The Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio, presenters of the pro audio industry’s esteemed Technical Excellence and Creativity (TEC) Awards, has changed its name to the TEC Foundation for Excellence in Audio. The foundation, a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation, was founded in 1990 by the publishers of Mix Magazine, with the mission of furthering excellence in the audio arts and sciences.
“This move is a logical consequence of our separation from Mix in 2008,” said foundation president Hillel Resner. “Even though, as a charity, the foundation has always been a separate legal entity, retaining the Mix name has created confusion. Our board has decided that it’s time for us to move on and establish our own identity.”
Resner also announced that the newly renamed TEC Foundation is actively seeking partners to provide financial support for the TEC Awards and other programs, as well as the creation of new ones. The foundation’s activities, which include the Les Paul Award and L.A. Open golf tournament in addition to the TEC Awards, are largely funded by sponsorships.
“Like all charitable organizations, the TEC Foundation has been impacted by the economic downturn,” Resner said. “In order to continue improving our programs and aiding the twin causes of audio education and hearing health, we feel the need to team up with two or three corporate partners from the pro audio and technology sectors to provide a baseline of financial support. This represents a rare opportunity for companies who are committed to advancing excellence in audio technology, and we will be holding discussions with several potential partners in the very near future.”
The TEC Foundation was established in 1990 and has become the foremost program honoring outstanding creative and technical achievement for individuals and products in all areas of pro audio. The 25th Annual TEC Awards ceremony was held at the AES Convention in New York City, where nearly 500 attendees saw awards presented by such sound industry luminaries as Phil Ramone, George Massenburg, Eddie Kramer, Chris Stone and David Hewitt.
