Ramirezes honored by chamber
By ROBERT HANKINS EDITOR

OCN/Courtesy photo Small Business Person Committee chairman Carl Himel, left, with Robert and Rebecca Ramirez.

Robert's Meat Market and Steakhouse goes back to the old neighborhood grocery: butchers in the back for that perfect cut and small dining tables near the take-out window. The old-style cash register warily regards the newer credit card scanner.

It's a long way from today's discount mega-marts and chain pharmacies turned convenience stores, and lot of people shop there because of it.

It's just one reason why owner Robert Ramirez and his wife Rebecca seemed the natural choice for the 2008 Small Business Person of the Year Award.

The Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce received glowing nominations from Shirley Zimmerman, Rose Simar and T.W. Permenter, said Carl Himel, Small Business Person Committee chairman.

Judging was based on staying power, growth in number of employees, response to adversity and contributions to community projects.

"Robert is continually giving back to his community," Permenter wrote. "He is a tremendous asset to the city of Pinehurst. He continues to expand his business and is always there when called upon." Permenter is a longtime Pinehurst city councilman and soon to be mayor. He is running unopposed in Saturday's election for the seat being vacated by his brother Billy.

"I always thought this was something someone else deserved," Ramirez said. "I was surprised, but I'm glad that people think we're doing something good."

The Ramirezes are originally from Brownsville.