District 59

2003-2004 - District Governor Denise Magyar

District Governor: Denise Magyar
Slogan: "Full Steam Ahead!"

The first District governor of the fully recognized, non-Provisional, District 59 was Denise Magyar, a lady with a strong desire to lead the District ahead. Her motto for the year 2003 was “Full Steam Ahead!”

Denise inspired and motivated her leadership team and the members around herself to help them perform to their best potential. As a confirmation of the success, during the year, the District produced 164 CTMs exceeding district goals by 122%; 76 ATMs exceeding district goals by 200%; and 7 DTMs!

Denise’s mission was not easy. During her term, TMI World Headquerters shut down and overhauling their entire computer system. During this protracted, but necessary upgrade, updates on educational & leadership achievements, club growth, dues renewal status, membership and treasury reports were unavailable making it impossible to track district progress. Denise spent countless hours on the telephone with America submitting awards and making sure that the District achievements were recognized quickly.

Denise herself learned a lot during this year. She wrote: "I learned to delegate despite myself; Murphy's Law and the adage ‘Assume makes an ass out of you and me’ prevail; be visible; remind, mentor and encourage those you serve of their obligation to their personal goals; electronic communication supplements not replaces a phone call; always answer emails even if it is to say you'll reply later; the power of recognition; once you've decided your destination, focus on the steps that will get you there and you've got only 365 days to do your best: make every one of those days count because once it's over you can never bring it back."

As the result, the District became distinguished. As Denise recollects: “I wrote & directed, with the European TMs present at the TM conventions in North America, the first district presentations for the Overseas District Gala dinner in 2000 as well as in 2001, 2002 & 2003. When I was presented the President's Distinguished Plaque in Reno, Ted whispered in my ear: At the time of my visit to Munich, I never thought the district would make distinguished. Look at you now.” District was on its way to success!

The full recognition of the District, Toastmasters year 2003/04 was also significant since being an official district entitled its spring speech contest winner (Ivan Moss) to participate in the Overseas District Speech Contest. During this year, the contest took place in Reno, Nevada, USA.

Additionally, during this year, Europe was honored to receive the first official visit from the then current International President, Ted Corcoran.

2004-2005 - District Governor Odile Petillot

District Governor: Odile Petillot
Slogan "Aim high!"

Officers:

LGET Elizabeth Nostedt
LGM Jim Phetterplace
PRO Ileana Christodorescu
Treasurer Marika Cederberg
Secretary Nancy Jans
IPDG Denise Magyar

Odile was the second consecutive female District Governor. With her motto "Aim high!", Odile led the District to new heights! District 59 finished 6th in the world and was President Distinguished District for the third time in a row.

Significant internal achievements within the District for this year included creation of an entirely French speaking Division, Division A. Additionally, two further Divisions were born, G in the Scandic countries and H in Iberian Peninsula.

The District produced 192 CTMs, 85 ATMs and 9 DTMs.

We started growing. However, there were some challenges on the way to the top ranking Districts. Odile recollects: “Club growth was the biggest challenge: with 14 new clubs during my term, our District couldn't pretend a better ranking. Being DG was for me a full time job, and a very demanding one, if I wanted to stay updated with everything that was going on all over the District. I learned to listen to people expressing their concerns, I learned to delegate - and it was then crucial to rely on a competent and trustworthy team. Most of all, I learned to cope with unfriendly and aggressive behaviors without being too affected.”

2005-2006 - District Governor Elizabeth Nostedt

District Governor: Elizabeth Nostedt
Slogan "59 in 59!"

Officers:

LGET Christopher Magyar
LGM Zusana Grofova
PRO Barbara Hofmeister
Treasurer Susan Cornell
Secretary Irina Troshina
IPDG Odile Petillot

Elizabeth started the year by announcing a challenging goal, 59 in 59, which meant building 59 new clubs within the Toastmasters year. This seemed like a very lofty target, however, Elizabeth wanted her officers to aim high. And as the result during this Toastmasters year the district 59 grew as never before! The district finished the year as 3rd District in the world due to its huge Learning and Leadership achievements.