On the quiz “How Missouri Are You?” I earned the top score.

Except for one best-forgotten year, I have lived in Missouri my whole life. That’s why you’ll have to “show me.”

Consumer confidence shot up this month. The move was unexpected by economists, but not to most working folks. The economists simply underestimated how grim the situation felt through the winter. Consumers were searching for any glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel and grasped at anything as a reason for confidence.

All along the horizon, lights are breaking forth as the recession cracks and brighter days surely loom ahead. But, as a Missourian, you’ll have to “show me” before I’ll be convinced.

For instance, The Shoppes at North Village seem to doing quite well. Despite predictions of the death of at least one of the major retailers, they have all held on. If only the sidewalks had survived the weather as well as stores weathered the economic storm.

But, we’ll know the Shoppes have truly emerged from the recession when Chick-fil-A breaks ground.

St. Joseph has been spared any major layoff announcements for several weeks. But I’ll know the manufacturing sector has survived when you can show me a new factory under construction in the Eastowne Business Park.

East Hills Shopping Center has created a beautiful shopping destination. The anchor stores seem to be thriving and some of the smaller shops are doing a good business.

When you can show me a single new store at the mall, I’ll agree that the TIF-funded renovation has been a success.

The Commons passed on the tax credits and has made steady headway, adding a Sonic and Waffle House to complement Menards.

We’ll know the recession has cracked wide open when you drive through the new Mr. Goodcents and wrap your hands around a King Kong burger.

The Dow broke through 8,000 and is up nearly 30 percent from where it was just three months ago. We’re headed in the right direction, but show me a Dow that doesn’t crash 175 points in a day and I’ll be more comfortable.

Since the government bailed out the auto industry, Chrysler has filed for bankruptcy and General Motors will do the same within the next few days, perhaps hours. Show me a private industry that can stand on its own feet without being 70 percent owned by the government and I’ll celebrate the end of the recession.

Happy days are on the way. I’m eager to show the recession to the door.

Business editor Susan Mires writes

a weekly column. She can be reached

at susanm@npgco.com.