You can show your support for the 2002 Economic Census with an editorial or column in your publication, or with a letter to the editor of a publication in your industry or community. Here are some possible messages. Consider using more than one on different occasions.
 

1. BUSINESSES: DON'T HOLD OUT ON AMERICA

If your business received a 2002 Economic Census form in December, and you returned it on time, your country thanks you. But if you missed the Feb. 12 deadline, we urge you to seek a 30-day extension and complete the form as soon as possible. Businesses that received forms are required by law Title 13 of the U.S. Code to respond.

In today's changing economy, timely and relevant facts and figures are essential for sound business and government decision making. The Economic Census is the primary benchmark for measuring 96 percent of the gross domestic product. Alan Greenspan has said, "The Economic Census is indispensable to understanding America's economy."

Businesses can request a reporting extension via the Internet or by calling a toll-free number (800) 233-6136 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

Once the 2002 Economic Census data are collected, the Census Bureau will put all of the statistics on the Internet. This means that everyone - businesses, associations, universities, individuals - can get the data quickly and easily.

So if your company has not returned the 2002 Economic Census form, do it now. The rest of us are waiting for you.

 
2. BUSINESSES: AMERICA NEEDS YOUR NUMBERS

There's an important count underway. It's the Economic Census, taken every five years, and now under way for 2002. The Economic Census is a tally of businesses - and its important, just like the nation's population census taken in 2000.

The Economic Census produces a portrait of business activities in industries and communities all across our nation. Alan Greenspan calls the Economic Census “indispensable to understanding America's economy.”

What's more, economic indicators we use every day - like the gross domestic product (GDP), monthly retail sales, and producer price index - all depend on the Economic census for continued accuracy.

But this information is not just for government planners. It is also used by businesses - both large and small.

National firms will use the information we provide to decide where to locate a factory, store or office. Local businesses will use the data to develop their marketing and sales strategies and evaluate expansion opportunities. Facts and figures from the Economic Census will provide the foundation for start-up businesses developing business plans and seeking loans.

Best of all, the Economic Census is a real bargain. All of the statistics will be available for free on the Internet for you to use.

So, if yours is among the 5 million businesses that received an Economic Census form in December - fill it out. Send it in. America needs your numbers.

 
3. ANSWER THE ECONOMIC CENSUS -- DO IT NOW!

In today's changing business climate, policy-makers at the national, state and local levels pore over facts and figures to make decisions that affect our economy and jobs. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs and business leaders seek out every available piece of information to improve their sales and profits.

Businesses across the Nation and in our own community have been asked to contribute: critical business information is being collected now in the 2002 Economic Census. If your company got a census form, please complete and return it today. It's so important that law requires it.

Commerce Department Secretary Don Evans calls answering the Economic Census "an act of an act of corporate good citizenship. The Fed's Alan Greenspan calls the census "indispensable" and adds "returning your economic census form helps us all."

So, if your company still has the 2002 Economic Census, send it in today. You can even file your information online, or get help with your form, at www.census.gov/econhelp.

America needs your numbers.... It all comes down to you.

4. THE CENSUS BUREAU IS MAKING IT EASIER FOR BUSINESS

Many area businesses received 2002 Economic Census forms in December. The Census Bureau says most can file their information on the Internet, or simply get online help completing the paper form. The Census Bureau has also established a telephone help line - operated by real people - to answer your questions during business hours. If you are among those called upon to complete a form, look at it as an opportunity. This is a chance to help develop the reports and information that America and all businesses - including yours - will use in years to come.
 

5. THE ECONOMIC CENSUS: A CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY

The information you provide in the Economic Census isn't just for government statisticians. Business people can bolster business plans, locate markets and improve sales with information that will come from your forms. The Census Bureau even makes the results available to you, free! So, please take the time to fill out the forms seriously and completely and return them by the due date in February. We are all participants. America needs our numbers.