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New Minnesota Corn policy director has background in renewables

The new public policy director for the Minnesota Corn Growers has a background in renewable energy.

Amanda Bilek comes to MCGA after nine years as government affairs director for Minneapolis-based Great Plains Institute.

“(I) helped lead state initiatives to implement public policy for energy-related issues.  And I’ve always kind of worked at the intersection of agriculture and energy, working on ways to use biomass for advanced biofuels, or biofuels generally.”

Bilek says she’s excited to work on behalf of corn farmers, and build relationships with policy leaders at the state and federal level.

“And then build new relationships and new alliances to help tell the stories (about) all the positive work that’s happening in agriculture communities all across Minnesota.”

Bilek, who grew up on a small crop and livestock farm in Wadena County, will work closely with MCGA executive director Adam Birr to lead local and national policy strategy and development.