It’s been a big year for women.

Just look at the people who have dominated recent headlines: Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, Sen. Hillary Clinton and U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, who in June became the first female four-star general in any branch of the service.

Every day, all around this country, women are working hard, changing lives and enriching the communities in which they live.

At the end of this month, the Suffolk News-Herald will be honoring the women that you – our readers – believe have enhanced and influenced the Suffolk community. The newspaper is accepting nominations for the annual Women in Business edition through the end of business Friday.

Take a moment and think about the exceptional women you see in the local business community every day. They excel in their careers, juggle family obligations, civic responsibilities, and somehow, still seem to have a smile on their face.

Send your nominations – names, contact information and a brief reason why you think they deserve this recognition – to news@suffolknewsherald.com.