Despite enjoying 2 full quarters of 'recovery', and coming off a hefty 5.7% GDP quarter - the reality is not so happy down on Main Street (business).  Keep in mind the year over year comparisons are versus the period of time (fall 2008/winter 2008-2009) when the recession was at its deepest, so to see continued "growth" in this area is certainly not a green shoot.  However, I am sure it can be explained away as all bad news is... let me think of an appropriate head in sand response.  Ah yes... let's throw this on the pile of "it's a lagging indicator". Via Reuters: