Growth Energy partners with Thorntons to establish 20 new E85 Stations in five states

Jefferson City, MO — Growth Energy has joined forces with Thorntons Inc., a leading, independent gasoline/convenience-chain retailer, to establish 20 new E85 stations throughout five states. Growth Energy will provide funds to support the installation of new equipment to dispense high level blends of ethanol.

Thorntons has become a part of Growth Energy’s 2010 E85 and Blender Pump Program, where funds are provided to retailers to establish mid and high level blend infrastructure throughout the country. Over 60 new mid and high level blend sites have been provided financial support in 2010.

“It’s exciting to know that Thorntons, one of the largest gasoline retailers, is working to establish such a large network of E85 fueling stations,” said CEO of Growth Energy, Tom Buis. “We are delighted to collaborate with them and commend Thorntons on their leadership of promoting this clean burning, alternative fuel.”

“We are very excited about the expansion of E85 fuel in our stores,” said Matt Thornton, Chief Executive Officer of Thorntons. “We support the use of ethanol, wherever it is economically available.”

E85 locations working to be established within the next few months at Thorntons Convenience Stores in the following areas:

Island Lake, IL
Volo, IL
Lakemoor, IL
Third Lake, IL
Woodale, IL
Terre Haute, IN
Evansville, IN
Greenwood, IN
Lexington, KY
2 in Louisville, KY
Galloway, OH
2 in Columbus, OH
Canal Winchester, OH
Cincinatti, OH
Hamilton, OH
Cincinatti, OH
Fairefield, OH
Lebanon, TN


“We are pleased to partner with Growth Energy on the expansion and promotion, and appreciate their financial support of the expansion of our E85 fuel offerings,” noted Thornton.

Growth Energy continues to encourage fuel retailers which have an interest in establishing mid and high level blend ethanol dispensing facilities to contact our offices to determine eligibility for support.

For more information on the 2010 Growth Energy E85 and Blender Pump Program, contact the Growth Energy Market Development office at 1-877-485-8595 or at scourter@growthenergy.org.

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About Growth Energy
Growth Energy is a group committed to the promise of agriculture and growing America’s economy through cleaner, greener energy. Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth Energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home. More information can be found at GrowthEnergy.org.