More than 100 engineers and scientists from around the world who have helped shape Tyco Electronics through their innovative contributions were honored September 2007 at the first Innovation Recognition Ceremony in San Francisco, California.

CEO Tom Lynch and other members of senior management were on hand to pay tribute to the award-winning innovators. “Tyco Electronics has been an industry leader for a long time and you are a big reason for our success. Tonight is all about showing you our appreciation for all you have done,” Tom told the award-winners. “Of course, you are not successful because of your own efforts alone. None of us is. Around us are great teams – and great team members – who help make it all happen. When you return to work next week, let your teams know how important this work is and how much they are appreciated. We can only get this done by inspiring and supporting one another.”

Awards were presented in four categories — New Innovation, Impact Innovation, Key Innovator and Lifetime Achievement.

New Innovation Awards
The New Innovation Awards were created to help foster the very latest innovations at Tyco Electronics. The awards recognize new innovations that have been granted within the past 18 months and that are expected to have a significant positive effect on the company.

Impact Innovation Awards
The Impact Innovation Awards were presented for an innovation where its effect on a product – or its use within the company’s operations – has had a significant impact.

Key Innovator Award
The Key Innovator Awards recognize individuals who have a significant history of innovation demonstrated through their patents, products and processes with a substantial impact. Their inventions have helped revolutionize the industry. These winners also have a significant number of published technical papers, participate regularly in technical conferences or standards committees and demonstrate behaviors that strengthen innovation in the company.

Lifetime Achievement Awards
Winners of the Lifetime Achievement Awards are people who have in many cases changed the fabric of our company. Throughout their careers, they have done great work of their own and just as important have influenced the lives and careers of hundreds of other engineers and professionals. They are mentors and motivators who inspire others and they have exhibited exceptional creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Why did Tyco Electronics decide to hold its first Innovation Recognition Ceremony?
According to Rick Perko, TE’s Vice President of Technology, “Recognition is an important part of our company culture and we need to do more of it. The Innovation Recognition Ceremony is all about acknowledging those scientists and engineers who have helped – and continue to help – shape our company’s future through their innovative contributions. Innovation is what drives the company, so it’s important to recognize those folks who make it happen.”

“Innovation is one of those factors that allows us to differentiate ourselves from the competition. If you can deliver a product or service to the market that is truly innovative and unique, then you have created real value for your customers. The other part of the answer is that the best technical people in the world -- and the best management -- actually expect to work in an innovative environment. Having the opportunity to innovate is one of those things that gets people up in the morning – they are excited about doing things that haven’t been done before. And innovation is about more than just products and services. The best companies strive to create an overall environment where people are encouraged to be innovative in every aspect of their jobs. At Tyco Electronics, we want everyone to be innovative, no matter what your job is.”

Rick Perko, TE’s Vice President of Technology, oversees the company’s research and development laboratories in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Menlo Park, California, as well as the plating systems group in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In addition to his research activities, Rick advises management on technical strategy and chairs the TE Engineering Council. He previously worked for more than 20 years at TE’s Wireless Systems Segment, developing new technologies and managing several product lines. He holds eight US patents.