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By JENNIFER MOONSONG
Glasgow News 1
Bud Layne is a familiar name in Glasgow. After all, he’s been here for more than four decades, and is known as a local business leader. When he arrived, he went to work as an industrial engineer for meager pay.
“I came to Kentucky in 1968 with my wife, my three kids and our dog. I went to work for SKF Industries, and I made $494 a month,” Layne said, reminiscing of his early days as a Kentuckian.
Through skill, work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit, Layne founded SpanTech LLC in Glasgow in 1976. By 1989 the company had grown its own product line.
Layne soon became known for his work ethic, his entrepreneurial spirit and his vision for expansion. The multi-million dollar conveyor belt company, under his tutelage, has established itself around the globe in places like Canada, Mexico and Japan.
A lesser known achievement of Layne’s is his philanthropic pursuits.
This September he received much deserved recognition as he entered the Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame for his long-term contributions of time and money to the Boys & Girls Club of Glasgow-Barren County.
“As we did our fundraising campaign Bud stepped up and gave us the biggest gift we had been given, but the very impressive thing about his is that his contributions go beyond monetary. He comes to the club and he talks with the kids, and mentors the kids. The organization would be totally different without the involvement of Bud and SpanTech,” said Patrick Guance, board chair.
For the past 20 years or so, Layne has given a fixed amount of money every month and plans to do so for the remainder of his life. The reason for Layne’s generosity with his time and money stems from empathy.
“There was a time in my life when I was one of the kids, like the children at the Boys & Girls Club. From the age of four, ’til about 10, I was raised at a christian boarding school in North Carolina. They have a real short fuse in that world, a firm set of rules, I was raised under those rules. Because of that, I really admire what the Boys & Girls Club does for children in this community,” Layne said.
Bud Layne, center, is a local businessman who was recently recognized for his long-term contributions to the Boys & Girls Club of Glasgow-Barren County.
Submitted
Layne is not only an inspiration to the children of the Boys & Girls Club of Glasgow-Barren County, he is an inspiration to those closest to him, including his daughter, Tiffany Layne Somerville.
“As a child, one of the things I remember was my Dad was always creating or building something. He had a hobby room where he would build model airplanes, boats and whatever else he could dream up,” Somerville said.
As an adult, it has been his story and involvement in the club that inspires her, and she is herself a board member of the club.
“My Dad has a big giving heart. When is sees people in need, he helps. It’s not just money either. It has been his time, knowledge or guidance. It was his connection that started my love of the Boys & Girls Club. I went with him to a couple of events, and I was hooked. The kids are so special. They love the club and are so deeply connected to the staff at the club. The staff ensures they have food in their bellies, love in the heart and a mindset to grow and believe in themselves,” she said.
To learn more about the club, and ways to get involved follow them on Facebook.
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