With talk of recession hanging in the air and consumer confidence on the wane, businesspeople might be expected to be jittery. But while the national and global economic news is certainly relevant, we see a different reality on the ground with the businesses we talk with.

What's cooking at our clients this spring? Lake Champlain Chocolates is gearing up for one of its major gift-giving seasons, offering Mother's Day chocolates, truffles, gift baskets and the like. Along with Christmas, Valentine's Day and Easter, Mother's Day is one of the most popular times of the year to send sweets.

At Gorton's Fresh Seafood, the emphasis is on sending a gourmet birthday or anniversary dinner. Gorton's will also gear up for Father's Day on June 12, when lots of dads receive live lobster and surf-and-turf gifts.

Meanwhile the tool company Garrett Wade is greeting spring by rolling out new gardening and outdoor tools, grills, and woodworking tools. spring is a busy season for do-it-yourselfers, and Garrett Wade also does brisk Father's Day business.

VBT Bicycling Vacations, which offers deluxe bicycle all over the world, is putting the spotlight on its most popular destination, Italy, with its "Bella Toscana Festival." The promotion includes mystery photo contests, authentic Tuscan recipes, and free prizes like rare gourmet olive oil to visitors who book one of their Tuscany bicycle tours.