Talk of the Town celebrates 20 years

COEUR d'ALENE — Talk of the Town Toastmasters Club recently celebrated 20 years of helping Coeur d'Alene residents develop communication and leadership skills.

The club was established in 2005 under the name Selling North Idaho, according to a press release from Talk of the Town. 

Over time, the members recognized the need for a structured program to improve their professional skills, becoming an official chapter of Toastmasters International and renaming it Talk of the Town.

Kelly Hanson attributes his professional success as a Realtor for over 35 years to the club. 

“I came from a background in cattle ranching and mining. When I moved to Idaho in 1988, I got a job in the people business where I needed to talk to people. My broker said, 'You need to go to Toastmasters.' I did that, which started a landslide in my career,” said Hanson.

Founded in 1924, Toastmasters International has about 270,000 members in more than 14,000 clubs in 150 countries.

Members of the Coeur d'Alene chapter "engage in structured, yet enjoyable meetings that foster skills for success in the workplace, the community, and in personal life," the press release said. 

Talk of the Town has achieved Toastmaster International’s President's Distinguished status for the past eight years and was one of six clubs that saw membership growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"As Talk of the Town marks its 20-year milestone, it is a testament to Coeur d'Alene’s commitment to growth and community building," the press release said.

Talk of the Town meets Thursdays at 7 a.m. at Axe Force One, 1207 N. Fourth St., No. 101, Coeur d'Alene.