Last week’s program was provided by Rotarian Shaun Bryant.  Bill Hughes introduced Jonathan Conde with the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Jonathan is the Lightning Membership Services Representative.  The Lightning is a world class organization recognized by ESPN in 2016 as the #1 overall team in ALL professional sports.  It was only a few years ago that the team only had 3,000-4,000 season ticket holders and was ranked as the 90^th sports organization in professional sports.  There are now 13,000-14,000 season ticket holders with sales of season tickets “capped” to allow fan’s to be able to purchase single game tickets.  Initial payments/deposits are now being accepted for the 2018-2019 season to be put on a waiting list.  They are always working one year in advance. The Tampa Bay Lightning have the eighth-highest NHL attendance figure by average attendance (19,092).  Lightning owner, Jeffery Vinik, has made a relatively small market, into one of the top organizations in the country.  Community service and “giving back” to the community is a part of the organization that has made it so successful.  All employee’s are required to perform 25 hours of community service.  Each home game recognizes a “Community Hero”, a person or organization that excels in their efforts to make our community better.  Each “Community Hero” receives a $50,000 donation from the Lightning and Mr. Vinik.  The Bolts Business Alliance is a benefit for season ticket holders where they can attend special events such as networking and business partnerships several times each year.  Aside from hockey, Amalie arena hosts many other events…concerts, Disney on ice, music and live entertainment etc.  The arena hosts 250 events each year.  The “conversion” team, setting up the events, changing the area from hockey (covering the ice) to a concert is a monumental task that the team undertakes with great efficiency.  The Lighting organization is basically a business with hockey on the side!  The NHL All Star game will be held at Amalie Arena in just a couple weeks.  Come out to enjoy and support the #1 team in the NHL!