The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Big River Resources shareholders heard from CEO Dave Zimmerman and CFO Jordan Rettmann of their company’s record profits and were assured by them and by the CEO of Growth Energy Emily Skor, one of the nation's top lobbiest for her succeses in speaking out for the ethanol industry and improving the environment, that there's a bright and shining future for ethanol and investors. The three spoke at their 19th annual meeting Thursday at the Pzazz Convention and Event Center in Burlington, Iowa.
Deb Green, Chief Operating Officer opened the meeting and made introductions of all the board members, managers and staff which were given a round of applause by shareholders for their excellent work and for keeping the BRR LLC and BRR Cooperative among top leaders in the ethanol industry.
In 2021, Dave Zimmerman said, Big River Resources had strong results in a challenging landscape with good financial and operational results, and good commodity values.
Over 40 million dollars were being disbursed back to shareholders not to mention the many contributions Big River gives throughout the year for community events and support.
In an ethanol industry update, he said they've unleased 88 (E-15) and are working with the US Administration on their committment for sustainable aviation fuel. Over half of the ethnanol industry are taking part in the carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) program.
CFO Jordan Rettmann and CEO Zimmerman reported strong financials. Since BRR's start on April 2004, a total income of $806,655,660 was gained and $622,693,895 in dividends was disbursed.
Recognized for their part in making Big River successful were retiring CFO Jim Hall and retiring CEO Jim Leiting. Leiting was hired as BRR's first General Manager and moved into the CEO position after the passing of Big River's first CEO Ray Defenbaugh on January 22, 2020.
The business meeting was conducted by Board President Andy Brader. Four directors were nominated and re-elected to the Cooperative for another 4 year term to serve until 2025. Treasurer Les Allen (Monmouth/Indiana), Gene Youngquist (Cameron), Terry Davis (Roseville) Brad Freesmeier (West Point, IA).
Lunch was offered of salad, rolls, potatoes, gravy, ham, roast beef, green beans, dessert, drink in a pleasant atmosphere with many attending. From left to right is Matt Defenbaugh, John Wolf and Bruce Wolf and others getting their meal after the business meeting.
From left is retiring CEO Jim Leiting, COO Deb Green, new BRR CEO Dave Zimmerman, guest speaker and CEO of Growth Energy Emily Skor, and new BRR CFO Jordan Rettmann. (absent retiring CFO Jim Hall).