The middle of the second quarter tends to be a very busy time of year for the local economy.

Not only are employees finishing up projects before they start going on summer vacations, but students are transitioning into summer jobs and our local agriculture and tourism sectors are gearing up for their peak seasons. Here are three other business trends to keep in mind:

HECTIC TIME FOR TOURISM

While most residents are aware that hotel rooms will be filling up during Memorial Day weekend for the annual Ski to Sea festivities, the next six weeks are very busy in the lodging sector in general.

High school sporting events, graduations and weddings have created situations where rooms in Whatcom County are hard to come by not only on weekends, but during the slower Sunday-through-Thursday window.

If the hotels are busy, so are a variety of other businesses, including restaurants, casinos, transportation services and retail stores.

ADJUSTING TO HIGH FUEL COSTS

Local gas and diesel prices peaked in May last year, and we've already seen where things were heading in March when Bellingham prices were setting new all-time highs.

If prices spike again this month, people could really start changing their driving habits, creating opportunities for companies that can help customers drive less by offering delivery services.

HOUSING MARKET REVEALS ITSELF

May tends to duke it out with June, July and August for the month with the most home sales, so if the local real estate market is showing any strength this year, it's not just the real estate agents who are busy.

Title companies, banks, cleaning service businesses and landscapers are among the other industries kicking into gear.