A CPC T radition

ee Keeper

e club, but they have a new k teen years old Ana Swan be nd about bees since the age guidance of her father, she ha pers many years her senior d from father to daughter, and p already under her belt, is now our two hives on the clubs roof Last years harvest, also assisted with, was a bumber ' crop ' and hopes a have a good production of honey again this year , w offer jars of honey again in the fall for $10

Toni-Marie Ion-Brown: Fostering Connection, Collaboration, and Celebration at the Calgary Petroleum Club

Toni-Marie Ion-Brown, a small-town girl with big ambitions, has been making waves at the Calgary Petroleum Club for over three decades. Hailing from a rural Alberta village, Toni-Marie discovered her passion for people and her ability to connect with them during an exchange program in Japan. Since joining the club in 1990 as a server, she has risen through the ranks, ultimately becoming its first female General Manager in 2017.

Under her visionary leadership, Toni-Marie has driven significant changes within the club, fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment. “We’ve been able to adapt and grow by not getting bogged down in the details and focusing on creating an environment where work can happen,” she explains. She has transformed small offices into private rooms and embraced the digital age with the club’s unique podcast studio – a feature rarely seen in private clubs.

Members value privacy, which is why private rooms for confidential conversations are offered. The podcast studio allows the club to reach a wider audience, offering opportunities for diverse voices to be heard. Toni-Marie emphasizes, “Our podcast studio helps us connect with a broader audience, giving a platform to a range of perspectives.”

One exciting development is the Brew 319 work bar area, which transitions from a coffee workspace during the day to a Pro - secco bar at 3 pm. This versatile space is essential as the club hosts 130 to 150 events per week, catering to the diverse needs of its members. Toni-Marie proudly states, “Our club is where Calgary does business, and as new businesses join and seek growth, they quickly realize that we facilitate connections and foster community.”

The membership is diverse, and the conversations that take place in private rooms and the Devonian room are invaluable. A member-to-member portion for events is offered, allowing members to invite each other to various gatherings, creating a friendly atmosphere. Accessibility is a priority, and the club offers an easy access point for those working downtown. As the city upgrades its infrastructure, like the new fiber-optic networks being installed, the club remains well-connected and convenient for members.

Toni-Marie describes the workshare space as having “a trendy, inviting vibe with a touch of feminine and artistic flair, thanks to the design work of Kerri, Tony, and Glenda.” Since its reopening, she has noticed people frequently using the space to work, and many join the club specifically for a quiet place to work one or two days a week.

Within the club, various clubs like the Wine Club, Scotch Club, and Young Professionals Club cater to members’ interests. Members find the most success when they participate and build their network by attending events like the monthly member mixers.

Toni-Marie believes the key to success is being visible and approachable. She often interacts with members throughout the club, pouring coffee or serving food. By initiating conversations and following up with emails or coffee meetings, she creates meaningful connections that strengthen the club’s community. “Don’t be afraid to engage with others at the club; they’re here for a purpose, and you’re likely part of it,” she advises.

She encourages members not to be afraid to engage with others at the club, as they are all there for a purpose. Whether you’re a young professional or a seasoned entrepreneur looking to level up, there’s a place for you at the Calgary Petroleum Club. It’s a warm, inviting, and friendly place where business happens.

Joining the Calgary Petroleum Club opens up many doors, as it has 400 reciprocal clubs worldwide. Toni-Marie has been at the club for 33 years and is excited about the future. “As we celebrate our 75th anniversary in 2023 and with the Calgary economy picking up, it’s a great time to be a part of this club,” she enthuses. The club is even talking about waitlists again, a phenomenon not seen in years. The programming is exciting, and Toni-Marie is proud to work with her team. “I am continually amazed by the passion and dedication of our team here at the club. They make it possible for us to provide our members with the best possible experience.”

As the first female General Manager of the Calgary Petroleum Club, Toni-Marie Ion-Brown is a shining example of how to successfully navigate the world of business networking while staying true to her values of service excellence, respect, and personal connections. With her leadership, the club continues to evolve and thrive, providing its members with a welcoming and inclusive space to connect and grow.

Toni-Marie invites everyone to explore what the club has to offer: “Whether you’re just starting in your career or have decades of experience, there’s a place for you at the Calgary Petroleum Club. It’s a warm, inviting, and friendly place where business happens, and lifelong connections are made. So come join us at the Calgary Petroleum Club – it’s the place to be.”

As Toni-Marie Ion-Brown continues to lead the Calgary Petroleum Club into the future, her unwavering commitment to service excellence, respect, and personal connections ensures that the club remains a cornerstone of the Calgary business community. With her at the helm, the club will continue to grow, adapt, and serve its members, fostering an environment where connections are made, and business thrives.

Check out Toni-Marie IonBrown full interview on Calgary Petroleum Club’s Back to Business podcast.

Once a small-town girl from rural Alberta, Toni-Marie Ion-Brown found her calling as the Calgary Petroleum Club for 33 years. Passionate about people and networking, she has transformed the club into a diverse and inclusive space, fostering connections and growth. As the first female General Manager, Toni-Marie’s visionary leadership and commitment to service excellence make her a trailblazer in the world of business networking.

Hosted jointly by Wines of South Africa and Opimian Wine Club de Vin, the dinner will feature a 4-course dinner paired with an iconic range of wines from highly acclaimed South African wineries and winemakers and vintages A winemaker from South Africa will also join us for the dinner to speak about the wine industry in South Africa, key varietals to watch out for and discuss the wines being poured at the dinner in detail