Special Tax Update for California Clubs

Please note that a new California filing requirement (199-N), similar to the Federal 990-N, will be effective in 2011 for all California-based clubs. Be sure to learn about this important change if your club is located in California. Please note that an Entity ID or California corporation number is required to file. Toastmasters International is in the process of obtaining these numbers from the state of California for each California-based club and will forward them to the clubs upon receipt. No filing is required by the club until they receive their Entity ID from Toastmasters International.

New Club Officer Manual Available Soon

Starting this June, the club officer manuals that all clubs receive will be combined into a single, streamlined handbook that contains all essential information for the seven club officer positions. This new approach eliminates redundancy and provides a more complete view of club operations for all officers. Outgoing club presidents should look for their copies of the new Club Leadership Handbook in the mail mid-June.

District Leader Training

Toastmasters International is committed to providing you with training to help you succeed as a district leader. During the two-day District Leader Training program, you will have the opportunity to develop core district-leadership skills, share best practices and network with other leaders. This training event will be held just prior to the International Convention on Monday, August 15 and Tuesday, August 16 in Las Vegas.

August 2011: Treasurer Training

The District Leader Training program and Mid-Year Training requested by district leaders was a great success in the 2010-2011 year, so Toastmasters International is expanding its training programs. Face-to-face training for district treasurers will be held prior to the International Convention in August. Treasurers will receive instruction on a variety of topics relating to budget creation and financial management of the district. For more district finance information, check out the District Finance Corner.

Making District Finances Easier: Toastmasters' New Global District Accounting System!

To facilitate treasurers' successful completion of district finances, Toastmasters International has selected Intacct software to replace the current financial templates. This easy-to-use, web-based multi-currency accounting program will be implemented in 2011-2012. Information on training will be emailed soon.

New District Leadership Handbook Available Soon

This year's District Leadership Handbook has been reorganized with some new visual-design elements to make it easier for district leaders to find and use the information they need. The handbook will be available in the e-toolkit on the Toastmasters website and included in the area and division governors kits. District governors, lieutenant governors education and training, and lieutenant governors marketing will receive a hard copy at the district leadership training event in August.

Congratulations to Companies Supporting Clubs in the First Quarter

Successful corporations recognize the value of Toastmasters. Many new organizations chartered corporate clubs last quarter. To find out if any of these clubs were chartered in your district, visit the list of new corporate clubs.

Coming Soon: Area and Division Governor Kits

Due to the scope of the brand refresh, some of the materials that you are accustomed to receiving in May for the incoming district leaders will not be sent until mid-June. These materials include the kits for area and division governors. We appreciate your patience and flexibility regarding the delivery of these materials.

Branding Webinar for District Leaders

A rebrand orientation webinar for the 2011-2012 district leaders will be held in three different sessions in late-June. Incoming district leaders will be contacted by email during the first week of June with the times and dates so that you can plan to participate. To learn more about the Toastmasters rebrand, please visit www.toastmasters.org/prerebrandfaqs.

International Director Nominees Announced

The International Leadership Committee (ILC) has announced the 2011-2013 international director nominees. Candidates were considered in relation to several key qualities. The following abilities and attributes are expected of an international director: integrity, leadership skills, communication skills, strategic planning, policy making, possessing an understanding of Toastmasters International, project management, experience as a representative of Toastmasters International, achievements outside of Toastmasters, ability to work well with others, and being best suited as strategic leaders of our organization. The resulting nominations for International Directors for Regions 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 are considered by the ILC to be in the best strategic interests of the future of Toastmasters International.

Visas for the Convention

Before traveling to the U.S., a citizen of a foreign country must generally obtain a U.S. visa from an American embassy in their home country. One of the documents required when applying for a visa is a letter providing information on the purpose of the trip, the traveler's intent to depart the United States, and arrangements made to cover the cost of the trip. If you are in need of this letter for your travel to the Convention in August, please be sure to submit your request now to conventionregistration@toastmasters.org so it can be provided in time. For more information, please visit www.toastmasters.org/visitUS.   

Purchase Year-End Awards

Remember to prepare for year-end awards. Be sure to use promo code AR0411 through May 15 to save 25% on all items in the Awards & Recognition category of the Toastmasters online store. This discount is not valid with any other offer.

All Toastmasters Apparel on Sale

Save 30% on all Toastmasters clothing through May 31. To get the discounted price, be sure to use promo code AP0411 when you order. This discount is not valid with any other offer.

Proxies Are Coming

On May 11, proxies for the Annual Business Meeting at the International Convention will be emailed to all club presidents and club secretaries. District Governors should follow up with club leaders and encourage them to designate their proxies.

Hall of Fame Posted on the Web

See which clubs and members have been listed in the Toastmasters Hall of Fame for April 2011. You can also follow the new announcement on the homepage.

Newly Revised Online Media Center Presents the Latest Toastmasters News

The new online Media Center (also known as the Toastmasters International newsroom) offers a one-stop source for information about the organization. It includes news releases, news coverage, media kits, a multimedia library and access to the official Toastmasters social networks. The Toastmasters International Media Center will accommodate many audiences including media outlets, members and potential members.

Delay for Badges, Banners and Lecterns 

The updated brand will be launched at the International Convention on August 17. To ensure that you do not purchase materials that will be obsolete in a few short months, certain products will be removed from the store temporarily. Orders cannot be placed from April 21 - June 30 for select products. Orders will reopen July 1 for badges, banners and lecterns. For more details, visit www.toastmasters.org/prerebrandfaqs.

Toastmasters International Convention Keynote Speaker Announced

Dave Logan, an accomplished business executive and author, will deliver the keynote at the 2011 Toastmasters International Convention. The Convention will take place Aug. 17-20 at Bally's Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada. Logan will speak Wednesday, Aug.17, at the Convention's Opening Ceremonies, which will begin at 7 p.m. He is co-founder and senior partner of CultureSync, a management consulting firm specializing in cultural change, strategy and negotiation.