Bandit Lites celebrates 50th year at AGM
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Among the performers and speakers for the day’s event were Republic Records recording artist and 2016 The Voice winner, Chris Blue, American radio host, Hallerin Hilton Hill, and Bandit founder and chair, Michael T. Strickland, who shared his continued vision of Bandit’s focus on excellence. Chris performed several songs, including his new hit single, Blue Blood Blues.
Allison Burchett (director of philanthropy and project manager), Sharon Gross (Media relations coordinator) and Brad Hylton (warehouse manager) all celebrated five years of service with Bandit while John Lucksinger (lighting director), Mark Steinwachs (general manager), Jeff Mercer (general maintenance technician) and Stephanie McSpadden (administrative and purchasing assistant) rang in a decade with Bandit.
Linda Sayers (accounting manager), Wayne Lotoza (lighting technician), Adam McIntosh (lighting technician) and Brad Rogers (inventory control) were honoured for 15 years with Bandit. Both Chuck Hastings and Rick Munroe were given awards for 20 years of service at Bandit. Hastings has worked on WWE, Toby Keith and most recently, Garth Brooks world tour, while Munroe’s storied career in lighting has included KISS and legendary performer, Jimmy Buffett.
Bandit Chair Michael Strickland stated, “To reach 20 years of service at any job is a major accomplishment. To be at one firm this long in the entertainment industry is rare. The longevity of Rick and Chuck is a statement to their dedication, excellence and talent. I wish to thank them both for being the incredibly talented people they are and for being key parts of the Bandit family. Here is to twenty more gentlemen! Thank you!”
Finally, in a culmination of the day’s celebration, Bandit Lites project manager Don Lockridge, who has supported multiple productions and tours, including Garth Brooks, Aerosmith and WWE, was recognised for 30 years with Bandit Lites. “Don came to Bandit in 1987 when we acquired a former competitor,” said Strickland. “At that time, Don was the ‘new guy’. From that day to this, Don has always been, to me, the ‘new guy’. In that time Don has become a valuable part of the Bandit team, and more importantly, a great friend.”
With a half a century of concert lighting completed, Bandit Lites still forges forward into the next 50 years, with an emphasis on quality, excellence and commitment to people. “It has been a great first 50, but everyone at Bandit is focused on the next 50,” said Strickland.
(Jim Evans)
