Haer honored with Eye on Biodiesel Inspiration award

Haer, left, and Rehagen

Gary Haer of Renewable Energy Group received the 2021 Eye on Biodiesel Inspiration Award at the Virtual Biodiesel Conference & Expo in January for his 20-plus years of service to the biodiesel industry. National Biodiesel Board CEO Donnell Rehagen gave the prestigious award to Haer during the general session opener of the event.

Haer was an instrumental player in the early years of biodiesel commercialization, selling 5-gallon buckets of the renewable fuel to whomever he could. His then employer West Central Cooperative spun off REG in the mid-2000s, which Haer helped grow to be the largest biodiesel production company in North America.

In 2004, Haer was elected to the NBB governing board and, in 2006, he became chairman—the first biodiesel producer to hold that position within the organization.

Rehagen said Haer was a truly respected leader committed to this industry, a man of integrity who is leaving behind a legacy of hard work. Haer gave proper respect to previous NBB governing board chairs and said he was humbled and honored to receive the award.

For many years Haer served as vice president of sales and marketing for REG and is now vice president of special projects. Late last year REG announced Haer planned to retire this spring.