Larche wins business award

Author: Frank Matys

Date: Nov 20, 2009

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Paul Larche received the William (Bill) Swinimer Business Leader of the Year Award on Tuesday evening during an event at Bayview Wildwood Resort.

ORILLIA: A veteran of the broadcasting industry known for his deep commitment to community causes was named Business Leader of the Year by the Orillia Business Association this week.
Paul Larche received the honour during a gala event held at Bayview Wildwood Resort on Tuesday evening.
“I was very happy but surprised, and also honored considering the other nominees who have done so much in the community,” Larche said of the recognition. “I guess surprised was my biggest response.”
The William (Bill) Swinimer Business Leader of the Year Award is given to an individual whose proven contributions to growth and prosperity have impacted positively on the community.
Larche is president of Larche Communications Inc., owner of Midland-based 104.1 The Dock, KICX 106 in Orillia and KICX 91.7 in Sudbury.
In addition to a career in radio broadcasting that has spanned more than 30 years, Larche has supported myriad community-minded causes that have benefited through donated airtime, sponsorships and fund-raising events.
The Salvation Army, the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, and the Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation are among the organizations supported by Larche and his staff.
The company recently pledged $500,000 to purchase equipment for the Regional Cancer Care Centre at Barrie’s Royal Victoria Hospital.
“I think that if I did get recognition from my peers, it is because of the great work the radio station does in the community and the relationships we have with the many business people and service clubs and groups,” he added in an interview with Orillia Today. “We have always nurtured and looked after that relationship.”
The other nominees for this year’s award were Kent Knight, of K. Knight Contracting, Santos Perri, of Giovanni and Perri, and Paul Weber, chair of Lakehead University’s fund-raising campaign.