CEO of Seneca BioEnergy speaks to HWS students

Michael Coia, CEO of Seneca BioEnergy, LLC, gave a presentation on renewable and alternative energy to students of Hobart and William Smith Colleges at the Finger Lakes Institute on March 12. In collaboration with Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY, the Finger Lakes Institute was created to promote environmental research in theFinger Lakes region and to distribute its findings to the general public. The Finger Lakes Institute’s main goals, as described in its mission, are to provide training, research, enhanced understanding of environmental issues, and distribution of findings to the general public to create impact awareness. Seneca BioEnergy is installing equipment at its production facility in the former Seneca Army Depot to manufacture biodiesel fuel and its subsidiary company, Finger Lakes Grape Seed Oil, produces Extra Virgin Grape Seed Oil. Seneca BioEnergy’s building blocks are “agriculture, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability.” Seneca BioEnergy’s corporate mission is as follows: “We support Finger Lakes agriculture by processing local crops and agricultural wastes, and selling commodity products, and we will work to enhance the region’s agribusinesses.” In his presentation, Coia discussed the importance of renewable resources and indicated the importance of location for facilities. Seneca BioEnergy decided to redevelop the former Seneca Army Depot in Romulus into the Seneca AgBio Green Energy Park. This facility provided numerous assets, including railroads, roadways and warehouses, and allowed Seneca BioEnergy to practice its philosophy of utilizing renewable resources. Coia also discussed plans for locating other “like-minded” companies at the Green Energy Park. Coia concluded by illustrating how this green energy project would be a win-win situation for all involved. He said it would provide an “energy win” through biodiesel fuel production and renewable resources, an “agricultural win” by supporting local wineries and farmers with biomass, and an “environmental win” by using renewable feedstocks and processing grape pomace waste. For more information, please visit www.senecabioenergy.com or www.fingerlakesgrapeeedoil.com. Hobart and William Smith students also heard a presentation on e2e Materials, an innovative Ithaca company that will manufacture biocomposite office furniture and other products at the former HP Neun building in the Town of Geneva.