We are without question in the toughest of economic times.

Every local business that we know that is still in business has had to tighten the belt until it hurts; many have cut their staffs to the barest of minimums and have hunkered down waiting for the dark economic clouds to pass over.

We have great empathy for our local businesses, as we have had to follow the same principles of survival. Because of this, we particularly admire and respect building and development companies like Sunbelt Builders and the SteelCo Building companies.

They could have easily rolled up the carpet and locked the door during these rough times. They have not — instead, they have kept forging ahead.

Recently the employees of SteelCo built a school in record time working seven days a week and employing a multitude of sub-contractors. The new Peachtree Academy located on U.S. 278 where the old 84 Lumber building stood is a testament to determination and character.

The Sunbelt folks built the new Denny Dobbs county park, coming in under budget, and also just completed a 31,500-square foot professional building located on the ByPass Road. They, too, have shown perseverance and courage in continuing to build when everything else has come to a halt.

We salute the owners and employees of both companies.

Newton County is suffering right now, but the county will prosper again. We have no doubt that Sunbelt and the SteelCo Company will be in the forefront of that revival.