GREENVILLE, S.C. -- In keeping with its mission statement to provide products in a clean, safe and convenient environment while maintaining environmental awareness, The Spinx Co., Greenville, S.C., entered into two supply initiatives recently.
In April, the retailer with 80 stores in North and South Carolina announced plans to offer E85 ethanol fuel at its locations. And on Tuesday, June 7, the retailer will announce a partnership with Willie Nelson's Biodiesel, becoming the first retailer to bring Willie Biodiesel to South Carolina.
Company CEO Stewart Spinks will be joined by country-music legend Nelson at a Spinx store in Greer, S.C., to announce the agreement. Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board, will provide a national perspective on the increased use of biodiesel use nationally. Celebrity and environmental activist, TV's Dennis Weaver, will also be part of the presentation. State and local dignitaries are expected to attend.
Willie Nelson's Biodiesel is a clean-burning, renewable diesel fuel alternative. The productknown as BioWillieis made from vegetable oils, mainly soybeans, and can be burned without modification to diesel engines. It was introduced in January.
There is really no need going around starting wars over oil. We have it here at home. We have the necessary product; the farmers can grow it, Nelson said at the time. Nelson organized Farm Aid two decades ago to draw attention to the plight of American agriculture.
Spinx spokesperson Candice Culbertson told CSP Daily News that BioWillie will initially be offered only at the Greer store with the goal of expanding to other sites in the near future.
Meanwhile, E85 is already available at two Spinx stores in upstate South Carolina. E85 is the term for motor fuel blends of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. E85 is an alternative fuel as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Supporters say E85 provides superior performance characteristics while burning cleaner than gasoline. It also is a renewable, domestic and environmentally friendly fuel.
We are very excited about bringing the first E85 fueling stations to Greenville, said Spinks.E85 is an efficient fuel line that will service many of our upstate customers who have recognized the importance of alternative energy resources and clean fueling options.
Spinx introduced E85 on Earth Day, April 22, with an 85-cents-a-gallon promotion. Subsequently, E85 was priced comparably to mid-grade gasoline. About the two initiatives, Culbertson said, The Spinx Co. is very concerned with providing environmentally friendly fuel alternatives to its customers.
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