“We’re really looking for those people that have made an impact not just within their own company, but in the greater community.”
“His influence back in the ’80s and ’90s to our industrial sector, he set up businesses here, he let other people know what a great place this was to do business. His influence is still felt today. Especially when you look at our hospitals, and our college and our sports teams. He and his wife Catharine that have really used their experience, their knowledge, their resources to spread some great wealth throughout our communities, through volunteering, through sponsorships, donations, all of those things have been really felt within our community.”
“Education and health care. Kingston General Hospital, Picton Hospital, Belleville Hospital and Trenton Hospital. Quinte Hospice and Prince Edward Hospice, Prince Edward Humane Society of course, because all of my family is big into cats. Loyalist College in a big way.”
“Not only an honour for me, it’s an honour for my family. All the people that worked with me over there. It’s just not for me, it’s for a whole group of people.”
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“The industrial sector in Quinte West has benefitted greatly over the years from the efforts of Lanny Huff and his wife Catharine. Lanny was born and raised in Prince Edward County and has called it home ever since. A chemical engineer by trade, Lanny has spent a great deal of his life in the plastics industry. He has also always had a passion for travel and fine wine and did not hesitate to combine these interests to create Huff Estates in Prince Edward County.”
Lanny has a canny knack to see an opportunity and a natural ability to make things work. He knows the risks but puts in the hard work to establish, build and grow businesses. In 1980, he established Drossbach here in Trenton with partner Max Drossbach, which expanded into a second location in Ohio and was later sold but still operates out of Trenton. He started Enjex and built that company until 1992 when he sold it and operations moved to the United States. In 1999, he started GlobalMed here in Trenton and later he and Catharine moved her company, Anetec of Belleville into the operations. The company has grown over the past 20 years and this company of 35 employees has grown to 300 and exports medical tubing around the globe.
“While growing the businesses, Lanny and his family have always generously supported the community,” said Chamber CEO Suzanne Andrews. “They are community builders – wherever they see a need, they help where they can. The list of charities, hospitals, sports & arts organizations they have supported is extensive.”
The Association of Fundraising Professionals South Eastern Ontario recognized them for the second time last year as Outstanding Philanthropists. They have also been big supporters of Loyalist College with the automotive centre supported in memory of their son Peter. Peter first involved the family in Junior Hockey when he brought the league back to the community with the Trenton Sting. After his passing, Lanny continued to support the team financially and by attending games and continues to be a supporter of the Trenton Golden Hawks and their local rival the Wellington Dukes.
Lanny’s generosity to the community continues in the workplace; he is well known for the great way he supports his employees. “Without them I would have nothing,” states Lanny, “it has always been so important to me to take good care of my co-workers.” Over the last 40 years, Lanny has been a great ambassador for the Quinte Region and the success of his companies has helped attract other companies to Quinte West.
The Honorary Life Time Membership is awarded to local business people that have given freely of their time and expertise over the years to contribute to the growth of our community. Past recipients of this award are: Lt. General Howard Graham; Dr. W.A.L. McDonald; Wilf Wilkinson; Ian Darling; Doug Whitley; Eben James Sr.; Phil Panelas; Paul Tripp; Peter Davis; Rob Brown; Hugh O’Neil; Tom Kotsovos, John Williams, John Smylie, Paul Whitley, Mike Cowan, Mark Phillips & Kelly Scott.