Sony Electronics, Inc. has long been there for young scientists and inventors
For well over 20 years Sony Electronics, Inc. (Sony) has provided product donations and volunteers to the Thomas A. Edison Regional Science and Inventors Fair (TAERSIF). This relationship began when Sony first opened a call center in Fort Myers in 1995 with scores of Sony employees serving as judges for the Regional Inventors Fair and the Kiwanis Science Fair.
Product donations average approximately 50 items a year with a value over $10,000. Products ranging from high-end digital cameras to clock radios have been used to recognize students of the Fairs who compete successfully. Sony continues to have a business presence in Fort Myers where several current Sony employees and numerous previous employees/retirees judge and volunteer each year at the fairs. Sony employees or alumni have served on the TAERSIF steering committee throughout its history.
In recognition of this long-standing partnership, beginning with 2019, the two awards ceremonies for the Science/Inventors fair will provide recognition to Sony with the following changes to the official name of the events:
Thomas Alva Edison Kiwanis Science and Engineering Fair Awards Ceremony presented by Sony Electronics, Inc.
Thomas A. Edison Festival of Light Regional Inventors Fair Awards Ceremony presented by Sony Electronics, Inc.
Arrangements will be made to have Sony representatives presenting the Sony products at both Awards Ceremonies where as many as 200 students and their guests attend each year. All press communication from TAERSIF on the Awards Ceremonies will include this new official name.
Sony has been a vital partner to the Science and Inventors fairs. Although this recognition was not sought by Sony, it has more than earned acknowledgement and acclaim for its contribution to science and entrepreneurship education in Southwest Florida.
Authored by Jim Helms, Communication/Outreach Chair, Thomas A. Edison Regional Science and Inventors Fair Steering Committee