Struggling Ethanol Producers Gather In Denver

DENVER (AP) – Some 1,700 members of the ethanol industry are in Denver to learn financial tips and ideas for new technologies.

The industry has fallen into trouble because of the recession, tight credit markets and volatile gasoline and corn prices. Many companies have sought bankruptcy protection, idled plants and sold off assets to cut costs.

Producers are attending the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop to hear experts detail new technologies and financial tips. It begins Monday and runs through Thursday.

Analysts say the industry will emerge from the turmoil with fewer but healthier companies and new types of investors such as oil companies.