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City of Tyler receives award for leadership, communicationNov 10, 2012 (Tyler Morning Telegraph - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Toastmasters International recognized the city of Tyler on Thursday for its efforts to encourage good leadership and communication among its employees. Jim Kokocki, Toastmasters' International Second Vice President, presented the corporate appreciation award to the city's Blueprint Toastmasters club during a special ceremony at the Rose Garden Center. The club is a component of the city's employee training program, City University, Kristi Boyett, organizational developme-nt manager, said. Kokocki said the efforts will be helpful in the future to help increase productivity and for improved communication. "Not everybody gets this award," he said, noting the city does a "nice job" of building confidence and encouraging people to reach their full potential. People who lack confidence often hesitate to relay good ideas, Kokocki said. Thursday's award was acknowledged with a special proclamation from Mayor Barbara Bass. Blueprint Toastmaster started in 2009 as a way to enhance productivity and professionalism of city staff, officials said. City Manager Mark McDaniel said the award is significant because it acknowledges the professional development of employees. "This is not just about public speaking, but also for building confidence and encouraging good communication," he said. Toastmasters International, founded in October 1924, is a nonprofit organization that encourages public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs, officials said. The organization has more than 280,000 members in 13,500 clubs in 116 countries, including five in Tyler, records show. ___ (c)2012 Tyler Morning Telegraph (Tyler, Texas) Visit Tyler Morning Telegraph (Tyler, Texas) at www.tylerpaper.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |