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Utah Valley Toastmasters welcomed Provo Mayor John Curtis in December. The event celebrated the Utah Valley Toastmasters Club’s achievement of obtaining President’s Distinguished status from Toastmasters International.
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Curtis spoke to the group about “The Magic of Provo.” He shared several instances of magical developments in Provo, including the Provo Tabernacle and its conversion to the new Provo City Center Temple and the upcoming open house. He also mentioned additional magic including Provo Center Street development, the rooftop concert series, unique Provo restaurants, the Provo Rec Center, trails and parks, the purchase of Rock Canyon and Google Fiber.
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He introduced ways that Provo is working to retain its magic with development on the road north of the Provo Temple, Bulldog Avenue and 300 South. He mentioned how the west side connector to the Provo Airport will open a corridor and will include a trail.
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The Utah County Clean Air Challenge is one of the best ways residents can participate in retaining the magic, he said: park and walk inside at drive-throughs to reduce engine idling, clear sidewalks to allow neighborhood walking, use care and minimize use of wood-burning stoves, and share rides and eliminate unnecessary trips and driving. Curtis handed out cards providing recommended clean air behaviors.
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In a follow-up question-and-answer period, the mayor noted that development had previously been centered on the downtown. However, now it is moving to other parts of the city such as the south. Examples include the announced sale of the Provo Town Centre Mall and surrounding development. He noted the incentive costs of retail development to the community and mentioned projected construction of a big box store in the South Bay area.
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Division E Director and public speaking coach Mark Hersom, DTM, Spanish Fork, spoke about the value of being an active member of Toastmasters. As a former radio announcer for KLO Radio, Hersom continues to expand his leadership and public speaking horizons through the opportunities Toastmasters affords its members.
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The meeting concluded with a crazy sock contest and a good number of sock donations to the Utah County Food and Shelter Coalition. Winners were Monte Knepper of Spanish Fork and Dianne Hoffmann and Shelley and Zoe McCarthur of Provo.
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District 15 Toastmasters Leadership awarded Utah Valley Toastmasters the additional pizza party for having achieved the highest recognition as President’s Distinguished Club.
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Toastmasters is a worldwide organization devoted to developing public speaking and leadership skills. The Utah Valley Club is one of five within Utah County. Members meet weekly at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation building, 302 E. 1860 South, Provo, UT 84606.
