Global Renewable LLC is a partnership that includes former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy G. Thompson, who serves as its chairman of the board. The other partners are Jeffery P. Knight, who headed the governor's Ethanol Coalition, and businessman Tom Weickardt.
Knight has had preliminary discussions with Village of Sharon officials and is pleased with the pro-business attitude of the community.
"Sharon is a perfect location and this is an exciting time for ethanol," Knight said. "We look forward to making our application with the village, proceeding through its approval process and receiving public input about the project."
Sharon Ethanol LLC, as the plant is to be called, is expected to pay more than $700,000 in annual property taxes.
According to Knight, area farmers will benefit from an estimated price increase of 16 cents per bushel of corn and from the availability of dried distillers grains to feed their livestock. Local farmers will save on transportation costs for corn and feed. New permanent ethanol plant jobs and temporary construction jobs will enhance the vitality of the local housing market and the business community.
At a press conference held November 25, Thompson talked about his historic commitment to economic development, support of farming and leadership in alternative fuels.
"I am proud to be a part of this wonderful opportunity for the Village of Sharon and Walworth County," Thompson said. "The proposed plant is good for Wisconsin and another example of our state's longstanding leadership in alternative fuels."
A public information meeting will be held for all interested citizens. Global Renewable will announce further details about the meeting soon. Information binders addressing the proposal's key issues will be made available at local public libraries.
"We want people to understand our proposal and have opportunities to ask questions," said Knight. "We plan to be a vital member of the community and that starts with inviting public input."
