One of TECO's Guiding Principles is "innovation," but it is difficult for a company to innovate if it doesn't have the freedom to do so. That's why another of TECO's Guiding Principles, "independence," is critically important for a company like ours, not just because it means we are objective when conducting certification activities, but also because it gives us the freedom to innovate, and to be free to define who we are and what we do.  

TECO's primary business is certification and testing of engineered wood products that are used in building and construction applications, so clients and others are often surprised when they learn that we also work with Major League Baseball and its approved wooden bat manufacturers. But when we explain that we work with manufacturers of wood products that are manufactured to a particular standard, monitored by a third party for compliance to that standard, and that the products undergo stresses when they are used, would we be talking about plywood, OSB...or wooden baseball bats?  

The recent first pitches of the 2014 MLB season mark our 7th season working with MLB's approved baseball bat manufacturers. If we had defined our business as working only for manufacturers whose products are used in construction, we would never have had this opportunity. So we value and guard our independence because it allows us to open our minds to new possibilities, allows us to be free to innovate.  We don't define ourselves narrowly, and we don't let others define who we are or what we do. 

We are all challenged to innovate and "think outside the box." We did, and found another box, this one meant for batters.

Here's to hitting the sweet spot in 2014.