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Get Your Morning
Started with the 2001 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking, Darren
LaCroix as he presents Ouch! How I Went from Chump to Champ. Darren’s story will inspire you. He wanted to be a
comedian, but had no encouragement, a fear of speaking, and — worst of all —
he wasn’t even funny. He bombed in a Boston comedy club in 1992 but still
became the World Champion of public speaking in 2001. He was just a regular
guy with no talent, but was persistent and willing to fail. Darren may have been “born without a funny bone in my
body,” but he possessed the desire to learn and the willingness to fail
necessary to achieve his dream. The self-proclaimed “student of comedy” is
living proof that humor is a skill that can be learned.
He interviewed CEOs and business owners who made humor part of their
business plan, culling from their successful practices innovative principles
that could be applied to any company. He developed an innovative technique
of “customizing” humor that reveals the common frustrations and pet peeves
about an organization, giving him ammunition that has audiences laughing
down to their toes. Think you can’t be a great speaker? Think again. Darren’s first
performance and his championship speech are absolute proof that presenting
is a learned skill. Learn in a few minutes what is
took him nine years to accomplish.
About the Speaker: LaCroix is a rare combination. He is an author,
keynote speaker, and a corporate comedian. Darren’s unique talents also flow
into films, commercials, and corporate training videos. He is the co-author
of a book called Laugh & Get Rich, that teaches people how to find more joy
in each day. He is also the co-founder of the Humor Boot Camp and the Humor
Institute Inc., which offers programs to teach people how to be funnier.
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Up Close and Personal with Chandra Cox and Cathy Harris
Join us for a conversation between these two professional women as they
share their experiences and insights as career women.
Chandra Cox, Director of Women’s Markets, Diversity
Relations, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Chandra began her Wal-Mart career as a temporary hourly
associate. Today, her hard work has helped her make a name for herself on the
leadership track. She will share her personal leadership lessons, struggles, sacrifices,
and victories. Well-versed in women’s issues as a representative for the
world’s largest retailer with top women’s organizations and special interest
groups, she’s ready to share up-to-date information on current trends.
Cathy Harris, President of
C. Harris Companies, Inc. is recognized for producing impressive results by helping executives, managers,
supervisors, and staff to identify and implement the best changes for their
growth. Cathy’s training and consulting work focuses on the areas of
workplace diversity, teambuilding, conflict resolution, and communication.
Cathy has just relocated to Hot Springs, AR after losing
her home and business when Hurricane Katrina caused major devastation in New
Orleans. She will share her unforgettable story. You’ll be impressed by
this entrepreneur’s ability to overcome adversity to emerge even stronger.
About Chandra Cox: Chandra joined Wal-Mart
Stores, Inc. in December 1994. Chandra began her career with Wal-Mart as
temporary associate making fruit baskets in a Wal-Mart Supercenter. Since
joining Wal-Mart, Chandra has held the following positions: Order Filler at
the Jewelry Distribution Center, Jewelry Sales Associate, District Manager
Special Divisions, Inventory Coordinator for SAM’S CLUB, Director of
Customer Service for walmart.com, Manager of Hourly Recruiting and Temporary
Services, as well as Manager of Executive Staffing and Management Recruitment. In
Chandra’s current role as the Director of Women’s Markets in the Office of
Diversity, she is responsible for building and maintaining relationships
with strategic women leaders and women's organizations on behalf of Wal-Mart
and SAM’S CLUB.
About Cathy Harris: Cathy has
18 years experience as a small business owner. In addition to helping
people learn how to communicate with each other, Harris is highly regarded for
her expertise in mass communication following her 17 years experience as
a media consultant designing advertising and public relations campaigns. She
is co-founder and past president of Each One Save One, a mentoring organization
that recruits hundreds of mentors and volunteers for schools in the New Orleans
Metropolitan area. Cathy serves on the Boards of Directors of WYES-TV and the
Advocates for Science and Math High School. She was involved in the design and
development of the Just for Boys program at Vorice Jackson Waters Elementary
School. She is also past president of the National Speakers Association/New Orleans
Chapter and an active member of the American Society for Training and
Development (ASTD).
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The Anatomy of a
White Collar Crime
Kerry Robertson Interviews Walter “Walt” Pavlo
Walt Pavlo was responsible for the billing and collection of nearly $1
billion in monthly revenue for MCI’s carrier finance division. Beginning in
March of 1996, Walt, one member of his staff and a business associate
outside of MCI began to perpetrate a fraud involving a few of MCI’s own
customers. When the scheme was completed, there had been seven customers of
MCI defrauded over a six-month period resulting in $6 million in payments to
the Cayman Islands. In January 2001, in cooperation with the Federal
Government, Walt pled guilty to wire fraud and money laundering and
entered federal prison shortly thereafter. His story highlights the corrupt
dealings involving the manipulation of financial records within a large
corporation. His case appeared as a cover story in the June 10, 2002 issue
of Forbes Magazine, just weeks before WorldCom divulged that it had
over $7 billion in accounting irregularities.
About Walt: Walter
“Walt” Pavlo holds an engineering degree from West Virginia University and
an MBA from the Stetson School of Business at Mercer University. He has
worked for Goodyear Tire in its Aerospace division as a Financial Analyst,
GEC Ltd. of England as a Contract Manager and as a Senior Manager in MCI
Telecommunication’s Division where he was responsible for billing and
collections in its reseller division.
About Kerry: Kerry Robertson’s unique experience as a television news
anchor and talk show host combined with her background as an award-winning
educator distinguishes her as a leader in her field. Kerry’s high energy
and contagious enthusiasm are trademarks that make her a favorite with her
clients who range from Olympic champions and CEOs to leading government
agencies and universities.
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Your Master of Ceremonies for the Conference General Sessions — Radio Industry Veteran
David Block
He’s “The Voice to Remember with a Message You Won’t Forget.”
Dave Block was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He has spent over 20 years in the
radio broadcast industry. During that time, he has been an operations manager,
program director, on-air personality, and has won numerous Addy awards for his
commercial production. He has received numerous accolades for leadership at the
stations he has worked; guest-hosted the nationally-syndicated American Country
Countdown for Bob Kingsley; and was interviewed to be a part of CMT’s show
Controversy which dealt with Martina McBride’s song, Independence Day. He
currently freelances doing radio and television commercials in the Tulsa area,
and is actively pursuing a speaking career of his own. He and his wife, Karen, run
Block Business Solutions which offers communications and marketing solutions to
businesses of all sizes.
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Rising Star Meagan White Twelve-year-old Meagan is from Fayetteville Arkansas. She attends Holt Middle School. Meagan is in her third year in the University of Arkansas
Children’s Choir. She has performed in many events around Northwest Arkansas, in Tulsa Oklahoma, and
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Her most recent performances include Ole’ Applegate Crafts Festival, the Cancer Road Challenge, Grapevine Mall, and multiple talent shows and contests throughout the region.
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Session 1
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Back to Normal: Handling and Managing Change
Program Description: You’ve heard the comment, “When things get
back to normal, I’m going to do ... SOMETHING!” Have you noticed that you
never seem to get around to doing that “something?” In this upbeat, often
humorous presentation, Tom identifies the meaning of change. He explains
what causes change, how to identify and communicate change and, most
importantly, how to cope with change.
 About
the Speaker: Tom Bach works with organizations who want to impact their
service and business skills in order to increase profits and productivity.
He believes that the most important person in your business or organization
is the person who works with the customer. Handling on-going change is an
important skill to be able to communicate and interact with customers.
Having worked both sides of the desk as a trainer and a marketing vice
president, Tom understands the intricacies of appropriate communication with
your staff and customers. |
Career Success — God's Way
Program Description: Successful people want to close the gap
between their performance and their potential. Ron teaches the habits that
do that. His program will delight, inform, surprise, and challenge you. With
a new focus on self-control and trust in God, you can do what you have known
or dreamed all along you could do. You will learn how to become highly
effective — your best possible self.
 About
the speaker: Ron Meyers is an international lecturer who served 9 years in
the US, 5 in Canada, 13 in Korea, and 5 in China before becoming a Professor
at Oral Roberts University and lecturing in 19 more nations. He has a Ph.D.
in Intercultural Studies. Ron is author of
Habits of Highly Effective Christians.
Ron will be on-hand in the morning to sign copies of his just-released
book,
Habits of Highly Effective Christians, available in the conference books
store. |
Session 2
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Speak Like a Champ
Program Description: Have you ever experienced a presentation that
put you to sleep? Ever given one? Have you ever seen a presenter bring a
boring subject to life? What’s that difference? Darren has studied 10 years
worth of World Champion speakers. He discovered what separates the person
who wins from the person who comes in second. Darren shares the three points
all the winners had in common.
 About
the Speaker: Darren LaCroix outspoke 25,000 contestants from 14 countries to
win the title of 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking. Since then, Darren has traveled the world demystifying the
process of creating a powerful speech. He has roused audiences with his inspirational journey from
first-rate chump to first-class champ, proving anything is possible if you
are willing to work for it. |
Characteristics of Wildly Successful Leaders
Program Description: Pack your courage as you accompany Kristine
on a safari — a wild journey — into the deepest reaches of our career
jungles in search of the secrets that are rare and unique among wildly
successful leaders. Exceptionally informative, this program engages
audiences by compelling them to strive beyond common expectations toward
success.
 About
the Speaker:
Kristine Sexter has devoted over 19 years to studying success and
professional commitment. She spent almost a decade in management with
America’s largest major insurance company and has excelled for many years as
a senior management executive recruiter. She is a professional speaker, workshop trainer,
and columnist and is the author of six books including The Top 50 Low
and No Cost Retention Strategies. |
Session 3
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Jelly Side Up! Finding Time for What’s Important
Program Description: In this entertaining workshop, Mary shares
six principles that give you dozens of ways to feel more satisfaction with
the way you spend your professional and personal time. Successful people do
things differently. Learn to put your energy into the things that give you
results.
 About
the Speaker: Mary J. Pryor, Founding partner of The Pryor Group Inc., is a
speaker, trainer, and executive coach, Mary specializes in helping people
find time for the important things in life and work. Concentrating on time
and life management issues, Mary gets her point across with humor and a
human touch. |
Motivating and Managing an Unmotivated Staff
Program Description: Be prepared to laugh while you learn. This
program is so powerful, simple, effective, and logical, everyone who hears
it will know, understand, and be able to use the three steps to manage their
employees and keep them motivated. No theory. No hype. No improvising.
Presented in a way that is easy to remember and fun to implement.
 About
the Speaker: Bob Oros, CSP, CMC is a professional author and speaker. Bob
has presented in all 50 states and three continents and is the author seven
books on sales and management, including his new best seller How To Sell
and Grow Rich. |
Session 4
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If It's to Be, It's Up to Me
Program Description: In life, we must take responsibility for our
choices. When we do, we will find that it is possible for us to create a
larger vision for our life. In this program, you will learn to generate
genuine excitement and hope for your life, understand how to develop and
maintain the right mental attitude, realize why your most important opinion
is the one you have of yourself, and learn a formula for achieving a
balanced life.
 About
the Speaker:
Willie Johnson, “The Ambassador of Potentiality,” is a performance
development consultant for J. B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. His areas of
expertise include leadership (personal/professional), customer Service,
conflict management, Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective
People and Making Presentations with Confidence and Power. |
The FACTS About Living Better at Work
Program Description: This program will help you create a better
workplace by rethinking how you choose to communicate and interact with your
coworkers and customers. Learn to build rapport, create goodwill, increase
teamwork, raise the level of your organization’s customer service AND
increase your organization’s bottom line!
 About
the Speaker: Kerry Robertson is a professional speaker and trainer
specializing in presentation and communication skills. Kerry helps companies
create a better workplace and is the author of 101 Ideas for Better
Business Presentations. |