FORM 8-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) April 27, 1999.
HIGH PLAINS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Kansas #1-8680
(State or other jurisdiction of (Commission File
incorporation) Number)
200 W. Douglas #48-0901658
Suite #820 (IRS Employer
Wichita, Kansas 67202 Identification No.)
(Address of principal
executive offices)
(316) 269-4310
(Registrant's telephone number)
<PAGE>
Item 5 Other Information
Wichita, Kansas - April 27, 1999 - High Plains Corporation (NASDAQ: HIPC)
today announced sweeping changes in its Board of Directors, including the
election of a new Chairman and the establishment of an Executive Committee.
The changes were ratified at the Third Quarter Board of Directors' meeting.
H.T. (Tom) Ritchie has been elected as the new Chairman of the Board.
Ritchie is CEO of Ritchie Companies, Inc., a diversified paving contractor
and construction materials company headquartered in Wichita, Kansas.
Ritchie, who has been a Board member since 1987, commented, "Today we have
made several important changes that we feel certain will be in the best
interest of our shareholders and better position us to support the management
staff in moving this company forward."
Dan Skolness steps down as Chairman to devote more time to his farming and
other business interests in the Glyndon, Minnesota area. Skolness will
retain his Board seat that he has held since 1993.
In other board action, Donald D. Schroeder becomes Vice Chairman of the
Board. Schroeder, a board member since 1997, is President of The Schroeder
Group in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a diversified packaging, food and
transportation group.
Gary R. Smith, President and CEO of High Plains Corporation was also elected
to the board and will serve on the newly formed Executive Committee with
Ritchie and Schroeder. "As we move forward on our diversification of High
Plains, this new Board structure will help us respond quickly to market
opportunities," Smith stated.
Based in Wichita, Kansas, High Plains Corporation is among the Nation's
largest producers of ethanol. The company operates production facilities in
Colwich, Kansas; York, Nebraska; and Portales, New Mexico.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant
to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve
risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, risks of fluctuations
in feedstock commodity prices, changes in market prices or demand for motor
fuels and Ethanol, legislative changes regarding air quality, fuel
specifications or incentive programs, as well as general market conditions,
competition and pricing. The Company believes that forward-looking statements
made by it are based upon reasonable expectations. However, no assurances can
be given that actual results will not differ materially from those contained
in such forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these
and other factors are contained in the Company's Security and Exchange
Commission filings, including its annual 10K, Proxy Statement, and quarterly
10Q filings, copies of which are available from the company without charge.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date April 27, 1999 HIGH PLAINS CORPORATION
/s/Gary R. Smith
President & CEO
