In addition to the anniversary party, 2008 was full of activities and announcements. In January, Bandit rolled out a six-part series featuring key milestones during their first 40 years. The January release covered Bandit in the late 60s-early 70s, February covered the late 70s-early 80s, and so on. The August release briefly recapped the entire history from 1968-2008.
In 2008, Bandit founder and owner, Michael T. Strickland was inducted into the East Tennessee Business Hall of Fame. He is now serving as Bandit Lites' chairman of the board. In addition to the celebrations, this year brought Bandit two additional 'Lighting Company of the Year' awards from the PLSN Parnelli Awards and from the Pollstar Awards. These awards mark the 16th and 17th such awards that Bandit has received over the years.
At the party, Michael T. Strickland declared: "We are not looking back at 40, but forward at the next 40. We have just begun."
(Jim Evans)
