Though economic reports claimed the recession was over a few months ago, talk to people on the streets, look at the amount of foreclosures, talk to small business owners and they will tell you they are not sure.

There is a popular saying (in California) that whatever happens in the country first happens in California. Sure enough we, in Los Angeles, felt something was about to happen back in 2006. Don’t forget that the two industries that the city depends on have to do with leisure; the film industry and hospitality. Two things that are not paramount to basic existence.

Well, I have some good news for you. In an interview with Dr. Nancy Sidhue, one of the authors of the 2010-2011 Economic Forecast and Industry Outlook, she mentions the following facts:

- The Film industry added 18,000 jobs this year compared with last year. That is, in a way, a trickle down effect; more TV productions means more work for shipping trucks, more catering, more equipment rental, more location fees etc.

- The Hospitality industry added 4,000 jobs. Tourism is becoming noticeable again. Tour buses are crisscrossing the city once more and hotel rooms, restaurants and souvenir shops are all benefiting from the rise in tourism. As Dr. Sidhue said: “Not only in Hollywood. It’s enough to walk out of my office in downtown L.A and see the tourists are back.”

But the biggest and most important number tells the story of what is happening in the ports (Los Angeles and Long Beach); a rise of 24% in the number of containers coming through those gates.

It’s not only that there is more work in the ports, it is also an indication that imports have risen. Merchants around the country are stocking up on merchandise, which  is a significant improvement from only a year ago.

Let’s hope that the popular saying about California is based on experience, not myth.

Image thanks to http://www.flickr.com/photos/60168589@N00/595358714/