Biofuels Experts Mark Yancey and Josh Tickell, PGE CEO Peggy Fowler, Congressman Earl Blumenauer, and Industry, Environmental, and Government Leaders to Speak at OSTP's 'The Business of Biofuels in the Pacific Northwest'.

CLACKAMAS, Ore. -- Stellar Speakers, Exhibits, and Networking Reception Highlight Agenda of First-Ever Biofuels Conclave in the Pacific Northwest, October 6, 2006 at Mt. Hood Community College

The Oregon Science & Technology Partnership (OSTP) will host the 'The Business of Biofuels in the Pacific Northwest' on Friday, October 6, 2006, at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, Ore. It will be the first regional assembly of industry, scientific, and governmental leaders and citizens focused on the potential of the burgeoning biofuels industry to drive economic growth in Oregon and Washington.

"We urge all who are interested in the biofuels industry and economic development to join us at this exciting event," said Dr. Hiroshi Morihara, Chair of OSTP, Conference Chair, and Principal of Persimmon Development Group. "Oregon and Washington are rich in the raw materials of biofuels production, and the industry is expected to grow exponentially for 20 or 30 years, showing exciting potential for economic development in our region."

The sixth of OSTP's 2006 Knowledge Connection events, the one-day conference will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in The Theater at the college. Sponsored by Portland General Electric (PGE) and a host of other organizations, the conference will present a comprehensive picture of today's biofuels industry and its economic potential in the Pacific Northwest.

Keynote speaker Josh Tickell, a pioneer in biofuels development and producer of the film "Fields of Fuel," will talk about "Getting Involved in the Multi-billion Dollar Biodiesel Industry." Nationally prominent biofuels expert Mark Yancey of BBI International will talk about the technology, production, and marketing of biofuels today. Speeches or presentations will also be made by representatives of Cascade Grain Products, Climate Solutions, Greenwood Resources, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Oregon Department of Energy, the Oregon Environmental Council, Perkins Coie LLP, SeQuential-Pacific Biodiesel, Star Oil Company, Stoel Rives, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and WholeEnergy.

An estimated 500 attendees and two dozen exhibitors are expected to participate in the event, representing business, academia, governmental agencies, farmers, and citizens interested in economic development. They'll learn of projects planned for the Pacific Northwest and explore the areas of technology, raw materials, production, distribution, project financing, today's industry, the current market, and the long-term outlook for biofuels.

The Business of Biofuels in the Pacific Northwest Conference will be held on Friday, October 6, 2006, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The registration fee for the conference is $125, and includes lunch and the networking reception that immediately follows the conference. For more information and to register, visit http://www.ostpartnership.org/_biofuelsevent/.

About the Oregon Science & Technology Partnership (OSTP)

The Oregon Science & Technology Partnership (OSTP) is an innovative partnership of government, academic, non-profit, research, and industry organizations created to help Oregon's knowledge-based companies. OSTP assists in the growth of targeted niche clusters, helps organizations find capital for growth, and promotes the education and training of knowledge-based workers.

OSTP's Knowledge Connection Program is proudly sponsored by the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department, Clackamas County, Multnomah County, the City of Gresham, the Port of Portland, Portland General Electric, and LSI Logic.