published: Sunday, October 07, 2012

IDA-EDC gives top honor to Positive Medical Transportion for third time in four years

By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY

christopher.tuffley@newssun.com

SEBRING -- Positive Medical Transport, owned and operated by Ron Layne, was honored Thursday night by the Industrial Development Authority and the Highlands Economic Development Commission, with their Business Excellence 2012 award.

"Ron and Positive Medical Transport embody everything a business should be in its community," said Paul McGehee, the IDA-EDC director. "Beyond his job creation and investing in the county, is his commitment to the community. He's everywhere, volunteering time and effort."

McGehee said Layne's contributions made choosing him easy. In fact, this is the third time Layne has been honored by the IDA-EDC.

In 2008, he and Positive Medical Transport were named Start-up Business of the Year. In 2011, they were named Small Business of the Year.

Layne spoke with the News-Sun Friday.

"Thanks to the community," Layne said. "Glory be to God I never forget there are things outside myself that are more valuable than I am."

Layne , however, made it clear he is far from alone, or, in Highlands County, even rare, with that outlook.

"I can't think of any agency that has done more (for business) than the IDA-EDC," he said, adding he has never worked with as many community-minded people as he has here. "Highlands County has a great base of volunteers, people who give their time without any expectation of reimbursement, but are critical to success," he said. "They are great examples for our youth who see what (the adults) are doing with their time. Seeing the example, the kids think, 'I'll commit some time in my life.'"

Layne said private enterprise is the best way to become inspired. "There is the struggle to achieve," he said, "and you are rewarded for your achievement."

He strongly believes in doing business locally -- that is using local vendors and professional resources. "All our tires are bought here," he said, as an example. "As much as we can, we keep it in the county."

That is also where he looks for new hires - he already employs 150.

Business is good, Layne said, and he looks forward to upgrading software and dispatching technology to keep up with the company's expansion. Positive Medical Transportation now offers service in Polk County and Clewiston. Layne wants to buy property in Highlands County, and hopes to build a new headquarters here.

But a business no matter how large, is nothing without its community, Layne said. Part of his success in Highlands County, has been because of the number of good, "core believing people."