Each AGM, Bandit recognises employees for years of service. Peter Heffernan, who was announced as Bandit's president in 2008, received a plaque for 30 years with the company. Business manager, Lee Anne Cooke (formerly Donaldson) received a plaque for 20 years of service. She also received a Rolex watch, which employees are awarded after 20 years with the company.
Director of educational services, Rick Berry, San Francisco general manager, Dizzy Gosnell and director of logistics and safety, Leonard Cox were all recognised for 15 years of service. Project Manager, Matt King, lighting designer, Andy Knighton and senior sales consultant, John Rolison all celebrated 10 years with the company, while lighting technician, Jason Workman, Knoxville warehouse manager, Giff Swart and lighting technician, Jeff Archibeque were recognized for five years with Bandit Lites.
A select group of Bandit employees are also given awards for outstanding service. Design and consultation associate, Chris Barbee, lighting technician, Shawn Beaulieu, lighting director, Steve Hoover and director of logistics and safety, Leonard Cox all received the Rock award. This award is named after longtime Bandit employee, Eric "Rock" Shafferman and signifies the best team player(s).
Motor, truss and safety technician, Rick Herndon and UK warehouse and lighting technician, Tom Crosbie received Focus awards for being the most improved team players. Electronic technicians, Andrew Bates and Jordan Bone were honoured with the Foltz award, which recognises the rookie(s) of the year. The Foltz Award was named after former Bandit employee, Tim Foltz, who showed enormous potential but was tragically killed in a car accident.
Senior technical integration specialist, Wayne Lotoza rounded out the awards by receiving the Comeback Kid award, which is given to an employee that was unable to work for a period and came back even better than before they left.
In addition to the awards ceremony, Strickland discussed new equipment purchases, a new UK facility and the expanded services now offered at the Hennessy location.
Bandit chairman Michael T. Strickland concluded, "We are very thankful for all of the opportunities and accomplishments that we've achieved in the last 40 years, but we're already looking to the next 40. What can we do to provide even better service in the future? We are always looking for ways to improve and grow. I have all the confidence that the future is bright at Bandit Lites. I'm excited to see what this company will achieve."
(Jim Evans)
