AURI’s virtual presence is getting a new look. The website www. auri.org is undergoing a major renovation that will be complete in October.

“For many people, the first place they turn for information is the Internet,” says Mary Steidler, AURI communications assistant. “While AURI has had a fairly elaborate site for quite a few years, we’re giving it an upgrade so that it will be easier to find information.” Enhanced search capabilities will better access research and “overall it will have a fresher look,” Steidler says.

While the current site receives thousands of hits from all over the world every week, it hasn’t undergone major changes since its launch more than 12 years ago. “It’s important to add features that people want,” Steidler says. “The web site has become one of our primary communication tools.”

Enhanced biomass web site

The Minneapolis Biomass Exchange web site, mbioex.com, has been launched to simplify biomass exchanges between suppliers and buyers. The site builds on an earlier effort by AURI, Clean Energy Resource Teams, and state commerce and natural resource departments.

By linking harvesters and transporters to buyers and sellers, the site aims to increase market opportunities, knowledge of the biomass industry and reduce risk.