|
First Economic
Census Underway for American Samoa;
Island Businesses to Be Counted
The
The U.S. Department of Commerce's Census Bureau mailed questionnaires to businesses throughout the islands in December, launching the first American Samoa Economic Census. Information collected in the Economic Census includes the number of employees, payroll, and sales, receipts or revenues during 2002. It will also gather data on e-commerce.
The data from the 2002 census
will be published based on the North American Industry Classification
System (NAICS) that was developed cooperatively by the United States,
Canada and Mexico. The American Samoa Economic Census will be taken every
five years (for years ending in "2" and "7") and will ensure the accuracy
of the statistics used for developing economic policies and successful
business planning.
Businesses, communities and
governments will use American Samoa Economic Census data for planning
and market development. Reports and statistics will be published on the
Census Bureau's Internet site <www.census.gov>.
Businesses
will be able to file their forms electronically. The Census Bureau also
has an Internet help site for businesses <www.census.gov/econhelp>
. Completed forms are due at the Census Bureau by Feb. 12. Businesses
that receive a form are required by law (Title 13, U.S. Code) to respond.
Data covering calendar year
2002 will be collected and processed during 2003, and the first data will
be released in 2004. The American Samoa Economic Census will provide data
on industries and geographic areas. The results of the 2002 census will
be available on the Internet, on CD-ROM and in printed reports.
-X-
Counting American Business.
Charting America's Progress.
|