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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Wednesday, May 14, 2014 | 10 Longo's is a family affair for Rosanne Longo by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver Rosanne Longo's job doesn't feel like work because she loves what she does. According to the Longo's Family Charitable Foundation chair, having passion for what you do is the best way to become successful. Longo will be sharing her story and more tips for aspiring or struggling entrepreneurs when she speaks at the Breakfast Seminar Series on Monday, June 2, presented by Metroland Media Group. It takes place at the Burlington Convention Centre, 1120 Burloak Dr., from 7-9:30 a.m. The seminar, which will be headlined by `dragon' and prominent entrepreneur Arlene Dickinson -- one of five venture capitalists on CBC's Dragon's Den -- is part of Entrepreneur Week (June 2-13). The week recognizes the successes of local entrepreneurs as a community while encouraging others to be innovative in order to drive the local economy. "I'm really excited to be representing our family in the entrepreneurial spirit. We've been a part of the (Halton) community for 42 years. The fact they chose us makes me really proud," said Longo. Possessing an entrepreneurial spirit means being enthusiastic, innovative and taking Longo family members, from left, Anthony Longo, Rosie Yeatman, Rosanne Longo, Joey Longo, Gus Longo (founder), Jenny Passafiume, Carolyn Longo, Marie Iuglio and Mike Longo. | submitted photo risks in what you do, Longo said. "In our family, my dad and two uncles ­ the three founders of Longo's ­ their vision was not to just build a business to provide opportunities for themselves, but to provide opportunities for those around them," said Longo. "It was for the team members to keep them with us and to work with our vendor and community partners to make the world a better place." Longo's has been a family-owned food retailer since 1956 and currently operates 26 stores across the GTA, including two in Oakville as well as in Burlington and Milton. Longo earned a business degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1993. She began full time with the company in 1995 and then became the foundation chair after its inception in 1998. "I worked outside of the family business when I graduated for a little bit. I was actually going to be a chartered accountant, but my real passion was for food," said Longo. "I came back to the family business when the time was right and when there was an opportunity to use the skills I gained." In 2009, Longo's launched a partnership with Oakville chef and restaurateur Julia Hanna to operate Kids Culinary Community -- a not-for-profit organization educating children for free on healthy eating habits and basic cooking skills -- at Longo's Lofts. "The business we're in is constantly changing, it's constantly challenging. It's very competitive. The people I'm around have a passion for food and eating, which is always a big help," said Longo. see Learning on p.11 THE SUMMER HEAT ARE YOU READY? Replace your Furnace and Air Conditioner! Our 11pc Epicurean Cookware set features thick 18/10 stainless steel, ergonomic riveted handles, thick encapsulated base for fast, even heat control, induction compatible and backed by our 25 year warranty. Set includes: 1.5L, 2L & 3L saucepans, 5L Dutch oven, 24cm/9.5" frying pan, 3L sauté pan, and 5 covers. List: $699.99. IS COMING $ in rebates and discounts 2,350 UP TO * 71% 71% OFF! OFF! 10 YEAR PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY 47 years Backed by Coleman's 2014 $19999 MAY 14 Canadiana fry pans feature an Enviro-friendly, brown ceramic coating that is PFOA and PTFE free. 20cm/8" Canadiana fry pan. List: $129.99. Now $39.99 24cm/9.5" Canadiana fry pan. List: $139.99. Now $44.99 28cm/12" 28cm /12" Canadiana Canadiana fry fr y pan. pa n. List: $149.99. Now $59.99 TH TO 18 TH ONLY AT: UP TO 69% OFF! Appleby Home Hardware 5111 New Street Goodness Me 1000 Upper Gage Maplegrove Home Hardware Maplegrove Village Shopping Centre 511 Maplegrove Dr. BURLINGTON 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* *Limited time offer; O.A.C. See store for details We Service All Makes of central air conditioners and gas furnaces HAMILTON SPECIAL We will pay the HST for your next home comfort system OFFER maintenance. Limited time offer. Can not be combined with any other offer. · 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE · QUALIFIED MECHANICS · QUALITY WORKMANSHIP · Bronte Rd Bronte Rd SYSTEMS hours 905 Oakville 905-825-1893 Burlington 905-335-3203 Lakeshore Lakeshore Rd Rd Information & dealers: 1-800-A NEW-POT or www.paderno.com. Not all locations open Sunday. Quantities limited, please be early. Sale items may not be exactly as shown. www.applebysystems.ca Third Line Third Line OAKVILLE APPLEBY Showroom Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm Sat 11 am - 4 pm Showroom Phone: 905-825-1929 2086 Speers Rd. Oakville 24 HR. HOTLINE QEW Speers Rd