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| by Martha Hoffman |
We've extended reservations for the conference. Join
us for the weekend or for the day in Topeka,
November 3-4. We want to see you there, for the
day or night or the entire event.
The schedule highlights some awesome events. Learn
about what is new in Toastmasters and the new
manuals. Meet Toastmasters from all over the
district. Learn what is going on in your area and
beyond your club. You won't be disappointed. Head
west or east or northwest, whatever way it is for
you to point your car towards Topeka next weekend.
We want you there with us as we Ride for the Brand.
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| by Shaun Bennett, Conference Chair |
Fall Conference 2006
In the late 1800, all across Kansas and the Wild
West, cattle ranches hired cowboys to help with the
roundups and the cattle drives. They would round
up several thousand head of cattle, and on
horseback, for weeks at a time; herd them up from
Texas, down from Wyoming, and from all across the
west, to the railroad stockyards, like the ones in
Dodge and Kansas City. There was one major rule
when you hired on as a cowpoke, you rode for the
brand.
Riding for the brand meant that you ate, slept, rode, defended and even fought for the brand, the ranch that you worked for. The brand was placed on all cattle, cows and horses that were owned by the ranch. That brand identified you and the cattle as part of that ranch. Over the last century, especially with the development of Television and now the internet, “Branding” has taken on a new meaning. That brand that identified cattle is now an international billion dollar industry. All over the world people know what “COKE” is. The red and white “ribbon” can be identified without the word Coke. The Dodge Ram symbol is recognized without the word “Dodge” or “Ram.” As Toastmasters, we need to see our membership as riding for the brand. We also need to look for ways to “Brand” toastmasters. We need to look for ways to make Toastmasters a household word, an icon, a recognizable brand. If we keep the positive impact of Toastmasters limited to what goes on in our clubs, we are a Secret Society of Speakers. If we take our gifts into the community, advertise, put on public speaking seminars, speak to community groups, and promote Toastmasters, we will begin to “Brand” Toastmasters. When Toastmasters becomes a recognizable Brand in our communities, we will not have to work hard to reach our Distinguished Program goals of 8 new members per club, or to keep our clubs at charter strength. Instead we will have to find bigger places to meet, or start forming new clubs. This fall’s conference is titled “Ride For The Brand” as a challenge to all clubs, and their members, to take what has been given to you, and to return that gift to your community so it will multiply. Friday evening we will have an informal “Tall Tales” contest, with many prizes being given out. You can still sign up to attend this event, if you e-mail us at shaunbennett@juno.com but you will be responsible for the $10.00 fee that covers the cost of the wonderful food that will be provided. We are also extending the registration for the conference until October 27th. BUT, we MUST have your registration in hand by the 27th. If you wish to email it, send it to shaunbennett@juno.com and you will be responsible for the meal expenses when you arrive, as well as the registration fee if you club hasn’t already paid that. This is going to be an unforgettable event, with wonderful food, great speakers, fantastic contest speeches, and many new friends. Several new clubs were formed this past year; we earned lots of awards, and reached many goals. Make this year, the year that we “Ride For The Brand.” Come to the Fall Conference, and learn how we can make this the best year yet in District 22. Yee Ha! Ride ’em Cowboys! |
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