Here's to the Toastmasters

SANDUSKY — A new opportunity for personal and professional growth is taking root in the Sandusky community with the launch of the Sandusky Bay Toastmasters Club, a Toastmasters International community club dedicated to helping individuals strengthen their public speaking, leadership and communication skills. Membership is now open, and community members are invited to join this historic club. charter or founding members — an honor reserved for those who help establish the club and whose names will be forever recorded in Toastmasters International history. The Sandusky Bay Toastmasters Club is designed to serve professionals, students and community members seeking to grow their communication and leadership abilities in a supportive, hands-on learning environment. Meetings take place on the first and third Mondays of the month at 6 p.m inside Work Space Sandusky, 1521 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky. This will offer members the opportunity to practice speaking, receive feedback and develop leadership skills at their own pace. Who's who? The club is co-sponsored by: • Autumn Jose, assistant vice president/brand marketing specialist at Civista Bank, president of the Western Maryland Toastmasters Club and Area 23 Director in District 13 "Sandusky has always held a special place for me, both personally and professionally," Jose said. "Through my work in community banking, I've seen firsthand the need for leadership development and strong communication skills. Bringing Toastmasters to this area is about investing in people by helping them build confidence, find their voice and make a meaningful impact in their careers and community." • Ed Haller, president of Colorful Communications in Strongsville and Area 43 director in District 10 "Work Space Sandusky has already established such an excellent network of local business professionals," Haller said. "It just makes sense to include this practical forum to improve public speaking and leadership skills by starting Sandusky Bay Toastmasters Club at that location. From Day 1, this group feels like a familiar family of professionals. More new local professionals are visiting and joining this group almost every time we meet." The following will serve as officers for the Sandusky Bay Toastmasters Club: • Steve Hamm — president • Jeremy Milner — vice president of education • Stephanie Kluding — vice president of membership • Jose – vice president of public relations • Stephanie Mayfield — secretary • Tonda Zelms – treasurer • Susan Turner - sergeant at arms This launch comes at a time of exciting transformation within Toastmasters. In July, District 10, which consists of Sandusky and other parts of northeast Ohio along with District 13 — parts of eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, central West Virginia and western Maryland — merged to form District 219, further strengthening resources and collaboration across the region. What's the benefit? Having a Toastmasters club in Sandusky will be a valuable asset not only for individuals but also for local businesses and organizations. Employees who participate in Toastmasters often demonstrate higher engagement, stronger leadership capabilities and improved communication skills, benefiting both their personal growth and workplace success. Students also gain critical skills that support academic achievement and future career readiness. Guests are always welcome to check a meeting to experience Toastmasters firsthand, meet current members and learn more about becoming a member. Community members are encouraged to attend and explore how Toastmasters can support their personal and professional development. People can learn more about the local organizations by emailing arjose@civista.bank, toastmasters.org or calling Work Space at 567-417-9675. Bio blast Toastmasters International is the world's leading nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Its core values — integrity, respect, service and excellence — are reflected in every meeting. It achieves this through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions and give and receive constructive feedback. It is through this regular practice that members are empowered to meet personal andm professional communication goals. Founded in 1924, the organization is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, with approximately 270,000 members in more than 14,200 clubs in 148 countries.