Page 5 - Summer 2024 TYC Magazine

The YORI<. Club Magazine Summer 20 24 E dition

CV: The 98 per cent membership vote in support of
the renovation project was much higher than industry
benchmarks at other Clubs - even in Toronto. How
was that achieved?
SL: First, it was a team effort over five years by three
Chairs, Presidents and the Boards of the Club. The
R.PC. Committee also played an important role of
interpreting all the information and screening the
different options from a Member's perspective. Mr.
D uport played a pivotal role in coordinating
communications and information with our Members,
consultants and our various committees involved. We
ran four Town Halls to solicit input from our Members
as well as an additional survey and focus groups.
I Removing the old (above) to usher in the new (belonJ
The objective was to be very thorough and
transparent with both good news and bad news, and
carefully listen to everyone who had opinions about the
different proposed changes to the Club. The R.P.C.
remains focused on m aking sure that we execute
responsibly and carefully consider the membership
experience that will ultimately lead to a stronger
community at the Club. We were very pleased to have
received the near unanimous support of our community.
CV: Backing away from the project, and considering the
Club as a whole, there have been significant changes
since you joined in 2013. How has it evolved in the
decade you've been here?
SL: We've got a lot of new Members, many of whom
are younger which is great. We need to continue to have The management team has also added a huge amount
a more diverse membership, and presently we are of value to the Club, in many areas - accounting,
fortunate to have a modest wait list for entrance into the marketing, programming and renovation planning.
Club. Anotl1er key change is tl1e very professional They deserve a lot of the credit for our current success.
management that Mr. D uport and his team bring to CV: To close this interview and build on tl1e work
our membership.At the end of tl1e day, this Club is that's been done in the last six years: We are on the
about building a community. cusp of one of tl1e biggest renovations in Club
There's a deptl1 to tl1e relationships built here that is history. What is your ideal vision for the Club
rare. Mr. Duport and his team help to facilitate tl1at over tl1e next 7 to 10 years?
environment tl1rm1gh tl1e new and interesting SL: I want this Club to be very comfortable for both
programming tl1ey put in place. its older and younger Members, and be a place where
'' they can interact and most importantly build
friendships together. This Club was established over
From my perspective,
114 years ago by a community of Founding Members
The YORI< Club has a who knew and respected each other. Yes, it's a social
club, but it is way more than tl1at: Our Club is where
great future with
its wonderful Members get together to build a
strong membership and strong community of lasting friendships.
a newly renovated Club.

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