After a rather trying 2009, it seems the U.S. economy has begun to pick up steam. Two separate reports by offices of the Federal Reserve have indicated that the economy has experienced moderate improvement over the last few months.

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve released the latest Beige Book, which is a nationwide survey of economic conditions based on information collected from the Fed’s 12 regional bank districts.

Officials with the New York region – which includes New York, New Jersey and parts of Connecticut – said the local economy flashed further signs of improved strength and that many manufacturers are planning to increase capital spending and employment in the coming months, according to the Associated Press.

The report also indicated that the majority of retailers reported sales ahead of expectations, although the recent snow storms did hinder business in some areas.

Meanwhile, Richard Fisher, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, said on Tuesday during an interview with PBS that the entire U.S. economy was “not robust but improving,” according to the Wall Street Journal.