Humber People

Anthony Longo: Humber Alumnus Wins Premier's Award

View a short video about Anthony Longo and excerpts from his awards speech:

Humber alumnus, Anthony Longo, has won the Premier's Award for Business. The Award, to be presented at the conference for the Association of Colleges of Applied Arts & Technology on February 18, 2002, recognizes outstanding graduates of the Ontario college system. Only five Premier Awards are given out each year, and Anthony Longo is the fourth Humber winner in four years. Mr. Longo graduated from the Business Administration program at Humber in 1982. He is president and CEO of Longo Brothers Fruit Markets Inc., known for innovation in grocery retail and business practices.

After graduating from Humber, Mr. Longo began work in the family business in Oakville, Ontario. Twenty years later, the chain has grown from 3 to 13 stores. Longo's was named one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies in 2000, and recently received the Platinum Award from Foodland Ontario for presentation of produce and support of local growers.

Recognizing the role that education has played in the success of his business, Mr. Longo has continued his relationship with Humber throughout his career. In 1998, Longo's worked with Humber to develop the curriculum for Longo's College to improve the retail expertise of his employees. The college has become an opportunity for Longo's staff to further their education and grow as individuals. Upon successful completion of the 15-month program, employees earn two credits toward the college-level Ontario Management Development program. This year, almost 100 management employees have registered in the program and will graduate in 2003. Fourteen of Longo's employees are currently taking the Business Administration Diploma program from Humber College.

Mr. Longo has also formed a relationship with the School of Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism at Humber this year. The retail area of the Albert Schnell/Hilton Learning and Catering Centre at Humber has been made possible through a generous donation from Longo's.

"In thinking about what to call the area that sells food prepared by the culinary students at Humber, I think it's important to include learning in the name," says Anthony Longo. "This area helps to give students the opportunity to learn their craft. It is here for the students."

Mr. Longo believes in giving back to the community and he does this by supporting organizations that help children to become healthy, productive and independent adults. Longo's annually contributes to The Hospital for Sick Children, Variety Village, Breakfast Clubs and at least 30 hockey, soccer and baseball teams.

"Anthony Longo personifies the Humber tradition of lifelong learning and improvement. We are proud of our association with this outstanding graduate," says Dr. Robert A. Gordon, President of Humber.

Humber is one of Canada's pre-eminent colleges, delivering a comprehensive range of applied arts and technology programs and providing unique learning solutions for strategic industry sectors.

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