Exclusive CPC Member Benefits at Predator Ridge Golf Resort
REAL ESTATE REDEFINED
Navigate Calgary’s Market with Insights from Lisa Atkins & Tania Grassi
THE POWER SHIFT
How Small Teams & Smart Systems Are Beating Big Business
EXPLORE THE RICH HISTORY AND PRESTIGE OF THE WORLD’S TOP WINE CLASSIFICATIONS— FROM BURGUNDY TO ALSACE
Lisa Atkins and Tania Grassi break down the 2025 market outlook
EVENTS PREVIEW
From cocktail courses to Sicilian sunsets, here’s what’s on this summer
CPC members gain access to one of BC’s top luxury golf resorts
THE POWER SHIFT
How lean teams and smart AI systems are outpacing big business
FROM ZERO TO BRAND HERO
A practical guide to building your brand on a budget 28. FUN AT THE CLUB
Making memories at CPC member events.
CPC STAMPEDE LINEUP
All the details on this summer’s parade, rodeo, and concert events
WHY CANADIAN WHISKY IS GAINING INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION AND HOW CPC MEMBERS ARE RAISING A GLASS ON THE COVER
Enjoy tasty dishes with all new menus throughout the Club.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
When you walk into the Club as a member, you’re immediately greeted by name. The management and staff at the Club know who you are, and they are so glad you’ve come. It reminds me of Cheers, the ‘80s sitcom. Who among us did not want to walk into Cheers and be greeted with recognition that we are part of a welcome community of friends and colleagues. That is how I feel about the Club, and I hope that you do too.
What has always struck me about the value of membership in the CPC is that it focuses on both your business and family relationships. Indeed, the CPC is not only a place where industry leaders meet to get to know one another and get business done, it also offers many events for members to bring family and close friends for a more intimate personal experience. If you only come for lunch from time to time, I encourage you to visit the CPC’s website and check out the membership benefits page and the entertainment guide. There is so much to choose from.
Calgary is known for its entrepreneurial spirit. At the CPC, we are the city we live in. In 2025 we introduced the Pitch Club, which brings visionary entrepreneurs to the stage to pitch their innovative business ideas to an expert panel of judges. The Pitch Club is an event full of inspiration and opportunity. Like the CPC, the Pitch Club reflects who we are, and the community we live in, which, of course, includes the Calgary Stampede! We are excited to let you know that on Friday, July 11, we will once again be entertained by George Canyon! You may not know this, but George Canyon is also an accomplished artist. As a special treat, he will be bringing in several of his pieces for sale to members.
I would like to thank Past President David Langlois for his leadership this past year. David has been a strong leader, but on a lighter note, it will be hard to top David’s Halloween-themed “President’s Party” last year. I would also like to thank all of the Governors for their hard work and dedication. We are all volunteers who are committed to ensuring that the CPC retains its more than 77-year standing as one of Calgary’s most prestigious clubs. Finally, I would be remiss not to mention how proud I am to be serving with Toni-Marie, the Club’s General Manager, and her excellent team of managers and staff. In 2024 Toni-Marie was awarded the prestigious Club Manager of the Year Award from the Club Management Association of Canada. It is an incredible achievement for Toni-Marie and her entire team.
The CPC is thriving. With the pandemic behind us, we are enjoying the strongest volume of new membership sales and revenues in 10 years! We’ve seen impressive increases in membership of professional women in business and are encouraged by the number of young professionals we attract and retain.
I’ve said it before and I will say it again, you belong here!
Sincerely,
Alicia Quesnel President Calgary Petroleum Club
Redefined Realty: Making Moves That Matter: Q1 Update and the 2025 Outlook
Wondering what’s happening in Calgary’s real estate market this year?
You’re not alone. With more listings hitting the market and price growth leveling off, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of balance. Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s all about being strategic and informed—and that’s where we come in. Let’s take a look at what Q1 has revealed and what you can expect for the rest of the year.
The Calgary real estate market in 2025 is transitioning toward more balanced conditions following a period of rapid growth. Q1 2025 was characterized by moderating sales activity, a significant increase in new listings, and a stabilization of price appreciation. This shift provides buyers with greater selection and reduces the intense competition seen in previous years.
While the market is shifting, the early part of Q1 likely still presented some seller’s market characteristics, especially in desirable segments and price points. Some properties were still selling quickly, even with multiple offers. Economic conditions, interest rate movements, and the balance between supply and demand in different housing segments will likely influence the market’s future performance. The forecast for the remainder of 2025
suggests continuing this trend with stable sales, increased inventory, and moderate price growth.
Overall residential sales in Q1 2025 decreased compared to Q1 2024. For example, March 2025 saw a 19% year-over-year decrease in sales.
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2025, several factors will influence the market. Interest rate adjustments by the Bank of Canada—though expected to be gradual—will play a role. Additionally, global economic uncertainties and fluctuations in oil prices could impact consumer confidence.
For buyers, this means doing thorough research, securing preapproval, and being prepared to act decisively when the right property emerges. For sellers, it’s about pricing strategically,
presenting your home effectively, and working with an experienced realtor who understands the local market dynamics. The balance between supply and demand in different housing segments will continue to shape the market’s performance throughout the year.
At Redefined Realty, founded by Tania Grassi and Lisa Atkins, we specialize in premium residential real estate, offering a bespoke experience tailored to your lifestyle. We listen intently,
understand your needs intuitively, and stand with you through every part of the process. Our combined expertise provides practical counsel and visionary thinking, ensuring you feel confident and empowered throughout the journey.
We are deeply connected to the Calgary communities we serve, believing in a neighbourly approach that prioritizes your long-term well-being. Discover the difference of Redefined Realty.
“March reported over 4,000 new listings, causing the sales-to-new-listing ratio to drop to 54 per cent, low enough to support further inventory gains. Total residential inventory levels reached 5,154 units, and the months of supply pushed up to 2.4 months. While this is a significant change from last year, with limited supply options across all property types and price ranges, conditions reflect a better balance between a seller and a buyer today. However, the market significantly varies depending on location, price point, and property type.”
— CREB® City of Calgary Monthly Statistics, March 2025
City of Calgary Q1 2025 Statistics 1.25% Y/Y 0.03% Q/Q
$587,700
Source: Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) @creb
Lisa Atkins and Tania Grassi bring a unique blend of heart, hustle, and experience to every client interaction.
Lisa aims to redefine real estate with transparent and honest communication, ethical decision-making, evolving market knowledge and professionalism— through and through.
Tania aims to redefine real estate by bringing confidence, tested experience and a little grit from her entrepreneurial past-life to provide the highest calibre of service possible.
Together, they’re redefining real estate through honesty, professionalism, and a people-first approach— making every move matter.
Tania Grassi
Lisa Atkins
Care that feels like home. Because it is.
COMPANIONSHIP
Friendly and compassionate Care Pros care for the heart as much as the body
PERSONAL CARE
Bathing, grooming, and dressing assistance keeps essential routines in place
MEAL PREP & HOME HELP
TRANSPORTATION
Reliable transportation helps maintain an essential connection to the community
END-OF-LIFE CARE
We provide support with dignity so your family can make the most of its precious time together
CHRONIC CONDITION SUPPORT port ditions:
Join Us for Two Unforgettable Events
By Matt Doherty, CPC Bar Manager
Are you a cocktail enthusiast? Are you ready for patio season? As we move into the warmer months, I’m excited to share two incredible events that Chef Joanna and I have personally designed to help you get the most out of the warm weather... Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or someone who enjoys a lively patio party, these events are sure to make your spring and summer memorable. Let me tell you all about them.
Crash Course Cocktails (Summer Edition)
Date: June 26
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Ticket Price: $80 (Limited to 30 people)
I’m beyond excited to host the Crash Course Cocktails (Summer Edition), where I’ll be walking you through everything you need to know about mixology, with a special focus on the refreshing cocktails perfect for summer. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home bartender, this interactive evening will help you refine your cocktail-making skills.
Over the course of the night, I’ll guide you through the essentials—how to shake, stir, muddle, and garnish, along with a few advanced tricks to elevate your cocktails. You’ll learn to craft delicious summer drinks that will impress at any gathering. You won’t just be learning, though—you’ll also get to taste six expertly crafted 1oz drinks, each paired with carefully selected appetizers designed to complement the flavours in your glass.
This event is all about having fun while honing your craft. It’s hands-on and interactive, so you’ll be working directly with me to perfect your skills. With only 30 spots available, this intimate setting ensures you get the personal attention and guidance you deserve, so don’t wait too long to secure your ticket.
Sicilian Sunset: Patio Edition
Date: July 25
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Ticket Price: $75 (Limited to 40 people)
On July 25, we are inviting you to join us for the Sicilian Sunset: Patio Edition—an event that will transport you straight to the Italian coast. Picture this: an evening on our aboveground patio, with the sun setting over the horizon, the sounds of Italian music in the air, and the flavors of Sicily all around you. It’s the perfect way to kick back and embrace the beauty of summer.
From 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, we’ll enjoy delicious Italian-inspired food and drinks, including a glass of crisp Prosecco to start, followed by two Italian cocktails and small plates of fresh Italian appetizers. To round out the experience, we’ll indulge in a selection of Charcuterie and a choice of one dessert that will leave you feeling like you’re dining in your favorite Sicilian bistro.
This event is all about relaxed elegance and enjoying the little things—good food, great drinks, and beautiful surroundings. I’m excited to share the charm of Italy with you right here in Calgary, and I can’t wait to see you there for this sunset soirée. With only 40 spots available, it’s sure to be an intimate, unforgettable evening.
Tickets and Registration
Both events are now open for booking, and I’d love for you to join us for either or both. These kinds of events are more than just a night out—they’re experiences designed to create lasting memories and connections. Reserve your tickets online through the Club website, or by email to: cpcevent@ calpeteclub.com
I can’t wait to see you there and share these incredible experiences with you. Let’s make this spring and summer unforgettable!
MEMBER BENEFITS
Experience the Best of the Okanagan at Predator Ridge Resort
Where world-class golf meets luxury living and wellness
Located in British Columbia’s sunny Okanagan Valley, Predator Ridge Resort is more than just a destination - it’s a lifestyle.
With two award-winning golf courses, luxurious accommodations, a wide range of amenities and a vibrant residential community of almost 1,000 homes and growing, Predator Ridge offers something for everyone. For Calgary Petroleum Club members, it gets even better, with exclusive reciprocal access and preferred rates to enjoy all that Predator Ridge has to offer.
Championship Golf with a View Golf at Predator Ridge is nothing short of spectacular. The resort is home to two distinct 18-hole championship courses: the Predator Course, designed by legendary architect Les Furber, and the Ridge Course, crafted by Doug Carrick, which have both earned accolades are both rated as two of Canada’s top public courses. The Ridge Course offers dramatic
elevation changes and stunning lake views, while the Predator Course delivers a true linksstyle challenge. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a weekend enthusiast, each round on these immaculate courses is a memorable experience that captures the natural beauty of the Okanagan.
The full-service practice facility, expert instruction, and a vibrant community make Predator Ridge a golfer’s paradise. For Calgary Petroleum Club members, our reciprocal partnership gives you exclusive access and preferred green fees.
Luxurious
Stays in the Heart of Wine Country
Predator Ridge offers a wide range of accommodation options, from condo-style suites in our Lodge, to private cottages overlooking the golf course, up to 5-bedroom executive townhomes. Guests enjoy resort-style living with access to world-class golf courses, elevated dining and incredible
patio views, fitness, and outdoor recreation right outside your door.
Whether you’re visiting for a golf weekend, a family getaway, or a romantic escape, the resort provides the perfect balance of destination resort charm paired with modern amenities and conveniences. Resort amenities include outdoor pools, access to 75km+ of walking trails, Fitness Centre and classes, outdoor yoga platforms, tennis + pickleball centre, electric bike rentals to explore nearby scenic routes and so much more.
Live the Predator Ridge Lifestyle
Predator Ridge isn’t just a place to live - it’s a way of life. Whether you’re relocating fulltime, spending your summers, or transitioning over time, this award-winning resort community offers a lifestyle unmatched anywhere in the Okanagan - or Western Canada.
Located just a six-hour drive from Calgary and under 30 minutes
from Kelowna International Airport, Predator Ridge offers rare access to a thriving, connected community surrounded by natural beauty. As one of the only masterplanned communities in B.C. exempt from the Speculation and Vacancy Tax, your investment here goes entirely into the life you want to live.
What sets Predator Ridge apart is the community itself. Here, you’ll meet your neighbours, form lasting friendships, and take part in a lifestyle as active, or as relaxed, as you choose. Residents enjoy exclusive loyalty perks, a vibrant events calendar, and access to exceptional wellness and recreational amenities.
It’s no surprise so many Calgarians have chosen Predator Ridge - as a year-round residence, a seasonal escape, or a long-term transition into the Okanagan lifestyle.
CPC Member Benefits
Members of the Calgary Petroleum Club enjoy exclusive reciprocal privileges at Predator Ridge, including:
Exclusive accommodation rates
Preferred tee times and green fees
• Member pricing in retail outlets
• Access to member amenities, and so much more
This unique partnership makes Predator Ridge an ideal Okanagan escape for Club members seeking a premium golf and lifestyle destination.
Discover the difference at Predator Ridge—where every visit feels like coming home.
For more information or to book your stay, visitpredatorridge.com/resort and use code: RECIPMEMBER25
The Power Shift: How Small Teams and Smart Systems Are Beating Big Business
If you still believe growing your business means hiring more people… this article will challenge everything you think you know about leadership, scale, and the future of work.
Today’s most dangerous assumption in business is that size and headcount equal strength and authority. But in the AI era, we have officially entered, size is no longer security—it’s friction.
The fundamental power shift isn’t about growing horizontally by adding bodies but expanding capacity with fewer resources.
AI isn’t just making businesses more efficient—it’s redefining a business. And the companies winning right now? They’re lean, strategic, adaptive, and scaling fast through intelligent systems— while others are still managing layers of bloated teams.
The Rise of the AI-Native Business Model
A new generation of companies is rewriting the rules. And they’re doing it with remarkably small teams.
ElevenLabs, the AI voice generation platform, is valued at over $1 billion and has fewer than 20 employees.
Mercor, an AI-powered recruiting platform, hit a $2 billion valuation with under 30 people.
Synerise , a Polish AI analytics firm, reached an $85 million valuation, leveraging automation to deliver enterprise-level marketing insights with minimal overhead.
Faris.ai, the world’s first fully autonomous AI real estate agent, closed over $100 million in home sales in 2024. Operating without a broker’s license or human supervision, it handled listings, negotiations, and buyer interactions entirely through AI—reshaping how real estate transactions are executed.
These aren’t outliers. They’re signals of a larger shift: Scale is no longer built on labour but on leverage - AI leverage.
Smart Systems Outpacing Large Teams
These companies aren’t growing by hiring more. They’re growing by integrating intelligent systems that:
• Eliminate repetitive tasks
• Enhance decision-making
• Operate 24/7 without fatigue, error, or bureaucracy.
Strategy moves faster. Execution gets tighter. Margins expand. And the competitive gap grows wider—quietly but exponentially.
Real-World Disruption: Legacy Industries Are Already Shifting
This isn’t about startups anymore. AI is transforming legacy sectors from the inside out. Here’s what that looks like today:
Oil & Gas
Old: Reactive maintenance and costly downtime
New: AI-powered monitoring predicts equipment failures before they happen—cutting losses and increasing uptime.
Engineering
Old: Manual simulations, delayed reporting, long design cycles
New: AI tools simulate scenarios, optimize designs, and flag risk factors in real-time
New: AI scans market conditions and personalized investment plans and flags fraud within seconds.
Legal
Old: Contract review, case law research, compliance checks— manually done
New: AI models summarize, compare, and analyze legal documents—reducing risk and turnaround time
In every case, the message is clear: Intelligence now scales faster—and more profitably—than the workforce.
Industries Are Being Rewritten
This shift isn’t limited to operations. Entire industries are being redefined:
Hollywood: Creators are now writing complete scripts, producing music, animating films, and generating voiceovers using AI. Entire production pipelines are collapsing into single-person studios.
Publishing: AI is writing books, designing covers, narrating audiobooks—and uploading finished products to platforms like Amazon and Spotify within hours.
Fashion: Brands like H&M have replaced live models with AIgenerated clones—eliminating photography, styling, and scheduling altogether.
AI is not automating tasks; it’s automating industries.
My Business Is Proof
I don’t just advise on this shift—I’ve built my own company around it.
Roselle, my AI content creator, helps me publish thought leadership in hours instead of days.
My AI strategist, Valora Rae, analyzes trends and data to support faster, more informed business moves.
Elantra, my AI webmaster, built my website in hours—no backand-forth with a developer.
My AI sales agent, Kieran, qualifies leads and enters them into my CRM 24/7.
Nyxon AI, my video editor and podcast co-host, runs my video content and podcast. He chops, edits, writes, and schedules it while I sleep.
This isn’t about eliminating people. It’s about removing repetitive, mundane work from strategy, communication, and execution and creating time for meaningful work.
The Real Risk Is Staying the Same
The biggest risk isn’t making the wrong AI move—it’s waiting too long to create one. Because while traditional businesses prepare and debate, AI-native companies are executing and thriving. They’re leaner, faster, and more agile. And they’re quietly eating up market share without drawing much attention—until it’s too late.
The Executive Edge Moving Forward
If you’re a CEO, executive, entrepreneur, or strategic decision-maker, the question is no longer “Should we explore AI?” It’s “How do we start integrating it now—before we’re disrupted by someone who already has?”
This fall, I’ll host an executive workshop at the Petroleum Club to walk through these shifts, show how AI adoption works in practice, and offer simple, practical frameworks to begin building your AI-integrated organization.
This is the moment where leaders are either defined—or left behind. You get to decide which you are.
If you know it’s time to move— reach out. You don’t need all the answers—just the right first step.
Oksana Irwin is a Canadian entrepreneur, executive coach, and AI integration advisor with over 20 years of experience scaling multimillion-dollar companies. She helps executives and founders leverage AI to boost productivity, profitability, and leadership, bridging traditional business models with the future of work. Connect with Oksana on LinkedIn or visit Quantum Leaps AI at quantum-leaps-ai.lovable.app
Future Leaders Program
Attention Young Professional Members
Front Strategy Design & Develop Customer Aquisition
FROM THE CELLAR
The Concept of Grand Cru
By CPC’s Sommelier, Luis Elias Obregon
Terroir is a French word often used in wine lingo that, by definition, is the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as soil, topography, climat and human work. The most important thing about a wine is that it tastes like where it was made. Never would we appreciate a Barolo with Napa Valley-like fruit flavours and American oak in it.
Even though this concept is relatively modern, medieval European monks recognized this attribute and dedicated themselves to studying the land for centuries. After all, as a monk, everyday life was: eat, pray & drink. And they became experts at beer and wine making! The monastic orders of Cluny and Cîteaux (Cistercians) took this study to the next level. In every wine-producing area where these orders had a presence, the monks took the arduous task of studying and mapping the different plots of vineyards. This was done over many centuries to the point that every valuable piece of land was named and given a value according to the quality of wine produced from it.
As a prior, you would only offer the best wines as gifts to your King, let alone the once-in-a-lifetime event, should the Pope come to visit your monastery. Monks such as Dom Perignon dedicated their entire life to the study of the land and how to improve the quality of the wines. He’s attributed to the invention of champagne. However, he dedicated all his life to preventing his wines from sparkling! He did lay down, however, the blend of three grapes that make the most famous and delicious bubbly liquid.
Fast forward to 1855, when two significant events took place in France that would forever change how we differentiate wines: First, the 1855 Medoc Classification commissioned by Napoleon III as part of the World Fair in Paris. Second, Dr. Jules Lavalle published an influential book, “Histoire et Statistique de la Vigne de Grands Vins de la Côte-d’Or,” which included an unofficial classification of the Burgundy vineyards named climats
Before I start describing the differences between the Grand Crus in France, we must first learn what a Cru means. A cru is a vineyard or group of vineyards that produce high-quality wine that has been recognized for its attributes for multiple years. The term “cru” comes from the French word croître, which means “to grow.” Each country’s governing bodies determine if a particular area is elevated
to “Cru” status. For instance, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a cru of the Rhone Valley.
Certain crus go even deeper and have higher quality labels, such as Premier Cru and Grand Cru. The latter is the highest quality designation to be given. The French were the first to establish this concept in 1936 with the creation of “appellation d’origine contrôlée.” Germany and Austria only started designating Premier Cru and Grand Cru status in the 21st century.
Here is a list of wine regions that have Premier Cru and Grand Cru designations for their wines:
Bordeaux
Napoleon III commissioned his brother Jerome Napoleon to take charge of the World Fair held in Paris in 1855. The event’s focus was to showcase the unique agricultural products that France had to offer the world. Together with the Chamber of Commerce, their mission was to make life simple for the wealthy traveller interested in purchasing wine. Thus, the 1855 Medoc Classification was born with 61 chateaux ranked in five tiers or Grand Cru Classé. Graves followed suit in 1953 and St-Emilion in 1955 (the only one revised every ten years). In Bordeaux, the estates rather than single vineyards were classified into Grand Cru
Classé. For instance, if a classified chateau purchases more vineyards, those new vineyards would automatically be part of the Grand Cru Classé chateaux.
Champagne
With the Grand Marques in Champagne purchasing most of the grapes from the peasant growers in a corrupt Third Party rating system, the “Champagne Riots” came to be. The farmers took to the streets of Epernay and Reims with torches and pitchforks, ready to riot. The government had to intervene to calm everyone down, so the “Echelles des Grand Crus de Champagne” was chartered. This was a rating system with 17 villages getting premium ratings, allowing all growers from such villages to be paid for their harvest at the highest ranking possible set by the government, and not brokers on the big houses’ payroll. A tier down, 44 villages were ranked as Premier Cru. Most wineries have vineyards in different Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages throughout the region. The mention of the status of the village is allowed to be displayed on the label.
Burgundy
Based on the study by the monks throughout centuries and by Dr. Lavalle’s unofficial list, in 1936, the INAO established 33 single vineyards in the Cote d’Or and Chablis to be recognized as the best-producing climats of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay called Grand Cru. These vineyards have the right to bear the vineyard’s name as the appellation without using the village where they are situated. For instance, Clos de la Roche appears on the label without mentioning Morey-StDenis, which contains this Grand Cru. A step down are over 400 vineyards classified as Premier Cru. Most of the time, they are adjacent vineyards to the Grand Crus. Premier Crus must display the village of pertinence. For instance, the Premier Cru Rugiens in Pommard would be Pommard 1er Cru Rugiens. Different producers might have parcels of vines in one or more Grand Crus or Premier Crus with very few monopolies. The world’s most expensive bottles of wine come from Grand Crus in Burgundy.
Alsace
Like Burgundy, 51 vineyards were recognized as Grand Cru from 1975 until 2007. Alsace Grand Cru wines can only be produced using one of four white grape varieties: Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer. The wines must be exclusively made using a single variety and may be labelled as such. Late-harvest wines must be labelled by grape variety. The “Route des Grand Crus” is a beautiful highway that drives through the region with the names of the classified vineyards encrusted into the hills. However, there are no Premier
no Alsace Grand Cru monopolies; multiple producers share all 51 Grand Crus. One sort of exception might be Clos Sainte Hune, a vineyard within the Grand Cru Rosacker.
Germany & Austria
Grand Cru wines are called Grosses Gewächs (GGs). Both countries produce the highestquality wines from grapes grown in premium vineyards. Premier Cru is called Erste Lage. Both designations were based on 19thcentury Prussian tax maps. Most of these winemakers are based in Mosel, Pfalz, and Franken regions.
translates to “great growths” or “grand cru.” There are also several monopoles here, with soaring prices from some of these wines.
You can find examples of all these Grand Crus in our wine list! Don’t let the long wording intimidate you when ordering them. It is recommended to cellar them for a decade before enjoying them. Luckily, we hold that practice as our standard here at the club. I hope to catch you soon ordering a bottle of your new hidden gem single vineyard wines in the coming months.
O Canada: The whisky world’s next big destination?
By Ryan Ackers
Canada has long been recognized as a major player in whisky production. Many argue that the country’s first moment in the spotlight came during Prohibition, when bootleggers hired by Al Capone and others, smuggled whisky, produced by both native distilleries and those established in Canada to avoid U.S. Prohibition laws, across the Great Lakes and land borders.
Sadly, for many Canadians, it feels like not much excitement has happened since. But things aren’t always what they seem.
Canadian distilleries have produced some of the world’s best whisky over the past several years, winning several notable awards on the international stage. While international whisky enthusiasts have long held Canadian whisky in high regard, Canadians have tended to look down on its placement as a premium spirit.
Then came 2016, when Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye was selected as the World’s Best Whisky in the renowned yet controversial Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, which was widely considered the top whisky award. This shocked many Canadians but forced Canadians to pay attention to the amazing spirit produced in our national backyard.
Then came Alberta Premium Cask Strength’s Whisky Bible win in 2021. Canadians have since paid more attention, but for the most part, are still unaware of the excellent whisky being produced by small, independent distilleries.
Victoria’s Macaloney’s Island Distillery, a CPC favourite, not only cleaned up at the 2025 Canadian Whisky Awards but has also taken home so many medals in the World Whisky Awards that only three other distilleries on the planet have earned more awards
than this excellent Canadian distillery has since entering the contest in 2020.
In March, your Slàinte Mhath Scotch and Other Whiskies Society hosted its annual Smackdown, focusing on Canadian whiskies, given the current geopolitical environment. We started our journey in Yukon with Two Brewers, worked our way down to Saskatoon with Black Fox, over to Calgary with Bridgeland and Great Plains, and across the Rocky Mountains to Vancouver Island to end our journey at Campbell River’s Shelter Point and Victoria’s Macaloney’s Island Distillery.
The feedback was outstanding. Many attendees commented that it was our best tasting yet and some of the best whisky they’ve tasted (we have hosted dozens of Slàinte Mhath events since Robbie Burns Day in 2018, all featuring outstanding whiskies).
Since founding Slàinte Mhath on Robbie Burns Day 2018, we have focused on the following:
• Like with good character, good whisky isn’t determined by an age statement but rather by the methods by which it is made
A high price tag does not always equate to a better whisky
• Excellent whiskies are found off the beaten path, from countries you won’t expect
• Canada produces some of the world’s best whisky
We hope to see you soon. Slàinte Mhath!
How can you get in on the action and taste amazing Canadian and worldly whiskies?
Attend a Slàinte Mhath event
Consider purchasing a Slàinte Mhath VIP membership, which unlocks considerable discounts at the CPC, our whisky retail partners, cigar shops, and other partners and gives you first notice and access to exclusive events and opportunities
Visit one of our valued retail partners and purchase a bottle of excellent Canadian whisky (at a 10%-18% discount if you’re a Slàinte Mhath VIP member
Check out the results from the 2025 Canadian Whisky Awards canadianwhisky awards.com
Join the CPC Scotch & Other Whiskies Society
AKA Slàinte Mhath
Love whisky, scotch, and fine spirits? Join fellow CPC members for exclusive tastings, education, and special events—including opportunities to meet distillers and producers.
Membership: $75/year Enjoy these benefits:
• Discounts on all Slàinte Mhath events
• 10% off single whisky drinks (20% off doubles) at the Club
• 10% off at Co-op World of Whisky
• 10% off at Kensington Wine Market
• 10% off at Vine Arts
• 15% off at Craft Cellars
• Cost + 18% at Rocky Mountain Wine & Spirits
• 10%–20% off cigars at Tobacco Outlet / TO Cigar Boutique
• 10% off cigars at Zigarren
• Kent of Inglewood Discount Points Program
• First access & discounts on CPC Exclusive Cask Bottlings
• Invitations to exclusive whisky events around Calgary
Slàinte Mhath! Cheers to great spirits and good company.
From Zero to Brand Hero: Establishing Your Brand Identity on a Budget
Let’s clear something up right away: you don’t need a huge budget or a full design team to build a beautiful, impactful brand. What you do need is clarity, consistency, and a touch of creativity.
Whether you’re just starting out or refreshing your business on a shoestring, you can absolutely build a brand that looks and feels professional—without maxing out your credit card.
Brand identity isn’t just about a logo. It’s the full experience people have with your business. It’s your vibe, your visuals, your voice—and how those elements come together to tell your story. And when done intentionally, even the simplest brand can make a lasting impression.
Here’s how to go from zero to brand hero, no big spend required:
1. Start with the soul of your brand
Before you design anything, get clear on what your brand stands for. Ask yourself:
• What values guide my business?
Who am I here to help? What transformation do I offer?
Your answers are the foundation of your brand story. This clarity will shape your messaging, your tone, and the visuals you choose— saving you time and secondguessing down the line.
2. Choose your brand personality
If your brand were a person, how would they show up? Are they fun and cheeky? Grounded and calming? Bold and empowering? Defining your brand voice early helps you write captions, emails, and web copy that actually sound like you—not a stock template.
3. Pick 2–3 brand colours and 1–2 fonts
You don’t need a 20-page brand guide to look polished. Canva, Coolors.co, or even Pinterest are perfect for finding colour palettes that feel aligned with your style. Stick with two core fonts: one for headings and one for body text. Keep it simple, readable, and consistent.
4. DIY your visuals— but stay consistent
Canva is your best friend here. It’s free (or affordable), easy to use, and packed with templates for everything from Instagram graphics to business cards. Create a few reusable templates that reflect your colours, fonts, and tone. This creates that “pro” look without the custom designer price tag.
5. Craft a mini brand kit
This can be as simple as a Google Doc or Canva mood board that includes:
Your brand values + mission
Voice/tone guidelines
Colour hex codes
• Fonts
Logo files (even if you made it yourself in Canva)
Having all your elements in one place keeps you focused and consistent as you grow.
6. Focus on connection over perfection
People connect with you, not just your design. Be honest, be kind, and show up with intention. Your brand will evolve—but starting with heart, clarity, and consistency will always carry you further than flashy design alone.
Julie Haskill is a seasoned marketing and communications professional specializing in strategic branding and design. As Principal & Creative Director at Muse Design, she empowers entrepreneurs with compelling brand narratives and impactful visual storytelling. Connect with Julie at a CPC event for thoughtful advice and creative collaboration.
Fun at the Club
PURCHASE IN GROUPS OF 2*
PARADE DAY
FRIDAY JULY 4TH
PREMIUM BLEACHER SEATING
Doors Open - 7:00 am
Breakfast - 7:15 am - 8:45 am
In Seats - 9:00 am
Lunch - 11:00 am
AFTERNOON RODEO
AVAILABLE DATES:
JULY 8TH, JULY 9TH, & JULY 10TH
Afternoon Rodeo Package
*Includes Lunch Buffet, live music & 1 ticket
Lunch: Opens at 11:00 am
Rodeo: 1:30 pm
will be provided via email
CHUCKWAGONS & EVENING SHOW $239
AVAILABLE DATES: JULY 10TH
*Includes Dinner Buffet & 1 ticket
Dinner: Opens at 5:00 pm
Race Starts: 7:45 pm
will be provided via email
MEMBER MIXER $10
THURSDAY JULY 10TH
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Dust off your boots, grab a friend or colleague, and join us for a great evening of networking and Stampede fun at the CPC Stampede Member Mixer! Live music by Girl Haggard - Proceeds go towards ‘Put the Boots to Hunger’
We ask all Club members to please email a recent headshot of yourself to: memberships@calpeteclub.com so that we can add this to your electronic member file. This will enhance the security of your membership and assist our staff in getting to know you by name.
It’s Personal is one of our core values, and knowing you by name reinforces this value.
You can also upload a photo of yourself, via the members side of the Club website.
If you require assistance logging in, contact the club at 403-260-6367 or by email: contactus@calpeteclub.com
