Tonight was the installation of the new board, Pat Johnson’s presidential address, and the formal beginning of my campaign.
The installation concluded my service on the board, and Poh Kim Siong and I exchanged Past International Director pins. Pat’s address gave a review of how she got involved in Toastmasters and how we can all contribute.
The moment that Jana gaveled the convention to a close was when my work began, though. That was the signal that candidates could begin their campaign in earnest in the hall outside the ballroom, as people left.
I brought 2,500 cards to the convention, and I think I must have given out 1,800 of them. I received so many comments like “I thought you would run, and I’m so glad you are!”, it was great!
I couldn’t have made it through without my campaign team, most especially my campaign manager, PID Joan Diehl, and Joe Esler. This was my last opportunity to meet most of these people face-to-face until the next convention in August, 2011. The dancing didn’t stop until 1 AM, and I stayed to make sure I had a chance to meet every single person there.
Good luck with your campaign for 2VP … One of the lessons learned by me after attending a few conventions is that there’s a whole new level of the Toastmaster’s experience beyond what happens in within our district. Folks should realize that you’ve been instrumental in bring a few innovations to our community. The ADDITIONAL REPORTS were very much appreciated by me last year. The AREA GOVERNOR’S TO DO LIST alone helped a record number of AGs w/in our district focus their attention so that they met or exceeded goals. KUDOS to you and anyone who helped you with creating these reports … We live in the internet age where blogs and tweets complement official websites and newsletters. You’ve been an ID who has recognized this and I do hope others follow your lead … Again, good luck.
Mike, congratulations and best wishes on your initiative for 2nd VP. We will miss your frequent, thoughtful comments on the TM LinkedIn group during this year of campaigning. Hmmm, “frequent” actually doesn’t do justice to your amazing quantity of value-added contributions. Do you ever sleep? Your work as an ID, and even just as a Toastmaster, some of which John mentions above, has been valuable and I hope that you and others of your caliber will make TMI an even better organization. Good luck Mike!