SBDC SUCCESS STORY
Jeff Pieterick, North Prairie Productions 

SBDC Program Director Key Advisor in Biodiesel Refinery Development

Jeff Pieterick and Mike Robinson, founders of North Prairie Productions, met with Bud Gayhart starting in March of 2006. They were seeking research information to assist them in locating their biodiesel refinery facility in an area that would position them for rapid growth. They also wanted to better understand the competition currently in the market and see if we could uncover potential new competitors soon to launch. Gayhart conducted research, contacted regional network contacts and facilitated meetings with NPP and municipalities to explore the best option for locating the facility which they decided to build in Evansville.

As development continued, Gayhart helped Robinson and Pieterick develop a business plan. In particular, the SBDC provided a thorough analysis of competition. Gayhart assisted the owners in determining the best structure for the holding company and how to position the business for investors. He then helped them identify sources of financing and prepare to seek funds. Identified additional resources that will be used to assure successful launch of company including connecting them with Scott Bush from Iowa who has be associated with the start-up of two biodiesel facilities in that state. Bush acted as a consultant to NPP through the early offering stage.

During additional consulting sessions, Gayhart prepared Robinson and Pieterick for their meeting with the DNR and AgVest. He also provided them with economic impact data for a biodiesel refinery in Wisconsin. They needed this information to assist them in promoting their refinery to area economic development organizations.

North Prairie Productions has now achieved its equity goal of $25 million and is planning a groundbreaking ceremony for March (date yet to be identified). They are also looking into operating a soybean crush facility to supply their biodiesel refinery. The plant is expected to create over 100 jobs and bring in more than $127 million in annual revenue to the area.

For more information on North Prairie Productions, visit their website at http://www.npnrg.com/.