Rae raises profile of HME at NSBA

SALISBURY, N.C. - When it comes to advocating for HME issues on Capital Hill, Craig Rae, owner of Penrod Medical Equipment, doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk.

In addition to serving as the state legislative chairman for North Carolina and the president-elect for the Atlantic Coast Medical Equipment Services Association (ACMESA), Rae was recently named to the National Small Business Association's (NSBA) Leadership Council. HME News recently spoke to Rae about the NSBA and how it can help further HME interests. 

HME News: Why did you get involved with the NSBA? 

Craig Rae: I learned that they are supportive of our industry, and had a better understanding of our challenges than I would have thought. We have VGM and AAHomecare doing a great job lobbying in Washington D.C., and I believe that adding the weight of the high-profile NSBA to the cause would be helpful.

HME: Why is it important to get involved in organizations outside the HME industry?

Rae: The NSBA is the largest organization advocating for small businesses in the country, and is strictly non-partisan. With strong relationships throughout Congress, they are the “go-to” organization for all things small business. They have a “Top 10” list of wide-ranging priority issues for Congress, and among those issues related to our industry are reining in healthcare costs, tax reform, data privacy regulations and regulatory reform.

HME: What is the value in networking with other like-minded business people?  

Rae: There are numerous issues faced by all small businesses and having a network of people from a wide-variety of industries offers the opportunity to learn. There are often several different approaches to address business challenges, and some are better than others. Being able to bounce ideas off of those that have had both successes and failures is a great value.