Though a recent government report shows the economy may finally be technically pulling out of a recession, local business owners say actual conditions are stillnot too favorable.

The country's gross domestic product grew for the first time since the spring of 2008, according to a report last week from the U.S. Commerce Department. Though most economists remain cautious, some say the report may signal the end of a recession that's forced local businesses, consumers and municipalities to tighten their collective belts.

Ever the eternal optimists, most local entrepreneurs say times will indeed get better in the future. But most say those times are not quite here yet.

"It's still sluggish, very sluggish," said Bill Riley, owner of Derby Bicycle Center, 410 E. 104th Ave., Thornton. "I just don't see it getting any better for awhile."

Awhile?

"I would say 18 months or so, maybe a little longer for it to actually filter all the way down," Riley said.

Those sentiments were largely echoed by other business owners in the area.

"I think the economy is slowly going to get better, but I think it's going to take a long time," said John Brusto, owner of two Jim's Burger Haven establishments in Thornton and Westminster. "Maybe two years or so."

Brusto said he's fighting the recession on two separate fronts. Sales at his restaurants are down, he said, because consumers are eating out less often. But he's also battling a number of chains that recently have opened in the surrounding areas near the Thornton restaurant, including Jack-in-the-Box and Qdoba.

"The pie is getting cut into more pieces," Brusto said.

Most business owners believe the best indicator of a recovery will be when they're able to recover some of the cuts they've made in the past year or so.

"I definitely think we're going to be fine in the long run," said Margie Mitchell, owner of Black Forest Bakery, 275 Pavilions Place, Brighton. "But it is a little tough right now making all the ends meet."

Mitchell estimates her business is down about 20 percent from last year. She's been cutting to the quick ever since, reducing hours of operation, cutting employees' hours and doing more tasks herself, such as cleaning.

"From my standpoint, the recession won't end until I see business pick up," Mitchell said. "It's that simple."

There are some glimmers of hope, though. At least one business owner in the Adams County area says business is up - way up, in fact.

"We've been in business for 16 years and this is our best year ever," said Sonya Sailas, owner of A Cake Occasion, 3901 E. 112th Ave., Thornton. "We're really lucky and we don't really know why."

Actually, the pastry shop owner said shemight have an idea why things are looking up.

"I think with people having less money, they tell their kids or loved ones, 'I can't take you anywhere on vacation or anything, but I can still buy you a little treat.'"