A 10-Year Member of Toastmasters International Local #408, Greg Smith, president of Compco Industries, has been awarded a Certificate of Proficiency that finalizes his Effective Coaching Pathway. “I started this before COVID,” Smith said, adding, “and with COVID, it really set me back because I had a good rhythm going, so getting back into it was hard. But once I started again I was able to get it back. It took two years.”
      Smith is also a Vocal Coach for people all over the world, including singer Roger Love. Newly-elected local Toastmasters president Debbie Larson (pictured with Smith) noted the certificate enhances the theme of the 2023-24 Toastmaster Year, that is “You Have The Permission To Be Great,” and includes ‘The Permission to Act,’ ‘The Permission to Grow,’ ‘The Permission to Make Mistakes and to Right Those Mistakes’ and ‘The Permission to Be Great!’ Larson added, “I am proud of Greg Smith for completing this path. Although it looks good on our new administration, but really we’ve had great outgoing officers that really get the credit for keeping the club and the momentum going through Covid and afterward.”