The businesses in Beaufort County are often taken for granted.

Walking by one of the shops in downtown Washington or Belhaven, one may pass it by and accept it as one of the usual fixtures.

But the reality is that a lot of work goes into opening a business in Beaufort County and especially keeping it there.

When the so-called Great Recession hit in 2008, many people closed up shop and moved out of the county. Still others decided against even moving into the area and elected to go to Greenville instead.

The economy is slowly bouncing back now, and the remaining businesses are putting the pieces back together.

The veteran, staple businesses should be celebrated for sticking with it, and they should also receive the continued support that helped them push through the economic downturn.

By the same token, newer businesses may need a little more support from residents, whether that’s monetary support or just spreading the word by mouth.

Ultimately, the business aspect of Beaufort County is one of the most important. Local economy is what determines a vibrant residency, the overall development of an area and the quality of life.

While walking past the store windows next time, take some time to go inside. Stop in to eat at one of the restaurants. It’s important to remember the value of one’s contributions to the economy, even if it seems as though one person can’t make a difference.

It is also sure to be a rewarding experience. The businesses in Beaufort County have many strongpoints: the smiling, friendly faces; the one-of-a-kind, personalized items; and a homegrown quality. These are things the bigger cities cannot offer.

The area has quite a few gems in its businesses. All they need is a strong backing.