HUDSON, SD (October 22, 2013) – The South Dakota Safety Council has awarded a Governor’s Safety Award to POET Biorefining - Hudson for excellence in workplace safety and health. Awards were presented by South Dakota Lieutenant Governor Matt Michels.

POET Biorefining - Hudson is one of 40 employers who were recognized at the Governor’s Safety Awards luncheon at the Sioux Falls Arena and Convention Center on Oct. 9.

“As an organization we are fortunate to be blessed with talented people who understand the need for safety in the workplace,” said Joel Jarman, General Manager of POET Biorefining - Hudson. “Our original start-up team dating back to 2004 helped develop a safe working environment, and this has carried over as new team members have come onboard throughout the years. We also would like to thank Governor Daugaard and the State of South Dakota for taking the time to recognize not only POET, but other organizations and businesses across the state that have made safety a priority.”

“An effective safety program reduces injuries and costs, maximizes productivity and builds morale,” said Cary Swenson, executive director of the South Dakota Safety Council. “Employers like POET Biorefining - Hudson understand that safety is good business, now more than ever.”

Since 1993, the annual Governor’s Safety Awards have spotlighted South Dakota employers with above-average safety records. Participants submit injury information which is compared with state and national data, as well as the entrant’s past performance. Ongoing safety programs and activities are also considered.

POET Biorefining – Hudson was one of 25 to win the “Meritorious Achievement,” which honors companies that have a better-than-average performance in incident rates for their industry.

About POET

POET, one of the world’s largest ethanol producers, is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. The 25-year-old company has a production capacity in excess of 1.6 billion gallons of ethanol and 9 billion pounds of high-protein animal feed annually from its network of 27 production facilities. POET also operates a pilot-scale cellulosic bio-ethanol plant, which uses corn cobs, leaves, husk and some stalk as feedstock, and expects to commercialize the process in Emmetsburg, Iowa through its joint venture with DSM. For more information, visit http://www.poet.com.