Pellet conference well attended

July 28, 2010, Arlington, VA – More than 270 attendees from 150 wood pellet
manufacturing companies attended the 2010 Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) annual
conference in mid-July in Asheville, North Carolina. Additionally, 55
supplier exhibitors showcased their products to the attendees, and 16 companies
supported the event as sponsors.

This year's speakers covered a variety of topics during eight educational sessions,
including the Biomass Crop Assistance Program, outlined by Aaron Martin of the
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Christian Rakos of proPellets Austria spoke
about the European pellet market and offered his expertise on international
regulations and emerging opportunities within the biomass industry. Other presentations
included a panel on co-firing with wood pellets, comprising Christian Rakos,
Joe James of Agri-Tech Producers, and Eric Kingsley of Innovative Natural
Resources.  A seminar given by Guy Colonna of the National Fire Protection
Association provided a thorough look at fire prevention and safety at pellet
mills. Many of the presentations are posted on PFI's website
(www.pelletheat.org).

In March 2010, PFI members were advised that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) would be regulating pellet fuel and offered to work together to develop
an industry-wide standard, which the industry has been developing. During the
conference, a session was held to review recent standards developments that
will affect the pellet industry.

"We
were encouraged to see EPA attending the PFI Conference to solicit input on
their required standards programs and include PFI in the development of
responsible standards for the pellet industry," says Jeff Thiessen,
outgoing PFI president.

Three new
members were elected by membership to the Board of Directors for a three-year
term: Harold Arnold of Fram, Stephen Faehner of American Wood Fibers, and
Mike Curci of Indeck Energy Systems. Scott Jacobs of Ozark Hardwood
Products was elected PFI president for 2010–2011.