's North Campus (click here for directions) from 9:30-3:30PM both days in the Applied Technologies Building (first building on the left, park in the back) in the North Side of the Building Room NB 140.

To sign up for the class go to :

http://girlmark.com/tour2006.html
click on the Wilmington link to pay via pay-pal.

The class is $120 (with 20% of the proceeds going towards Cape Fear Biofuels). The last day of class offers the option of building your own Apple Seed Reactor (as long as you supply your own parts). Reactor kits can be purchased from B100Supply.com or you can find a parts list on:

http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/appleseedprocessor/ and purchase accessories at
Harbor Frieght.

After you pay make sure that you register by emailing:
classregistration@girlmark.com

Cape Fear Biofuels Board Meeting Feb 20, 2006

Present:

Trace

John

Roey

Deva

Matt

Hayssam

Newcomers:

Romain

Caoutar

Approval of past minutes pushed to next meeting b/c Brent is absent.

Committee Reports:

• Fundraising report

Deva didn’t hear yet from Larry Shirley. Roey mentions a meeting w/ Randall Johnson from the NC Biotech center to get some funds.

• Education report

Sara initiated contact w/ Piedmont to talk about college/coop partnerships.

Matt tries to get UNCW’s Wagoner Hall to use their WVO to make biodiesel. John proposes to do the same w/ CFCC.

Roey proposes to put together a panel discussion at UNCW

• Engineering report

Bill is absent but Roey reports that he is speaking with individuals who have property where we can store biodiesel.

New Business

• Girl Mark Class

Nothing new. Roey e-mailed Girl Mark and she said that 8 people were registered so far. Roey estimates that some more might have registered since then and communicates that a few “poor” students got in touch with him to come to the workshop but couldn’t afford it.

• Fundraiser/Art Show

Things are moving slowly. We still have 2 months until Earth Day. The auction idea is being thrown on the platter. We may push back the fundraiser’s date. And instead have a fundraiser at Earth Day itself.

• Earthday

We need $30,000 to get a shipment. Having a first shipment by Earth Day may be compromised b/c of the tight timeframe. However John offers a plan B, which would consist of driving up to Potters Oil and get a 500-gallon shipment ourselves to have it by Earth Day. Can we transport it? How much would it cost? Would we need a transporter’s license? John will look into that.

Cost of setting up a booth for Earth Day:

One 8-foot table and 2 chairs – complimentary

Banners - $100

A reactor (maybe) – cost to determine

• Tanks

Ben’s father has two 500-gallon tanks and he may be able to bring them back after Spring Break.

• Business Plan

The plan is not clear yet but a lot of connections are being made. The model so far will be linked to the blended value model and social entrepreneurship values put forward by Jet Emerson. A narrative, a vision, a mission statement, bylaws, a 3-year business projection are needed.

• Presentations

Presentation to the Cape Fear Country Club with the goal of raising some funds or finding angels. Presentation to the Cape Fear River Watch. Matt has a list of organization that he will e-mail to Deva and Roey.

Home Brew Biodiesel Workshop Sat-Sun Feb. 25-26

Cape Fear Biofuels in Cooperation with Cape Fear Community College will be holding a workshop conducted by the infamous Maria "Girl Mark" Alovert on how to make homebrew biodiesel on Sat-Sun Feb 25-26 at CFCC's North Campus (click here for directions) from 9:30-3:30PM both days in the Applied Technologies Building (first building on the left, park in the back) in the North Side of the Building Room NB 140.

To sign up for the class go to :

http://girlmark.com/tour2006.html
click on the Wilmington link to pay via pay-pal.

The class is $120 (with 20% of the proceeds going towards Cape Fear Biofuels). The last day of class offers the option of building your own Apple Seed Reactor (as long as you supply your own parts). Reactor kits can be purchased from B100Supply.com or you can find a parts list on:

http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/appleseedprocessor/ and purchase accessories at
Harbor Frieght.

After you pay make sure that you register by emailing:
classregistration@girlmark.com


Topics of the Class Include:

- No Such Thing as Converting a Car To Biodiesel: Two Vegetable Oil Fuels Options Demystified
- The Basics of Biodiesel
- Some Websites and Forums for Learning More
- Things to Expect when Using Biodiesel
- Homebrew Biodiesel Process Overview
- Getting Started: How To Make 1-Liter Test Batches
- Titration, Titration Titration: Finding Free Fatty Acids In Oil
- Dewatering Oil and Testing for Water
- Biodiesel Chemistry for Non-Chemists
- Quality Tests
- Testing for Soap in Unwashed Biodiesel and Glycerol
- Clarity and Cloudiness- quality control and visual appearance
- Washing Biodiesel and Why and How We Do It
- Bubblewashing 101
- Troubleshooting “Wash Problems”
- Upsizing Batches, Making And Using Road Fuel
- Glycerol Purification and Use
- Acidulating and Purifying Glycerol
- Basics Of A Biodiesel Reactor System
- Carboy Methoxide Mixer System
- Weldless Processor Based on 55-Gallon Drum
- Future articles and topics to be covered by this zine
- Complete Reactor and System Plans:
Standpipe Wash Tank Plans
Simple Processor Based on an Electric Water Heater
Biodiesel Appleseed Reactor- the $150, No-weld Biodiesel Reactor
- Using the Appleseed Reactor
-Parts Diagram for the Biodiesel Appleseed Reactor
-Shopping list for Appleseed parts

General Member Meeting Minutes Feb. 9th, 2006

Cape Fear Biofuels General Member Meeting February 9, 2006

I. Introductions

II. Announcements

- Organization of bulk shipments of ATM-certified biodiesel has begun and we hope to have our first delivery coincide with Earth Day

- Home brew workshop with Girl Mark to be held Feb. 25-26^th

- Construction has begun at site of small scale production facility to be used by CFB members

- Fundraiser was success, generating $760

- HB 1296 continues to gain momentum in the NC House of Reps.

- Hayssam Hoballah (UNCW student) will be working on a business plan for CFB as part of his senior project

- New website up and running thanks to Graphic Moxie!

III. Discussion

The board educated the members on hand regarding the logistics of bringing fuel into Wilmington. Blending, profit margins, storage, and location were all discussed. A general consensus was reached regarding an approximate “price at the pump” of $3.12. As a result, the board will go forward with plans to provide B100 to our members.

CFB’s role in commercial enterprises was also outlined. CFB is registered as a non-profit (although we are not an official 501(c)3 at the present time), and must act responsibly under those guidelines. The co-op has spoken with many private corporations that are looking to expand into our area or are already up and running. Possible partnerships with these groups will be designed to support CFB’s mission of bringing sustainable fuel sources to the region.

IV. Committee Meetings

Education – The group will draw up and distribute (via the blog) a form letter to circulate among NC legislators regarding HB 1296. Once the bill enters the finance committee, efforts to increase support will be expanded. Development of materials for Earth Day will also begin.

Engineering – The group discussed the costs, permits, and logistics of fuel storage in Brunswick County. Preliminary talks with several storage facilities have been initiated and MSDS sheets have been provided.

Fundraising – The group discussed a new project tentatively scheduled for the end of March. Members will be contacting restaurants and art galleries to organize “A taste of Downtown” themed fundraiser. This event will involve a greater amount of organization, but has a great potential to raise funds for the organization.

Form Letter H1296

Hey Everyone!

Below is a letter I wrote to guide anyone interested in starting a barrage of public support for North Carolina General Assembly Proposed Bill H1296/s1150. This bill would exclude biodiesel (along with fuel alcohol and gasohol) from the State Fuels Excise Tax. This would reduce the price of biodiesel by 29 cents per gallon! This bill only provides a 10 year grace period, in which time hopefully biodiesel will get a foothold into the liquid fuels energy sector.

This form letter is only a guidline. Please feel free to make your own letter, improve upon this one, or just take advantage of the contact info for your representatives. BTW The General Assembly does not reconvene until May, but now is the time to start calling our elected officials.

--Matt

Local Public Officials Contact

House Members
Carolyn H. Justice (District 16) Office: 301C Legislative Office Building, Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 919-715-9664 Home: P. O. Box 296, Hampstead, NC 28443 910-270-4604
Daniel F. McComas (District 19) Office: 506 Legislative Office Building, Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 Phone: 919-733-5786 Home: P. O. Box 2274, Wilmington, NC 28402 Phone: 910-343-8372
Thomas E. Wright (District 18) Office: 528 Legislative Office Building, Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 Phone: 919-733-5754 Home: P. O. Box 1654, Wilmington, NC 28402 Phone: 877-364-6585
Senate Members
Julia Boseman (District 9) Office: 309 Legislative Office Building, Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 Phone: (919) 715-2525 Home: 1526 Portsmouth Place, Wilmington, NC 28405 Phone: (910) 681-1507
ZIP Code 28403-1517: Wright and Boseman
Go here to find your zip code representation: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/GIS/Representation/Who_Represents_Me/Who_Represents_Me.html

Form Letter

[Address of representative]

Dear Representative/Senator,

[briefly give name, place of residence, vocation, credibility as a citizen, etc.]

As a concerned citizen in your district I want you to be aware of an important issue regarding the health and security of your constituents in North Carolina as well as the quality of life for people across the entire country. I write asking for your support of NC House Bill 1296/Senate Bill 1150, which is the Renewable Fuels Motor Fuels Tax Exemption, a bill that makes biodiesel, fuel alcohol, and gasohol exempt from the state motor and fuel excise tax. Support of this bill will likely stimulate production and use of renewable fuels in this state, thus strengthening the Nation’s energy independence.

Development of domestic, renewable energy sources will generate many positive benefits for Carolinians. By making the switch to fuels like biodiesel, fewer resources and lives will be lost in protecting oversea oil interests, a net positive increase in jobs for Americans will be created, oil prices will no longer be subject to international politics, local economies will prosper, and agricultural communities will benefit financially. Energy security, which has been on everyone’s mind since the Iraqi war and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, will be greatly increased if the U.S. sustainably produces its own oil. North Carolina, which has a diverse range of oil feedstocks like soy, corn, peanut, and animal byproducts, is in a great position to start supplying its own fuel demand.

Promoting the use of alternative fuels like biodiesel is also great for the environmental health and safety of North Carolina. Biodiesel is as biodegradable as sugar and less toxic than salt. Compared to petrodiesel, biodiesel has far fewer emissions, much safer handling characteristics, and biodegrades rapidly in marine and fresh water environments. Overall biofuels are a much better fuel source than petrodiesel. However, because biofuels have such a small share of the fuel market, biofuels at this point cannot compete cost effectively with petrodiesel. That is why it is important to endorse this bill.

Many other states already recognize the importance of encouraging the development of our liquid renewable fuels. The Washington State legislature has proposed a bill (H1645) that would make school districts exempt from the state’s 28 cent per gallon fuel tax if they use alternative fuels like biodiesel in their buses. In 2002, Minnesota became the first state to mandate that all diesel sold in the state contain 2 percent biodiesel (a mandate to be fulfilled by 2005). Illinois has recently passed sales tax incentives for biodiesel as well as grant money for the development of biodiesel infrastructure. North Carolina has already made progress in promoting renewable fuels, but so far it is not enough. North Carolina is in a great position to become the Southeast leader in renewable liquid fuels but needs the guidance and vision of our political leaders to carry this goal to fruition.

In North Carolina, there are growing numbers of biofuel producers, backyard biodiesel brewers, environmentally aware citizens, and farmers who all ardently support the growth of the renewable energy sector. By showing your voters that this issue is important to you and that energy use affects every North Carolinian, you have the potential to generate great political support from your constituents.

Now is a critical time to address energy use in North Carolina and across the nation. Whether we like it or not, change in our energy infrastructure is imminent, so by supporting this bill and taking a visionary stand on renewable energy issues you can help North Carolina prepare for a brighter future.

Please show me that you know what is right for our state. Help improve North Carolina’s quality of life by supporting House Bill 1296/Senate Bill 1150. Please consider cosponsoring this bill or at the very least endorse it with your vote.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[your name]

Board Meeting Minutes Feb. 6th 2006

Cape Fear Biofuels Board Meeting February 6, 2006

In Attendance (Roey, Brent, Trace, Matt, Bill, Sarah, Deva, Ray)

A. Minutes approved from 1/30/06 meeting

Committee Reports

Education – Letter to senators and members of House of Representatives regarding support of HB 1296. Earth Day booth reserved

Engineering – Document regarding handling and transport of biodiesel circulated. Lease and/or rental of fuel storage space in Brunswick County discussed. Plan formulated to design a mobile 500 gallon tank. Tank would allow for safe transport from storage facility to pump location.

Fundraising – Event at Soapbox considered a success, money transferred to Trace for deposit.
Next event(s) to focus on different demographic with earlier time slot. Possibilities include art gallery event, dinner/wine tasting at local restaurant (one friendly to local oil collection). Ray and Jon offered their vehicles for mobile CFB advertising (82 Rabbit, 84 Suburban).
Ray suggested possible locations for setting up refreshment stands to benefit CFB. Tidal Creek Co-op, UNCW, and the Downtown Farmer’s Market were agreed upon as possible locations. Research needed to ascertain legalities of these types of events.

Public Relations – Initial contact with Everfresh soy plant. Downtown Wilmington group to be approached for support.

New Business

Girl Mark Event – Officials at CFCC need direct contact with Girl Mark and discussion with other community colleges to allow event. CFCC will require space for two people as payment for hosting the event. Roey and Jon to facilitate appropriate discussions between Girl Mark and CFCC.

Membership Fee – Group agreed to single tier membership fee of $50 (no student rate)
Bulk Fuel Purchase – Update on fuel purchase logistics and pricing. Earth Day set as a goal for first delivery of fuel. Bill to research storage rental, Trace to research permits, Hayssan to work on business plan for use in applying for short-term loan.

Biodiesel Business Partnerships – Meeting with Go Green Fuels discussed. Group agreed to continue with discussions regarding support of waste heating oil facility in Brunswick County.

Summer Intern – Sarah approached several board members regarding possible projects for a summer internship. Items suggested include guiding 501(c)3 process, conducting public education events, and general management of co-op. Brent to be supervisor.

Business Plan – Hayssam and Roey met w/ officials of Cameron Business School to discuss the financial goals of the co-op. It was recommended that a thorough risk assessment be conducted as part of the business plan. Discussions with Small Business group at UNCW to aid in development of this plan.

Meeting Thursday 6PM at Tidal Creek

The third general meeting of the Cape Fear Biofuels Cooperative will be taking place at Tidal Creek (http://www.tidalcreek.coop/) (Directions) at 6PM this Thursday, Feb 9th. We have many exciting things to discuss:

-The Board has set a goal to have our first bulk shipment of Biodiesel available to our members by Earthday April 22nd, 2006. We have met with a biodiesel distributor that is offering us price that was better than we anticipated, and we will be discussing different pricing options and blends at the meeting.
-The Infamous Maria "Girl Mark" Alovert is going to be holding a workshop in Wilmington on Feb 25-26 on how to make homebrew biodiesel. The class is $120 but 20% of that will be donated to Cape Fear Biofuels. To sign up for the class go to here: http://girlmark.com/tour2006.html .
-Construction has started on Neal Taylor's property where our Coop Refinery is going to be located.
-We made $760 at the fundraiser at the Soapbox (thanks everyone that came) and are looking to have a second fundraiser in late March.
-There is a house bill in the NC General Assembly that has been co-sponsored by Representative Joe Hackney to create a 10 year tax holiday on all biofuels sold in North Carolina which would bring us closer to price parity with petro-diesel.
-We have an awesome new website put together by Brian Brueck of Graphic Moxie (www.graphicmoxie.com) and Trace Ramsey (our Treasurer). Please take a look. (www.capefearbiofuels.com )

If anything has anything that they would like to discuss at the meeting please let me know and I'll put it on the agenda.

Roey Rosenblith
(Interim President)

Graphic Moxie Designs Awesome Logos!!!

The following logos were put together by Brian Brueck of Graphic Moxie www.graphicmoxie.com/ . Thanks Brian for your fantastic work!!!