Keep It Going

Marylee, Dean, Cindy, and Bonne at the Conference Opening Ceremony

Thanks to you, District 25, I felt like a king in the Queen City — Cincinnati — at the 2013 Toastmasters International Convention.   Here are my highlights:

District leader training: LGET Marylee Mims, LGM Cindy Hinckley and I attended two days of training that yielded insight into our roles and ideas on how we can serve you.  We left in synch and inspired to help each other, and you, be effective communicators and leaders.

Opening ceremony: I participated in a colorful opening ceremony in which district governors carry and post flags from around the world.  In doing this, I honored a family friend who left Pakistan for the freedoms that have brought millions to the U.S.  I also carried a flag for you and our district of more than 3,000 North Texas Toastmasters.

Hall of Fame: It was a thrill to walk across the stage with District Governor Bonne Stroman, Marylee, Cindy, and other leaders and friends while D25 was recognized – for the fourth year in a row – as a Distinguished District.  I applaud you for your efforts and now ask that you keep it going as we go for the High Five (years in a row as Distinguished or better). 

Speech contest: Your district’s representative, DJ Swinyar, delivered an excellent semi-finals speech –notably in just his first year in Toastmasters.  I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know DJ while giving him my encouragement and suggestions. You can bet his hard work will continue to pay off.

Business meeting: My district colleagues and I cast a large number of votes for International Officers and Directors, our ballots representing about 90 percent of D25’s clubs. Thank you for assigning your proxies to us. Thanks, also, to Outreach Chair Sonia Leza for her help.  Marylee, Cindy and I participated in more than 20 interviews and briefings before voting.  We each voted based on your best interests.

Past International Director David McCallister or is it Elvis?

Region 3 reception: We celebrated the election of Karen Blake as International Director, the achievements of her predecessor, David McCallister, and the work of Region Advisor Stan See and each of the Region 3 districts.  We are proud of David – even though he looked like an incredibly gaudy Elvis Presley at the reception. We’re also happy he’ll continue his service to Toastmasters in D25.

Thank you for your part in providing all those who attended the Convention with wonderful memories.  I will cherish mine.
Dean Lampman
District 25 Governor