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Governor Chet Culver announced Friday that Flex Fuel U.S., a NIACC JPEC Incubator tenant, was designated as an Innovative Energy Project and will receive $47,332. The project will install 25 flex fuel conversion kits on vehicles owned and operated by the Iowa Department of Transportation; Cerro Gordo County Sheriff; and the Clear Lake, Charles City and Mason City police departments. In addition, Flex Fuel U.S. will train North Iowa Area Community College students in the installation of the fuel conversion equipment.

“This project fit perfectly with NIACC’s mission due to beneficial training opportunities for our students and economic growth prospects for our region,” said Dr. Deb Derr, NIACC president.  “We are thrilled to collaborate with Flex Fuel U.S.”

The Office of Energy Independence (OEI) provides grants to pioneering energy projects that will benefit a variety of organizations including community colleges, the Iowa State Fair, Iowa-based businesses, the University of Iowa and state agencies. To fund the projects, OEI will use money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Collaboration with our legislators and partners made this possible, helping us identify the opportunity for Flex Fuel U.S.” Jamie Zanios, NIACC vice president for the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and Institutional Advancement, said. 

With extensive backgrounds in custom car building, high performance racing, and aftermarket sales, Flex Fuel’s founders created a product that is innovative as well as high quality; installation retains the automaker’s full factory warranty, enables older vehicles to meet 2010 EPA tailpipe emission standards and permits economical operation on any blend of gasoline and ethanol.  Because of the ongoing advancements in the ethanol manufacturing supply chain, ethanol blends save energy and utilize renewable Iowa grown fuel sources.  Recently, Flex Fuel U.S. initiated a fleet test, converting 25 Chicago Police Ford Crown Victorias.  www.flexfuelus.com.  

The national NACCE Innovation Award winning NIACC JPEC provides college level courses and degree programs in entrepreneurship, as well as comprehensive consulting services for business start-ups, existing industries and owner transitions in the North Iowa region.   Space is available for start-up businesses in the North Iowa Business Incubator. For more information, contact the NIACC JPEC at 641-422-4111.

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