(ST. LOUIS, Mo.) - Two Iowa biodiesel professionals have been recognized by the National Biodiesel Board for their roles in moving biodiesel forward. At a ceremony recognizing its national member-leaders last night, NBB presented Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, and Thomas Brooks, general manager of Western Dubuque Biodiesel, with 2014 Most Valuable Player awards.

Kimberley, involved with biodiesel for more than a decade, this year expanded his already full plate within the Iowa Soybean Association to take on leadership of IBB. As executive director, he helped usher in the passage of state legislation extending a biodiesel producer incentive through 2017. He has also actively represented Iowa in the federal Renewable Fuel Standard efforts, including co-hosting two campaign events with both Senatorial candidates this year.

Kimberley also routinely hosts groups important to the biodiesel effort on his family's farm in Iowa, giving tours to environmentalists, trade ambassadors and more, and teaching them about modern agricultural practices.

"It's an honor to receive this recognition from my peers, but even greater is the feeling of accomplishment we share in watching this industry grow from 20 million gallons in 2003 to 1.8 billion gallons last year," Kimberley said. "We know there is much work left to be done, and it will take all of us working together. But we can be proud of bringing biodiesel into the mix, diversifying our nation's energy supply and driving economic growth."

Brooks took home the award in part for looking at the big picture beyond his own interests. Working with IBB, he was instrumental in earning press in Iowa and raising the volume on the RFS effort. This summer, he testified before the Environmental Protection Agency on the RFS volumes. In the last year, Western Dubuque Biodiesel hosted many key elected officials, including state legislators; an NBB sustainability tour; and a tour for U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley. Brooks also regularly hosts tours for colleges and the local high school, even going into the classroom himself to teach students about biodiesel.

"God asks us to always strive to do our best and expect nothing in return; albeit, this recognition means a lot to me," Brooks said of the award. "I appreciate this recognition while there are many others deserving of it."

"The biodiesel industry exemplifies vision, determination and hard work coming together to create real change," said NBB Chairman Steven J. Levy. "Though biodiesel is still a small, growing industry, the success to date has been a collaborative result of stakeholders like Grant Kimberley and Tom Brooks, who stand among the countless outstanding professionals making America's advanced biofuel what it is today."

Past NBB chairmen were also recognized at the event, including Gary Haer of Iowa-based biodiesel producer REG, and Iowa soybean producer Jack Hartman. The ceremony took place in St. Louis during an NBB membership meeting.

IBB is a nonprofit trade association representing the biodiesel industry in Iowa.