More signs that the economy is growing again is Ecolab Inc.’s strong first quarter earnings as sales improved, led by strong growth from Kay, Asia Pacific, Canada and Latin America, and costs were favorable as a result of savings actions and lower delivered product costs. Ecolab’s reported net sales rose 6% to $1.4 billion in the first quarter of 2010; measured in fixed currencies, sales rose 2%. Net income attributable to shareholders increased 66% to $96 million. “We a...