Fellow Toastmasters, 

I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on the benefits of Toastmasters and what it has done for me. This past week I was inaugurated as the president of the New Braunfels/Canyon Lake Association of Realtors. We have a membership of approximately 500 and are the largest trade organization in Comal County. I am honored to have been elected and even more honored to have the opportunity to serve. I must say that one of the things that people have complimented me on the most in my leadership path is my ability to speak in public. I tell them that I owe it all to Toastmasters. I now do a weekly radio show that is mostly improvisational in nature for the Realtor Association on KGNB 1420 and if it were not for Toastmasters and Table Topic training I would not be as good at it as they tell me I am! The host of the show throws questions at me and I am able to think on my feet and answer authoritatively on almost any real estate topic. I even gave a good legislative update on the show a couple of weeks ago! At my inauguration I stood before 270 people and delivered my speech about why I am where I am and also what my goals are for our association in 2006 and I wasn't even nervous...again....thanks Toastmasters! I again

was called to give an impromptu acceptance speech when named Realtor of the Year for the association and my Toastmasters skills were put to the test one more time. 

What I am trying to convey here is that I find myself daily in situations that I am able to face and overcome because of everything my Toastmasters training has taught me and I cannot imagine anything more valuable for people to have in their personal arsenal than these skills. Thank you to Toastmasters International for equipping leaders and thank you to my local club for your support and mentorship. I have referred my president-elect for 2006 to the New Braunfels club, she has great leadership skills but wants help with the speaking part...I told her she NEEDS Toastmasters. New Braunfels' own Jim Hawkins will be helping her out.

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to each of you,

Jeani Thomas Richie, ATM-S, CL

2006 President - New Braunfels/Canyon Lake Association of Realtors

Realtor of the Year