In December, [insert number for your area or industry] businesses in [area or industry] received 2002 Economic Census forms from the U.S. Census Bureau. Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan has called this census "indispensable to understanding America's economy."

Taken every five years, the Economic Census "assures the accuracy of the statistics we rely on for sound economic policy and for successful business planning," said Greenspan.

Census statistics will be published on the web for more than a thousand industries as well as for states, counties, cities and metropolitan areas. The data are used by local businesses as well as government agencies and researchers.

Completed forms are due by February 12, 2003. Businesses that receive a form are required by law (Title 13, U.S. Code) to respond.

To make it easier for businesses to complete their census forms, the Census Bureau has a business help site, www.census.gov/econhelp, and many businesses will be able to complete their forms on their computers. A toll-free "help line" (1-800-233-6136) is also available during business hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m., EST, Monday through Friday).