Toastmasters Spring Conference 2009

Spring Conference 2009 Speakers

Keynote Speaker - Mark Brown

Mark Brown Spring Conference 2009 Keynote Speaker

Nationally acclaimed speaker Mark Brown is the 1995 World Champion of Public Speaking. He defeated more than 20,000 other contestants from 14 countries, in a grueling six-month long competition sponsored by Toastmasters International, the largest public speaking organization in the world. He has dedicated his career to delivering uplifting messages to people all over the world. With his “tell it like it is” approach, he challenges some of the most serious issues facing schools today. He uses a unique combination of humor and poignancy to reach the most diverse audiences, and he is committed to continually inspiring people from all walks of life.

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Brown immigrated to the United States at 18 – with $40 in his pocket and a dream of a better life. He never imagined he'd devote his life to helping others. He spent 15 years working in the banking and direct marketing industries as a computer analyst before choosing to develop his public speaking skills. After recovering from a life-threatening illness in the summer of 1993, he made a commitment to excel as a communicator. His commitment earned him a 1995 Harlem YMCA Black Achievers In Industry Award. His efforts were further rewarded when he became Toastmasters International's 1995 World Champion of Public Speaking.

Mr. Brown makes over 200 presentations each year at conferences, school assemblies, symposia, conventions and corporate meetings, and he is in high demand by adult and youth audiences throughout North America.

Mark Brown’s purpose is threefold: to touch your head and make you think, to touch your heart and make you feel, to touch your hands and make you act.

Keynote Speaker - John C. Rich, CSP, CPC, DTM

Spring Conference District 61 2009 Keynote speaker - John Rich

John Rich is not just a goal setter, he is a goal achiever with a long history of accomplishments in business, sports, and the military.

  • President of Affordable Personnel Services Inc. a successful staffing service in Toronto, Ontario.
  • Certified Sales Professional and member of the Canadian Professional Sales Association.
  • Author of the book “Beyond Relationship Selling” and a regular contributor to staffdigest Magazine.
  • Certified Personnel Consultant.
  • International Director 2007-2009, Toastmasters International
  • Past President of the Toronto Chapter, and past National Board Director of the Association of Canadian Search, Employment, and Staffing Services.
  • Past owner of a First Aid and Safety Products manufacturer.
  • Retired Canadian Armed Forces Captain.
  • Captain of the 1975 World First Aid Championship Team.
  • Competed for Canada in a Military Pentathlon (NATO).
  • Triathlons, Marathons.
  • Bicycling across Canada in 2001.