In a recent Reuters News release President Obama and Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke pointed to signs that the recession is ebbing as a result of a stronger Real Estate market, recapitalized banks and the auto industry rescue measures.

“Taken together, these actions are starting to generate signs of economic progress,” the President said.

Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke also referred to the latest data on home sales, home building and consumer spending as evidence that the economy is improving.

“A leveling out of economic activity is the first step toward recovery,” Bernanke said in prepared remarks.

According to analyst David Cohen at Action Economics in Singapore “It seems that the first quarter will be the worst and things will start to get better.”

An increase in retail sales will be one of the leading indicators that the economy is improving as pent up consumer demand is unleashed, spurred on by higher levels of consumer confidence.

This doesn’t mean, of course, that everything is going back to where things were, or even back to “normal,” any time soon. It does mean that the window of opportunity to recharge your practice and reconnect with your referral sources may produce results sooner rather than later. You’ve got nothing to lose either way. Don’t be left behind — get out there and connect.