In 2026, we commemorate America’s semi-quincentennial—the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. Two and a half centuries ago, a determined group of individuals stood up to the world’s most powerful empire, demanding to be treated with fairness and equality. Their courage and conviction set in motion the birth of a new nation founded on the principles of liberty and justice for all. 2026 gives us a rare opportunity: a national milestone that naturally connects to who we are as an American manufacturer. American Proof uses this moment to shine a light on the strengths that define Show Me Ethanol, the standards we uphold, the quality we deliver, the partnerships we build, and the value we bring to the community.

Throughout the year, we will focus on different themes that make us who we are, as Americans, and collectively as Show Me Ethanol. For the first quarter of 2026, we will focus on our Core Value of Safety and Ethics, and our theme for January is Safety Third.

You might think I wrote that wrong, but those of you who know me well know I meant it. First, let’s get something straight.  I don’t mean that safety is number 3 in some hierarchy of important things.  The phrase Safety Third was popularized by Mike Rowe (of Dirty Jobs). As he explains on this YouTube video, it became a reminder among the crew of Dirty Jobs that safety is very important when doing hazardous work.  It became their short-hand way of reminding each other to be safe.

Safety Third doesn’t advocate for danger or ignoring safety rules.  It simply acknowledges that Safety First isn’t true.  We wouldn’t have a country if the colonists of 1776 believe that safety came first.  If safety was first, then facing the largest, most well-funded Army in the history of the world to gain independence wouldn’t have happened.  Our forefathers would have paid their taxes, drank their tea, and stayed safe!

Instead, in January 1776, Thomas Paine published “Common Sense,” a 47-page pamphlet that made that case for American Independence, and sold over 500,000 copies. In Common Sense, Paine makes many points that became the outline of the Declaration of Independence, including the following:

• Society vs. Government: Society is humanity’s positive union for mutual benefit, while government, born from human failings, exists only to restrain vice and protect rights (life, liberty, property).
  
  
• Critique of Monarchy & Hereditary Rule: Paine argued monarchy, especially hereditary succession, was unnatural, ungodly (citing the Bible), and led to incompetent, arrogant rulers, making it inherently unjust.
  
  
• The Absurdity of British Rule: He detailed the suffering and injustices inflicted by Britain, calling allegiance to a distant tyrant foolish and self-sabotaging, especially as open warfare had already begun.
  
  
• Call for Independence & Republicanism: Paine declared that America’s destiny was to break from Britain and create a new, free republic with a government elected by and accountable to its people, emphasizing representation over monarchy. Not a call to a political party, rather, a call to form a Republic.
  
  
• Practicality of Independence: He countered colonists fear of the mighty British, arguing that reconciliation was ruinous and that independence offered the chance to build the “noblest, purest constitution on the face of the earth”.
  
  

You can bet that there were many people in the 13 colonies that argued that open conflict with Britain was foolish and UNSAFE! This is where Ethics, focus on mission, and a Safety Third mindset all come together.

Ethics can be summarized by understanding that we do the right thing for the right reasons. Paine believed that the ethical decision was to break from Britain and become self-governing. In order to achieve that mission, there was going to be a fight, and people were going to be hurt. Safety Third reminds us that we might have to take risks to achieve the mission, and we must remain vigilant, focused and aware to accomplish the mission safely. It reminds us that we have a personal responsibility for our own safety, and that we have an ethical responsibility to help our co-workers be safe. Safety Third recognizes that awareness and calculated risk are inherent to many tasks, with safety being a top-tier value, but not always the sole, absolute priority over productivity or survival.

At SME, we recognize that the work we do is hazardous, and can be done safely. Risks can be mitigated, hazards controlled, and priority must be given to returning home to our loved ones safely. As Americans, we have the individual rights and freedom to make our own decisions. Safety Third honors this by reminding us to work safe while accepting our personal responsibility to do so.

In January, I’ve asked all the leaders to host a Safety Third watch party; I look forward to hearing your thoughts about these concepts in the coming weeks.

As we embark on this milestone year, American Proof is more than a celebration—it’s a call to embody the courage, ethics, and resilience that have defined our nation for 250 years. At Show Me Ethanol, we’d like to mirror the spirit of those who shaped America’s destiny through our commitment safety, quality, and community mirrors the spirit of those who shaped America’s destiny. By embracing the Safety Third mindset, we honor our responsibility to each other and to our mission, recognizing that true progress often requires calculated risk and unwavering integrity. Together, we continue the legacy of American innovation and independence, proving every day that our values are not just ideals—they are the foundation of everything we do.