District 15 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes September 9, 2025

Sep 12, 2025 | Meeting Minutes

District 15 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

September 9, 2025

 

1. Call to Order & Mission Statement

The meeting was opened by Debbie Curtchfield (District Administration Manager), who read the Toastmasters International Mission Statement.

She then invited District Director, Sameer Deshmukh, DTM, to deliver the opening address.

2. District Director’s Welcome Address

Sameer welcomed all leaders and shared the following highlights, appreciations, and new initiatives:

  • District 15 has achieved distinction in membership payments for multiple years. Last year, the District achieved Club Quality Distinguished status, with a 40% increase in Distinguished Clubs. 
  • District 15’s quality efforts were recognized at the International Convention. 
  • Sameer emphasized the importance of continuing momentum to restore the glory days of District 15. 
  • Appreciation and Recognitions:
    Debbie Crutchfield – For consistent efforts in producing the District 15 newsletter. Members were encouraged to share club wins, events, and success stories.

    Vijay Chinaswamy (PRM) – For elevating PR efforts with creative flyers and Canva training sessions.

    Michael Hachigian (Club Growth Director) – For actively working on chartering a new club.

    Courtney Carlovasky (PQD) – For exceeding the Club Officer Training threshold with her training team.

 

  • Leadership Transitions: Todd, Division Director, has stepped down for personal reasons. The District Trio supports him. Christine Groberg has stepped in as Division C Director.

New Initiatives:

  • Area Directors are encouraged to recruit up to three interns (Club Quality, Club Growth, Administrative) to support club visits and develop future leaders. 

3. Guest Speaker – Louisa Davis, Past International Director

Topic: Leadership Starting New Toastmasters Clubs

  • Louisa emphasized that building new clubs is about creating opportunities and transforming lives, not just growing membership. 
  • She encouraged leaders to identify needs in their communities and step up as leaders. 
  • Shared experience running speechcraft programs, including breakout room evaluations and incorporating membership sign-ups. 
  • Highlighted corporate club initiatives at Arcteryx and Veeam, noting that management buy-in is critical and that Veeam successfully chartered two clubs with 86 new members. 
  • Shared strategies for approaching companies to sponsor clubs using warm leads and LinkedIn connections. 

 

4. Club Officer Training & Success Plans – Courtney Carlovasky (PQD)

  • Officer training 78% completed, with 90% of clubs having 4 or more officers trained, and 13 clubs training all 7 officers. 
  • 43% of clubs have submitted their Club Success Plans, which are required for eligibility in the Distinguished Club Program (DCP). 
  • Provided resources including sample plans and scheduled Zoom assistance calls. 
  • Announced a New Member Orientation session on September 17th at noon, hosted by Sarah Idehen. 

 

5. Club Growth & Expansion – Michael Hachigian

  • New club Capitol Mall in Boise is close to chartering, aiming for October. 
  • Ongoing Speechcraft sessions led by Don Green. 
  • Potential new clubs in Salt Lake City (Square Up) and Teton, Wyoming, with remote delivery considered for Wyoming. 
  • Focus on corporate and university clubs; discussion on approaching Rock Harbor Church for potential new club leads. 

 

6. 2025 PR Goals – Vijay Chinaswamy (PRM)

  • PR goals: building membership, generating media coverage, and enhancing local public perception. 
  • Requested support from Division Directors, Area Directors, and club presidents for newsletter items and club photos. 
  • Shared feedback from Canva workshop; recording is posted on District website. 

 

7. Division & Membership Updates – Shelly Bellflower, Kevin Parsons, Robert, Regina, Richard, Paul

  • Updates on dues collection, officer training, and Club Success Plan submissions. 
  • Shelly and Regina reported progress in Division B dues collection. 
  • Kevin and Area Directors reported success plan submission status in Division A. 
  • Robert focused on building relationships with clubs in Division C. 
  • Sameer emphasized sharing internship opportunities during club visits to increase engagement. 

 

8. Chris Frye – District Webmaster

  • Shared experience managing the District 15 website despite limited WordPress experience. 
  • Updated calendar, newsletters, and club list links. 
  • Discussed challenges and requested feedback from attendees. 

 

9. Website Updates & Communication Protocols

  • Web forwarding set up for Christine Groberg, with redirects for Michael Hachigian. 
  • Sameer requested to be copied on all PQD and CGD communications for consistency. 
  • Discussed using AI tools for creating meeting minutes. 

 

10. Next Steps / Action Items

  1. All Area Directors – Encourage clubs to submit Club Success Plans by September 30th. 
  2. Assist clubs with membership renewal dues by September 30th. 
  3. Michael Hachigian – Follow up with Kevin regarding Rock Harbor Church as a potential club lead. 
  4. Identify struggling clubs for potential coaching opportunities. 
  5. Chris Frye – Update District 15 website with current Club Success Plan requirements. 
  6. Courtney – Send Club Success Plan resources to Chris. 
  7. Debbie – Send updated Division C email to Chris; meet with Sameer regarding budget and council meeting planning. 
  8. Set up email forwarding for Division D to Michael Hachigian. 
  9. Vijay – Organize a recurring VPPR meeting. 
  10. All leaders – Send newsletter items (club successes, events) to Debbie. 
  11. Area Directors – Consider offering internship opportunities when visiting clubs to engage future leaders.
  12. The District Council Meeting  is on  Tuesday, September 23  7:00 PM MST
  13. Council members will receive email to register. After registration, they will receive an unique link to join council zoom meeting

 

 

Meeting Adjourned