Drue Ray named Women Entrepreneurs Best in Business Award
Allen and Drue Ray at the Chamber of Commerce’s Award Ceremony.
Drue Ray, Vice President of SimplyHome, is this year’s recipient of the 2014 Women Entrepreneurs Best in Business Award, which was awarded at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. The Chamber of Commerce presents annual leadership awards to individuals and businesses that stand out in the business community.
This award, presented and sponsored by Webb Investment Services, recognizes a woman who demonstrates the transformation of her dream into the reality of a product or service and who exhibits the traits of an entrepreneur.
“My dream was to give people independence. Technology is one tool that allows that to happen. SimplyHome and the hard work of those around me allow me to see that dream become a reality every day,” said Drue.
Being focused and willing to take risks to develop models, Drue has been an advocate for the human rights of those with developmental disabilities and the aging. Her commitment and vision have inspired others and contributed to legislation that has set the standard for the use of assistive technology in community integrated residential services for people with disabilities.
“Drue has always been the dreamer and forward thinker in our family and for our companies. Her vision of care for people with special needs and the elderly has paved the path to where SimplyHome is today,” said Allen Ray, Drue’s husband and CEO of SimplyHome.
Drue, along with husband Allen, son Jason and a third business partner, founded SimplyHome in an effort to keep those with developmental disabilities, the aging population and persons with physical disabilities in their own homes and independent for as long as possible. The Rays insist that this be done with the individual’s needs and desires in the forefront while fulfilling the requests of the caregivers as well.
“She is a woman who lives by her passion and her dreams. Ever since she was a little girl, she has been dedicated to people who have developmental disabilities,” said Cameron Kempson, Coordinator of Client Care and Corporate Education at SimplyHome.
Carrying through with the Chamber’s vision, “To be a trusted catalyst in creating an environment where business and the community prosper,” Drue continues to bring people together through her work with SimplyHome, and as a volunteer in the community.