Congratulations should again be extended to Suffolk businesses. This time, several need to be identified.

Fist, Trindco was named Small Business of the Year by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce during Small Business Week.

Five upcoming establishments have also merited recognition: Baron’s Pub, Garcia Development, Karen’s for Kids, Suffolk First Bank, and Triple T. Gymnastics.

Mayor E. Dana Dickens III was correct in calling small businesses the &uot;economic backbone&uot; of the city.

Also giving support to Suffolk are some projects and people who have been noted for their contributions.

During the City Council meeting, Tourism Director Lynette Brugeman announced that the Award of Excellence for Individual Achievement was awarded to Downtown Development Director Elizabeth McCoury.

Other recognitions included the award of excellence for organization to the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts Foundation; the award of excellence for plans and streetscapes went to the George Washington Carver Circle project, part of the Fairgrounds Revitalization Plan; and an award of merit for building development was presented to Marathon Development Corporation for the development of the Professional Building, which now houses the Suffolk Public Schools administrative offices.

If all that weren’t enough, the Newport News Shipbuilding Employees’ Credit Union in the Suffolk Shopping Center was dedicated Wednesday. Yet another sign that Suffolk’s the place for businesses small and large to locate.