TECO Energy: How Local Supporters Contribute to Hosting Successful Events!

By Joey Johnston

Before the arrival of Women’s Final Four teams and visitors, TECO Energy and TECO Peoples Gas (the official sustainability supporter of the Host Committee) will guarantee that downtown Tampa shines brighter than ever.

As part of the “Championship Campus Cleanup powered by TECO,’’ the organization’s employees will walk along the Tampa Riverwalk and cruise along the Hillsborough River on Sunday, March 30 to remove litter and debris while beautifying the area, which will host all of the NCAA Women’s Final Four ancillary events.

You won’t miss them: TECO personnel will be in bright green branded T-shirts. That’s the idea behind TECO’s Championship Campus Cleanup — to have the area sparkling like never before and ready to welcome thousands of fans and visitors.

“One of our community pillars that we champion is conservation and protecting the environment,’’ said Stephanie Smith, TECO’s vice president of state and regional affairs. “When we were asked by the Host Committee to consider this sponsorship, it was right in line with our priorities.

“Our commitment to the environment and the area’s overall beautification will help the way Tampa shows up on this global scale as it hosts the Women’s Final Four. This is very natural for us. We do cleanups through the area quite often and it’s something our employees are definitely used to doing. It’s a priority for us.’’

Smith said TECO is excited about contributing to the success of such a high-profile event.

“It’s a tremendous honor to support the Host Committee and be able to roll out the red carpet,’’ Smith said. “We have tremendous pride in this and hope that by putting our best foot forward, we can continue to help attract other large events to our area.

“It’s an incredible time to visit Tampa Bay. For people maybe visiting for the first time, I think it’s going to open opportunities for future visits and maybe future hosting opportunities for things like conventions. The list of economic benefits from this (Final Four) week will be shown and seen for years to come. When you’re on the global stage, you want to look great for the guests.’’

That’s the idea behind TECO’s Campus Cleanup — to have the area sparkling like never before.