The symposium marked the 10th anniversary of the formation of BDC.  In 2006, BDC was a regional organization focused on assisting the pulp and paper industry to recognize bioprocess opportunities that would improve economics of the industry and to accelerate deployment of those processes.  BDC is now an international organization, still focused on the same goals.

The meeting was held at the Embassy Suites in Des Moines, IA in conjunction with touring the impressive DuPont Cellulosic Ethanol plant in Nevada, IA.  The plant equipment is in place, but the plant was not yet running at the time of the tour.  A thorough tour and explanation of the corn stover collection and storage system was provided by DuPont. In addition, an excellent tour of Iowa State's BioCentury Farm was provided prior to the start of the BDC Symposium.

The Symposium was attended by over 50 members and guests, including U.S. and Canadian Government Agency Representatives, Forest Products Management, and BioProcess Management.  A focused program was provided on Commercial Project updates and Government Policy Information.  The make-up of the BDC membership and attendees has truly become international with the U.S., Canada, Australia, Norway, Brazil, Finland, and England being represented.

Presentations were made to both Green Biologics and BioAmber, who have shown excellent achievement in the area of deployment of bio-processes, both successfully producing and selling commercially.  Jim Millis, VP of Technology for BioAmber provided the after dinner "Success Story" to the group.