Toastmasters PR Article

Governor Declares October 2009 as Toastmaster’s Month in Arkansas

By John Jones     November 13, 2009

Little Rock’s Hi-Noon Club 2217 is creating quite a buzz in Central Arkansas these days. Due to a recent public relations campaign fueled by several members of the prevalent club, Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe recently proclaimed October as Toastmaster’s Month in the Natural State and the blitz isn’t stopping there. In fact, it seems to be picking up steam. Mayors Rick Holland of Benton, AR, Gary Fletcher of Jacksonville, AR, and Patrick Hayes of North Little Rock, AR have all committed November as Toastmasters Month in their respective cities. I guess you could say Hi-Noon knows how to get the word out.

Additional Hi-Noon PR includes a special unit task force designed specifically to bring awareness to the community. Assembled teams of speakers make presentations at local civic and metropolitan organizations in order to promote and raise awareness of Toastmasters in general and to attract prospective members to the Hi-Noon Club specifically. It’s a win-win; the campaign is creating a deeper understanding of Toastmasters as an emblem of excellence in the community and it’s attracting quality members to the club.

It all begins with intention. According to long-standing member John Jacob, DTM, who joined the Hi-Noon Club in 1968, the club’s success is due to a lineage, perhaps a dynasty, of strong members. “Start with a strong group, you attract strong numbers,” states the affable Jacob. It seems the other members would agree, in fact this club is focused on attracting quality associates boasting an ever-increasing active roster of more than fifty speakers and leaders. Impressive numbers, indeed, include no less than seven additional Distinguished Toastmasters and thirteen Advanced Communicators within the ranks.

Visiting a Hi-Noon Club Meeting on any particular Friday yields congruent results. It’s guaranteed that the atmosphere is charged with enthusiasm and distinction. The accolades are numerous; four Presidents Distinguished Awards since 2003, two Select Distinguished Awards since 2005, two Smedley Awards from 2004 to 2006, a Talk Up Toastmasters Award, and a Beat The Clock Award give credibility to what Hi-Noon represents: a firm commitment to the excellence of it’s members and the commission of the Toastmasters organization.