I enjoy my daily discussions with people all over the area who, like me, enjoy a focus on the positive things that abound across our county.

Now that school is back in session, I get to spend more time with our area educators who love to talk about their students who are making a positive influence on their peers and their schools in general.

We have an opportunity, as a community, to express our thanks and support to area businesses and service providers.

This past Tuesday, The Selma Times Journal printed the official ballots for the “2012 Reader’s Choice Awards” for Dallas County.

It covers nearly 100 various categories including food, health and beauty, shopping at about every kind of business imaginable, service providers, educational venues, medical providers, and even your favorite church.

As my family sat around the kitchen table discussing the wide array of options and possibilities, my mind went back six years when we began the construction of phase one of our new church complex in Valley Grande.

As a church, we opted to be our own contractor and builder. In making that decision we began a year long construction process that brought us into contact with more than 25 sub-contractors and service providers from across the area.

After the building was finished and we moved into our new facility, I began to make notes of all the companies and individuals who had helped us though that building program. I have drawn some great conclusions.

There are a host of businesses, large and small, across the area that put their heart and soul into doing the best job they can do. Some have limited resources and small work crews but are determined to make the Dallas County area a great place to live and work.

I have been watching and supporting several new businesses that have begun in the Valley Grande area. I have always admired the entrepreneurial spirit that challenges, motivates, and drives a person to succeed. Small businesses are still the backbone of our American economy. We need to support them and encourage them in their endeavors.

The “Reader’s Choice” awards is a great way to express your appreciation to area businesses and service providers.

It’s always nice to receive some recognition from time to time, but it is awesome to receive an award from the community in which you work and live.

If you did not get an official entrance form from the newspaper, they are available at The Selma Times Journal office. Stop by, pick one up and vote. You could make the difference in selecting the best that Dallas County, Alabama has to offer.