Intergraph Club History

1985-87 history: In 1985, eventual Club Founder John Allen began leading an Intergraph training course on giving professional presentations. The members of this class formed the nucleus of the Toastmasters Club which began with approximately 30 members. Members of the Redstone and High Noon Toastmaster clubs held a demonstration meeting in October, 1985 and were instrumental in helping our club receive our charter in March, 1986. In 1987, Hugh Glass began to rise up the political ladder by becoming Lt Governor for Alabama's Northern Division. This office required Hugh to attend meetings in Birmingham and other parts of the state.

1988-89 history: In 1988, one noteworthy addition to the club was David Lee who graced us with numerous inspirational speeches during his 7 1/2 years with us. We all learned from having David in our club.

1990-91 history: In 1990, Gilbert Sullenger, who was Club President for 2 1/3 consecutive terms, won the Area 3 Humorist Speech Contest. Gilbert is known for his homespun humor and story-telling capabilities - especially one noteworthy speech on mules. One unusual meeting in 1991 was held at Thomas Pit BBQ and included a wine tasting exhibition given by Tom Zurn. This was one speech everyone could be involved with.

1992-93 history: In 1992, we had a well-attended Christmas Banquet at the Port of Madison restaurant. After several members left Intergraph, the remaining members regrouped to form the nucleus of what makes this club strong to this day. 

1994 history: A couple of creative meetings held in 1994 included a debate on gun-control and a murder trial. Also this year, our first visitor emphasis meeting in November drew a record 18 first-time visitors. Debbie Fields won the Area International Speech contest and participated in the District contest. The tradition of having holiday "International" Potluck suppers was begun. 

1995 history: Our Toastmasters club became a tool to help a couple of our members with some personal goals. Special table topics were given to Benita Brooks to help her prepare for the Miss Alabama and Miss USA pageants. A mock interview session was given for another member to help him prepare for business school interviews. We had many new members join about the same time so we were able to have not one, but two, "Ice-Cubed" speech meetings - during which three new members gave their first speech. Two interesting meetings were a multi-media Ice Breaker by Mark Russell and a Talk Show that involved 3 speakers. 

1997 history: For the first time in over seven years, our club membership eclipsed the twenty mark. Our club was recognized by District 48 for having a significant increase in membership over a short period of time.

1998 history: Several Intergraph Toastmasters participated in presentations for the "Better Speaker Series".  The Area 3 Evaluation Contest was held here at Intergraph, with Dan Wygant and Venkat Mavram as Ingr contestants.  Winner Venkat went on to represent us at the regional contest.  Members celebrated the Christmas holidays with a delicious luncheon served at the Raddison Inn in Madison.  Turkey and dressing, cranberry sauce, green beans, sweet potatoes, salad, rolls - yum!  We need to do this more often  :-).  This luncheon was also the occasion for an informative speech on Storytelling presented by Melanie Hollis.  Joe Gillis was invited to serve as this year's Area 3 Governor.

1999 history: The year got off to a great start with a "Toastmasters on the Road" tour.  Meetings were held in buildings all over the Intergraph campus as a way to introduce the club to a wider audience.    Ingr Toastmasters presented a "Springtime Extravaganza" on April 21 in the Building 15 Auditorium.   Thirteen visitors attended this special event, enjoying pizza, cokes, and some good speeches.  The new "Toastmaster Tidbits" newsletter began on this same day.   The month of April also marked the debut of the new internal website for Intergraph Toastmasters.   October 20 was a "Diamond Jubilee" Anniversary Celebration meeting, as we celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Toastmasters International, and reflected on our club history.   Intergraph Toastmasters founder John Allen was guest speaker, providing an interesting and informative speech that included  participation from several audience volunteers.  There were great door prizes, a tasty lunch, and an opportunity to chat with some of the many guests who attended - 18 total! 

2000 history: Peter Thiele from WVNN radio spoke at Spring Extravaganza during 2000. The club continued the tradition of holding a White Elephant Sale and having a Backwards meeting around April Fool's Day. The club also received the President's Distinguished Club recognition.! 

2001 history: The Spring meeting again hosted Peter Thiele from radio station WVNN as our guest speaker. The altered the bylaws to allow membership to interested people outside of Intergraph. The club was in charge of decorations for the Fall Conference and Susan Rice led a group effort to make conference banner. 

2002 history: The Club set a record for the highest number of new CTMs achieved for the year. Joe Gillis led a Success/Communication module on Effective Evaluations. One special meeting in October featured a visit from Discovery Middle School students in which the students participated in the Table Topics Session.

2003 history: Local WUMP Sports Talk host Doug Franz spoke at out Spring Extravaganza. Darrell Schmidt led our club's first Membership Contest, which yielded 6 first time visitors and 2 new members. Districts 48 and 29 merged to form into District 77 in July and the new District covers all of Alabama and parts of Mississippi and Florida. Toastmasters went on the road to Buildings 24B and 17C during the fall to expose our club to other areas of the Intergraph campus.

2004 history: Another On-the-Road meeting in Building 30 yielded 6 first-time visitors. Our Spring Extravaganza this year was a Mock Presidentlal Debate with George W Bush, John Kerry and the independent voter being represented. Lisa Washington from WHNT Channel 19 covered the event and we were a story on the 6PM Local News that evening.

2005 history: The club held no special meetings this year but several newer members began work toward their CTM awards. Jorie Walker taught us how to be a good 'kisser.'

2006 history: The club celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Royal China Buffet on Drake Ave. on April 13th. Hugh, Joe and Allison reviewed the club history and former president Beverly Hood was in attendence. Joe Gillis became the first club member to achieve the level of DTM on April 19th.