1985-87 history: In 1985, eventual Club Founder John Allen began leading an
Intergraph training course on giving professsional 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
has graced us with numerous inspirational speeches during his 7 1/2 years with us. We have
all learned from having David in our club. In September of 1989, Club President BB Levine
Anders had a baby and eventually resigned from the club.
1990-91 history: In 1990, Gilbert Sullenger, who was Club President a record 2
1/3 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 menbers 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.
1996 history: On February 29, we celebrated our club's 10th anniversary with a banquet dinner titled "Leap into a New Decade with Intergraph Toastmasters." Club founder John Allen was our guest speaker, and several charter members attended the dinner. Another mock trial was held in May that involved all members and several visitors. Many other interesting meetings are planned for this year. Beverly Hood was invited to serve as this year's Area 3 Governor.
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.