How has the Pekin Energy Company found the central Illinois labor climate?
I moved out here in 1986 and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I found a very enthusiastic, hard-working, talented group of people. They have made Pekin Energy. We have grown and are number two in the industry. We’ve been successful and will continue to be successful, primarily because of the people here. Our people belong to OCAW (Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers). They are excellent. They have helped us fight some of the political battles in ethanol production. They have helped make this plant one of the most efficient in the industry. What you read about Peoria is the UAW billboard that says “War Zone.” You don’t read about some of the other companies that are doing some tremendous things. Outsiders’ perceptions of the Peoria area are not always favorable, in part due to a tough labor reputation. How do you view the Peoria area as a place to live and do business? One of the things I have always found curious is the strange reputation Peoria has. I was at Newark airport trying to catch a
