Fwd: Bio-C Net Workshop, Montreal - February 2, 2012

[Lloyd Helferty]

FYI and REMINDER -- Please note the details of the Bio-C*Net Workshop in Montreal on February 2, 2012 (below).

This Canadian "Industry-Researcher Consortium" (funded through the Canadian Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada [NSERC]) is seeking additional Industrial Partners -- both from North America and around the World -- who may be able to contribute (in cash or in-kind) to the goals of the Network.  (See attached "Vision" document)

Please register ASAP to reserve your spot at this important event that is promoting Industrial Biochar Research in Canada!

The proposed Workshop is being coordinated in partnership with McGill University and through The University of Western Ontario's Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR).

 The meeting on Thursday February 2, 2012 will be held at the Holiday Inn Montreal Midtown.
The purpose of this one day Workshop is to create a dialogue, seeking input from academics, industry and government experts in relation to Biochar [soil amendment] and Bio-Carbon [generic carbon material] research priorities.

The Holiday Inn MONTREAL-MIDTOWN is located at:
420 SHERBROOKE WEST HIGHWAY 2,
MONTREAL, QUEBEC
CANADA  H3A 1B4
Hotel Front Desk:  1-514-842-6111

Also, this year Biochar Ontario will be holding our AGM on Tuesday January 31, 2012 in the unlikely location of Montreal, Quebec -- in conjunction with the two [2] NSERC workshops that are being held at McGill University on Wednesday February 1, 2012 and Thursday February 2, 2012.

Biochar Ontario is also holding a "Meet and Greet" event this coming Thursday January 26 in Toronto at the Carrot Common (348 Danforth Ave., Toronto) that takes place between 2:00pm and 6:30pm.
This "Meet and Greet" in Toronto is designed for those who cannot attend the Montreal AGM and who would like to either serve on the board or as an advisor to Biochar Ontario, and for "members" to comment on our activities.

We are asking all of our 'members' and supporters to please complete the following Online Poll at your earliest convenience:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/725TRC5

Thanks for your time and feedback -- and don't forget to indicate your interest in supporting the Canadian Bio-C*Net Research Network by contacting:

Chantal Gloor, Director, Administration & Operations
Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR)
The University of Western Ontario
22312 Wonderland Rd. N.
R.R. #3, Ilderton, ON  CANADA  N0M 2A0
cell: 519-852-8159 or office: 519-661-2111 ext.88336
Fax: 519-661-4016 www.icfar.ca
cmg...@uwo.ca

regards,

  Lloyd Helferty, Engineering Technologist
  Principal, Biochar Consulting (Canada)
  www.biochar-consulting.ca
  48 Suncrest Blvd, Thornhill, ON, Canada
  905-707-8754
  **NEW CELL: 647-886-8754 NEW**
     Skype: lloyd.helferty
  Steering Committee coordinator
  NEW Canadian Biochar Initiative (New CBI)
  President, Co-founder & CBI Liaison, Biochar-Ontario
    Advisory Committee Member, IBI
  http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1404717
  http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=42237506675
  http://groups.google.com/group/biochar-ontario
  http://www.meetup.com/biocharontario/
  http://grassrootsintelligence.blogspot.com
   www.biochar.ca

Biochar Offsets Group: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=2446475
A nation that destroys its soil, destroys itself.
 - Franklin D. Roosevelt

-------- Original Message --------

Subject:	Bio-C Net Workshop, Montreal February 2, 2012
Date:	Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:08:16 -0500
From:	Chantal Gloor <cmg...@uwo.ca>

Hello everyone:

A proposed Workshop is being coordinated through The University of Western Ontario's Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR).  We have now set a date and venue for this meeting.
  The meeting will be held on Thursday February 2, 2012 at the Holiday Inn Montreal Midtown.

The purpose of this one day Workshop is to dialogue, seeking input from academics, industry and government experts in relation to Bio-Carbon research.
  Last June, ICFAR's Professor Franco Berruti coordinated a successful Letter of Intent for an NSERC Strategic Network, which we called Biochar-Net.
  The enthusiasm for the project was huge.  NSERC has invited us to submit a full proposal for the Strategic Network.
  The first draft is due March 2, 2012, the completed proposal one month later.
  We wish to have a winning proposal that addresses a need for Canada and Canadians, being of value to industries in Canada to stimulate Canada's bio-economy.
  In order to do this, we seek input from those interested in accelerating Canada's research in bio-carbon to develop high-value products, technologies and applications.  This is the primary goal of the February 2, 2012 Bio-C Net Workshop.

 Note that the name of the proposed Network was initially Biochar-Net.  This has been revised to be more inclusive, offering a more accurate descriptor of the proposed NSERC Strategic Network.  Attached is a document outlining the proposed Network vision, the introductory paragraph copied below for your quick review:

Bio-C*Net

The "NSERC Strategic Canadian Bio-Carbon Research and Application Network", (Bio-C*Net), will bring together outstanding academic researchers from across Canada to work with collaborating partners from government organizations and industry.  The team will develop a solid scientific basis for the innovative and standardized production, application and valorization through technologies, for bio-carbon to be utilized for soil amendment (bio-char), energy production (bio-coal), metallurgical applications (bio-coke), or as a bio-carbon for carbon sequestration or carbon-based material for numerous high-value products and applications. 


Bio-C Net Workshop Details

The Bio-C Net Workshop is being held in Montreal on February 2, 2012.  Those attending the Canadian Biochar Workshop (Biochar in Canada: Agricultural and Environmental perspectives) sponsored by NSERC and McGill University (hosted by Professor Don Smith, who is also involved in Bio-C Net) on January 31 and February 1 at this same location, Holiday Inn Montreal Midtown, may wish to stay on one more day to attend the Bio-C Net Workshop and engage in further dialogue on how to develop a coordinated effort to further Bio-Carbon research and development in Canada.  Note that you should reserve your rooms for each event (Canadian Biochar Workshop and the Bio-C Net Workshop), separately.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Cost (industry, government and academics who are not in the Principal Investigator group) for February 2 Bio-C Net Workshop:  $40.00, cheque payable to The University of Western Ontario (cheque may be brought to the registration table of the event on February 2), to help cover food and meeting costs.

Accommodation (industry, government and academics who are not in the Principal Investigator group will be responsible for your own travel and accommodation costs):  We have arranged a special rate for accommodation at the Holiday Inn of $123.00 per night (plus taxes etc.) for the nights of February 1 and/or February 2, 2012.  Please book on-line through the following link.

 

Bio_C_Net Workshop

http://www.holidayinn.com/redirect?path=rates&brandCode=hi&localeCode=en®ionCode=1&hotelCode=YULDT&_PMID=99801505&GPC=BIO

 

For industry, government and academics who are not in the Principal Investigator group, who wish additional night stays, please call 1-800-387-3042 and ask room reservations for the Bio-C Net Workshop.  Indicate that you will be attending this meeting.  You may be asked to provide the 3 letter group code, which is  BIO.

Travel: Air Canada and WestJet have attractive seat sales now.  Likewise, I notice that VIA Rail has a promotion and reduced rates right now for travel along the Montreal-Toronto corridor.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me (see signature below) or Franco Berruti (fber...@uwo.ca).

Yours sincerely,

Chantal

[Lloyd Helferty]

 Good morning, everyone:

If you are interested in attending the Bio-C Net workshop, I provide information below.
  In summary, you need to provide me with your name, email and company/affiliation. I require this information in order to ensure we have enough food and enough space for the meeting.  We are limited by space, so registration is on a first come first serve basis; we are quite well-subscribed so do not delay.  As well, to register for the February 2, 2012 workshop, you must email me no later than Thursday, January 26 with the information above.  I am required to confirm numbers with the hotel on the 26th (and I will do so late in the day).
  In addition, note that there is a $40 fee per person to attend the Workshop.  This must be paid BY CHEQUE ONLY, payable to The University of Western Ontario.  Bring the cheque with you to the registration table on the morning of February 2.  The $40 will help to cover the cost of the meeting room, a/v, and food.  Breakfast will be served beginning at 7:30 am.  The day will include a lunch and the meeting will wrap up by 4:30.  If you require accommodation, the link below may have already been deactivated.  That being the case, call the 1-800 number below, and let them know the meeting name and 3-letter group code (BIO).

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.  Email is best as I will be working away from the office a fair bit this week.

Sincerely,

Chantal
___________________________________________
INFORMATION ABOUT BIO-C NET WORKSHOP:

On February 2, 2012 there will be a one-day workshop held at the Holiday Inn Montreal Midtown which may be of interest to you. 

The purpose of this one day Workshop is to dialogue, seeking input from academics, industry and government experts in relation to Bio-Carbon research.  Last June, The University of Western Ontario's Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR) Director, Professor Franco Berruti coordinated a successful Letter of Intent for an NSERC Strategic Network, called Biochar-Net.  Many industries have shown considerable interest and support for this initiative.  NSERC has invited Professor Berruti to submit a full proposal for the Strategic Network.  The first draft is due March 2, 2012, the completed proposal one month later.  The team leading the Strategic Network initiative include academics from across Canada with assistance from government and industry experts.  The goal of the team is to have a winning proposal that addresses a need for Canada and Canadians, being of value to industries in Canada to stimulate Canada's bio-economy. 

The purpose of the one-day workshop on February 2, 2012, is to seek input from those interested in accelerating Canada's research in bio-carbon to develop high-value products, technologies and applications as to what, from their perspective, would make Bio-C Net a valuable initiative, one which they would like to be a participant in.  The idea is to integrate the ideas coming from academics with the needs of industry and government.  Note that the name of the proposed Network was initially Biochar-Net.  This has been revised to be more inclusive, offering a more accurate descriptor of the proposed NSERC Strategic Network: Bio-C Net. 

The "NSERC Strategic Canadian Bio-Carbon Research and Application Network", (Bio-CNet), will bring together outstanding academic researchers from across Canada to work with collaborating partners from government organizations and industry.  The team will develop a solid scientific basis for the innovative and standardized production, application and valorization through technologies, for bio-carbon to be utilized for soil amendment (bio-char), energy production (bio-coal), metallurgical applications (bio-coke), or as a bio-carbon for carbon sequestration or carbon-based material for numerous high-value products and applications. 

Bio-C Net Workshop Details

The Bio-C Net Workshop is being held in Montreal on February 2, 2012.  Those attending the Canadian Biochar Workshop (Biochar in Canada: Agricultural and Environmental perspectives) sponsored by NSERC and McGill University (hosted by Professor Don Smith, who is also involved in Bio-C Net) on January 31 and February 1 at this same location, Holiday Inn Montreal Midtown, may wish to stay on one more day to attend the Bio-C Net Workshop and engage in further dialogue on how to develop a coordinated effort to further Bio-Carbon research and development in Canada.  Note that you should reserve your rooms for each event (Canadian Biochar Workshop and the Bio-C Net Workshop), separately.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Cost for February 2 Bio-C Net Workshop:  $40.00, cheque payable to The University of Western Ontario (cheque may be brought to the registration table of the event on February 2), to help cover food and meeting costs.

Schedule: There will be a breakfast provided during the registration period at approx. 7:30 am.  The meeting will start at 8:30 am and will end by 4:30 pm.  Lunch will be provided.

Accommodation:  We have arranged a special rate for accommodation at the Holiday Inn of $123.00 per night (plus taxes etc.) for the nights of February 1 and/or February 2, 2012.  Please book on-line through the following link.

 

Bio_C_Net Workshop

http://www.holidayinn.com/redirect?path=rates&brandCode=hi&localeCode=en®ionCode=1&hotelCode=YULDT&_PMID=99801505&GPC=BIO

 

For industry, government and academics who are not in the Principal Investigator group, who wish additional night stays, or if you have any difficulties with the above link, please call 1-800-387-3042 and ask room reservations for the Bio-C Net Workshop.  Indicate that you will be attending this meeting.  You may be asked to provide the 3 letter group code, which is  BIO.

Travel: Air Canada and WestJet have attractive seat sales now.  Likewise, VIA Rail has a promotion and reduced rates right now for travel along the Montreal-Toronto corridor.

if you would like to attend the February 2 Workshop, please book any necessary accommodation as outlined above AND please send a quick email to the proposed Network Manager, Chantal Gloor (contact information below) with your name and contact information so that she may ensure adequate food and supplies are ordered for the meeting.  SPACE IS LIMITED, so please respond promptly.

If have any questions and/or if you would like a copy of the complete Bio-C Net vision, please do not hesitate to contact Chantal.

[Lloyd Helferty]

  For the Record -- Details [again] of the Bio-C*Net Workshop in Montreal on February 2, 2012
(See attachment)

P.S. If you have not yet registered to attend this event, you may no longer be able to do so at this time, however it may not be too late to join the Bio-C*Net Researcher Network as in "Industry Supporter".**

**Note: Industry support for this Network can come from both inside Canada and from Outside Canada (from Global industry). Becoming part of this Network would likely provide your company with the ability to help develop the Canadian Biochar Industry over the next several years, and give you access to some of the best "experts" in this Industry in Canada.
It would also allow you to assist in the training of the the next generation of students (via "internships" for students) who would become the Industry leaders of the future -- in Canada and beyond.

Regards,

--

--

Chantal Gloor

Director, Administration & Operations
Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR)

The University of Western Ontario

22312 Wonderland Rd. N.

R.R. #3

Ilderton, ON  CANADA  N0M 2A0

cell: 519-852-8159 or office: 519-661-2111 ext.88336

Fax: 519-661-4016

www.icfar.ca