History Organization history - date of establishment Koopman, Ryan,and Associates was started by Russell Koopman, and Robert Ryan in early January of 2006. It was started as a research firm to analyze what types of biomass stover will form the best heating pellets. Our mission: Develop an excellent quality biomass pellet product made of stover from locally grown agricultural commodities. Our goals are: 1). Provide superior products to maximize demand. This will help customers save money, help our country by reducing the demand for fossil fuels, and help reduce greenhouse gases. 2). Establishing the best blend of ag byproducts that will be both economical and high in BTU rates while minimizing ash content. 3). Develop methods to provide superior service to our customers. 4). Inform and educate farmers providing feedstock about the best methods to maximize their profits while maintaining sound agronomic practices. 5). Provide an additional market for farm commodities and new jobs for rural communities. 6). Establish the Midwest Prairies as an alternative source of fuel for industrial and residential heating. Description of organization’s current programs or activities - strengths and accomplishments. We at Sunrise Agra Fuels are learning as much as possible about the biomass industry. We are analysing numerous studies from Universities and individuals. Our research includes demostrations from India on making briquettes from biomass to cornstalk stover pellet production from Saskatoon, Canada. The more we know the greater the potential for creating cost effective renewable biomass energy. Russell Koopman has a Masters Degree in the plant science field and has numerous years of experience in genetics developing specific genetics for specific results. Russ understands the chemistry and scientific aspects of biomass and has helped start up several non-related businesses. Robert Ryan has experience working with local governments and has started several of his own businesses in the past. Bob has numerous contacts and he understands farming. His past experience in the Hearth and Home business is a big plus also. Bob will be working to establish our markets in the exciting hearth and stove industry. Sunrise Agra Fuel project Information - Our studies have solved the challenge of whether we can produce an alternative product to fossil fuels for heating homes and/or commercial use. It must be economically viable, environmentally friendly, and convenient. We feel that the industrial commercial demand for our product will be overwhelming. - Replacing fossil fuels (FF) with a renewable energy source is a new concept. It will integrate technologies not applied yet in the bio-energy sector. Fossil fuels have always been cheaper and more convenient than any other form of energy. With ever increasing prices of FF, residential consumers and/or industry may be willing to switch away from FF if the price is right. - We want to plant the seed for a new energy source that will grow partnerships to form a new energy concept company that will affect the communities we service. We want to create new jobs, save energy consumers money, reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign energy, and promote the reduction of greenhouse gases. A study claims that for every dollar spent on alternative biomass fuels, 80% of the money stays in the community. Whereas the purchase of FF only 20% went back into the community. - We hope to create 10 to 15 new jobs manufacturing Agra Pellets. This is only part of the whole picture. There will be other jobs created by businesses that deliver the biomass pellets to homes. This delivery system will be similar to fuel oil or propane delivery systems that are now in place. Other people affected would be farmers who would receive additional income from their crop waste. Custom balers and truck drivers will be needed for delivering products. Biomass stove sales will increase and technicians will be needed for installing new heating systems. This will be a win-win situation for all.