A local businessman seeks to start two groups that he said Albert Leans have expressed interest in, according to a press release.

Those who want to become better public speakers to improve their career, get involved in community topics or to be confident speaking in front of groups may be interested in Toastmasters, the release says.

Albert Lea Learns is the other initiative, and will bring a different learning topic every two weeks for a one-hour class and is unrelated to Toastmasters.

After thinking there was a need for both groups, Brad Kramer started talking to people and found there was interest.

To become a Toastmasters charter, there must be at least 20 participants willing to commit. The process includes submitting the charter application to Toastmasters International, the group must submit $125, plus a $20 new member fee per person and dues for each member are $45 every six months.

As a group, the members must decide how often, where and when to meet. The group will be seeking a business to sponsor the charter fee and assist with costs.

“So much of our lives revolve around being able to speak effectively in front of groups, and so many people shy away from opportunities because of their fear of speaking,” Kramer said. “I wanted to join a Toastmasters because I speak in front of groups constantly for my career, community involvement and at gatherings, but always want to become more effective and engaging.

“After finding out that Albert Lea used to have one, and communities like Austin and Owatonna have one to two charters in their communities, I felt that we could easily support one if it was structured right,” he said. “Having an opportunity for residents to become better communicators offers many benefits to community employers, citizens, community groups and social or theater groups.”

The other group, Albert Lea Learns, is designed to be a way for residents to have access to interesting classes that range from personal and professional development, to artistic and outdoor skills. Each class will be one-hour, which is not meant to make anybody an expert, but give them enough information to decide if they want to learn more or use those basic skills to improve their lives, the release says, and while it is similar to what Community Education offers, it is less formal. Residents interested in attending will not need to attend all classes, and most classes will have little or no cost, depending on materials used.

Examples of topics that residents have shown interest in include basic home and auto maintenance, making stained glass projects, money management, cooking, pottery, parenting topics, composting and more.

To learn more or get involved in either group, contact Kramer at 507-369-6050, brad@provenioconsulting.com or join the Facebook groups www.facebook.com/ALLearns or www.facebook.com/groups/AlbertLeaToastmasters.