It's an industry that employs 1,000 Nebraskans. But the economic impact reaches much
further. The state's first ethanol plant got its start in Hastings 25 years ago; Monday, Chief Ethanol Fuels celebrated their anniversary. 

Chief Industries President Bob Eihusen said they never could have predicted the highs or lows of the industry, but they did set the standard. Twenty-three ethanol plants are now scattered across the state, making Nebraska the nation's second largest ethanol producer.

From the truck, to the cooker, then into the lab for fermentation... 

"We monitor all the sugars, acids," a lab worker said. 

Full-scale ethanol production first broke ground in Nebraska here 25 years ago.

"I'm one of the last four original here," Landyn Howell said.

Howell now runs production--the full process on tour Monday--as industry supporters from across the country, including Senator Ben Nelson, celebrate the milestone.

"We've seen interesting cycles in the economy come and go and it's been good to me. I've
learned a lot here," Howell said.

He's especially learned a lot lately, as low oil prices and high corn prices have contributed to the bankruptcy of other Nebraska plants. What has kept Chief afloat?

Eihusen said, "We've probably been more conservative certainty in our approach. We grew a little slower, and were more pragmatic about the way we did things."

Eihusen also credits their success to staff like Howell who've stayed put through the industry's bumpy drive. He says the industry is now headed back in the right direction.

"We'll stabilize a little bit and continue to grow," Eihusen said.

For Chief Ethanol Fuels, the future holds bigger and hopefully better things. More grain storage bins are going up,  Nelson said demand continues to grow, and the cost of producing
ethanol continues to drop. Good news for the man in charge of production.

"It keeps evolving and getting better year by year, so I think it's here to stay and I hope
I'm here to stay," Howell said.

Reporter's Notes: Stacia Kalinoski:

Right now, ethanol manufactures are waiting for word on whether the EPA will allow a
higher blend in gasoline, from 10 percent up to 15 percent.

The decision is supposed to come by next Tuesday, December 1, but Senator Nelson doesn't think it will come that soon. He hopes it will by the end of the month.