Economists noted that rising energy, fuel and food prices accounted for most of the gain; however, the news was better than the 0.1percent drop forecast for March by Wall Street.

The most recent figures on taxable sales from the Nebraska Department of Revenue for January show tax revenues flat year over year for the month statewide. There is no doubt that the hard weather and high energy expenditures in January contributed to a retraction in discretionary spending.

Taxable retail sales for Grand Island were down in January 5.1 percent, down 20.8 percent for Hastings and down 4.9 percent for Kearney.

Automobile sales proved to be the strongest sector of retail spending in January with auto sales reaching $6,665,736 in Hall County, an 8.6 percent improvement over 2007. Auto sales were robust in Adams and Buffalo counties also, with gains of 23.4 percent and 25.2 percent posted, respectively.

The stronger auto sales figures for Central Nebraska may be a leading indicator that consumer spending for the region will rise above the national trending figures for February and March.

The recent precipitation and improved weather this week will send farmers back into the fields, and a critical component of the region's economy will be off and running for what appears to be another prosperous year.

Two other key aspects of the local economy employment and real estate remain healthy. The $42 million in investment coming from the relocation of the State Fair will significantly boost the local economy in many ways and also provide abundant reasons for optimism.

While many other areas of the country face high unemployment and associated economic hardships, Central Nebraska's biggest challenge for the foreseeable future is in a growing number of jobs essential to economic expansion.