Opinion: Raemac deserves small-business award


The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce named Raemac Transportation its Small Business of the Year at a luncheon at Henderson Country Club on Thursday, and we can’t think of a more worthy winner.

George “Mac” Daye, whose Chestnut Street business is named after his wife, Rachel, and himself, has followed his passion for his work and this community in creating a thriving business that is an invaluable asset to Henderson.

He also has shown that there is life after the textile mills.

Daye told his story during the small-business forum held at the Vance County Senior Center in mid-March. He retired from Harriet & Henderson Yarns in 1999 and wanted to drive a school bus because “I love having that wheel between my hands.” He wound up driving for KARTS and found his passion: helping people with medical conditions get to the care they need. He bought his first van in November 2000, landed a contract with the Department of Social Services the following April and has expanded to 13 vans and growing in four years.

The business lessons Daye can teach us are plentiful. He saw a need for transportation for people going to medical appointments, and he moved to fill that niche. He has expanded to meet the demand for rides all along the East Coast. He’s all about personalized service. And he does it all because he loves the work and his customers, not because he wants to make a quick buck.

Daye also has shown how a businessman can give back to the community. He has been an invaluable member of the Clean Up Henderson Committee from its start, taking countless people on cleanup tours. He is a member of the Chamber’s board of directors. And he’s just about the nicest, kindest person you’re likely to meet.

In short, Daye and Raemac are examples of Henderson at its best. The Chamber couldn’t have made a better choice.