CountryMark recently launched its new PLUS line of gasoline products, which the company bills as “the right fuel for the times.” Three distinct features make the new PLUS designation unique — 1)100 percent American-made, 2) 10 percent ethanol-blended, and 3) “Top Tier”—a new performance package being blended into every gallon of the company’s proprietary gasoline.
To help celebrate the announcement, special guest U.S. 4th District Congressman Steve Buyer commended CountryMark on taking a stand for energy independence.
“I’m proud of CountryMark,” stated Buyer, speaking at the Co-Alliance fuel station in Lebanon. “America needs to look to ourselves to solve our own energy challenges, and stop relying on some of the bad actors around the world on whom we’ve become dependent. CountryMark is doing exactly that—by stepping forward and saying this is American-made energy. It’s refined in Indiana, blended with ethanol created by Indiana corn farmers, and made available to Hoosiers. I’m very proud of their leadership, and I’m also proud of our governor for working to create a business environment where people can succeed.”
CountryMark CEO Charlie Smith echoed Buyer’s call for energy independence by saying that CountryMark fuels are from 100 percent American crude oil, and 100 percent American refined. When consumers purchase these products, they can feel confident that every dime of their energy investment will stay here in the United States.”
Smith also explained that the Top Tier performance package included in the new PLUS line is “the new voluntary gold standard for gasoline detergency,” and described it as “value-added for the consumer.” Developed by a group of the world’s top auto manufacturers, the Top Tier is a new class of gasoline that contains enhanced detergency that far exceeds the current EPA intake valve deposit standards. This means optimum performance from today’s modern fuel-injected engines through better fuel economy, cleaner air, longer engine life, unsurpassed anticorrosion protection, and fuel stability. Top Tier-designated fuels are now the preferred fuel for many leading vehicle companies, including BMW, General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, Audi, and Honda.
Smith added that CountryMark stands firmly behind Indiana farmers. According to Smith, ethanol increases the pool of available energy in this country and that's good for America.
Boone County corn and soybean farmer Donnie Lawson further explained the benefits of domestic energy to consumers and the security of the country.
“Sixty cents of every dollar you and I invest in fueling our businesses and personal vehicles goes overseas,” said Lawson. “America has greater capabilities of producing energy, but it requires a public that will seek out domestically-produced energy and purchase it. American petroleum and American ethanol are two domestic energy sources that are available today and immediately help our country reduce dependency on foreign oil.”
Lawson noted that the 139 ethanol plants that have been built in the U.S. have added more than 200,000 new jobs for Americans, while generating $1.2 billion in Federal taxes in 2007.
Acting Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Ken Klemme told the audience that CountryMark’s efforts in producing domestic fuels enriched with ethanol and biodiesel were evidence that ISDA’s strategic plan, which includes bioenergy development, was paying dividends.
“Having companies like CountryMark blend ethanol into their gasoline, and biodiesel into their diesel fuel is an important part of that strategy,” said Klemme. “We are seeing the investment from these strategies being made in rural Indiana.”
The host for the CountryMark PLUS Launch was Kevin Still, CEO of Co-Alliance, LLP. Co-Alliance carries CountryMark branded fuels.
The new PLUS fuels will be available immediately at all CountryMark locations and will replace their previous line of gasoline. It is available in all octane choices, and despite the enhancements, the new lineup of fuels will not carry a premium price. PLUS gasoline will be available in bulk delivery to farmers and fleet operators.
To learn more about why Top Tier gasoline is the supreme standard for gasoline performance, including Top Tier’s technical specifications, visit www.toptiergas.com.
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Caption: CountryMark recently introduced a new lineup of all-American gasoline products. On hand for the announcement were (from left to right): State Senator Phil Boots, U.S. Congressman Steve Buyer, ISDA Acting Director Ken Klemme, Farm Bureau District 5 Director Donnie Lawson, CountryMark CEO Charlie Smith and Co-Alliance CEO Kevin Still.
