The LPi Toasmasters Celebrate Their First Anniversary!

According to the official Toastmasters website, Toastmasters International is a 100-year-old nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. There are currently 14,200+ Toastmaster clubs in 148 countries around the globe and one of those clubs is at LPi!

“I initially did Toastmasters on my own as part of a different club back in 2014 and I had a great experience so, I thought ‘ok, this is something that could work at LPi,’” said Rob Witte, one of the founding members and current president of the LPi chapter. “The club took around 5 months to get started. First, we did a pilot group with a couple mentors provided by Toastmasters International and when that was successful, we began the official LPi club in 2023. We’ll be celebrating one year of meetings on April 4!”

The club meets online via video chat on the first and third Thursdays of every month, at 12 p. m. Central. Keeping the meeting virtual has made it possible for employees living in different parts of the country to participate. Anthony Gurak, VP of Public Relations for the LPi Toastmasters, shared that getting to know other people inside the company from other locations and departments has been one of his favorite benefits of joining the club.

“It really helped me get to know a lot of other people in the company who I otherwise wouldn’t have ever met or talked to. It helps me grow as a person and employee to build these connections and, as a bonus, everyone involved is really cool!” 

Witte agreed, “I likely would have never met Anthony, or worked with him on a regular basis like this, if not for Toastmasters because we live in different states and work in totally different departments.”

The Toastmasters club is paid for by LPi so membership is free and open to any employee who wants to participate. The club plans to continue meeting and hopes to grow in participation. Currently there are around 20 members who meet regularly including a team of executive officers who are elected for a year-long term to help guide the club.

When asked what his favorite thing about being in the Toastmasters club has been, Witte said “I love that people take it seriously and are engaged. Sometimes members even take the opportunity to open up about personal things when they give their speeches. This provides us members a unique opportunity to bond and get to know each other on a more personal level.”

Congratulations to the LPi Toastmasters club on one year of success and a huge thanks to president, Rob Witte, and the LPi Toastmasters executive officers, Jeff Tallman (Secretary), Anthony Gurak (VP of PR), Bridget Balbier (VP of membership), Amanda Carroll (VP of Education), Maureen Weber (Treasurer), and Cathy Walsh (Sergeant of Arms) for getting Toastmasters rolling at LPi!

If you are interested in joining the free Toastmasters club at LPi, reach out to Bridget Balbier.