The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Census Bureau mailed questionnaires to businesses throughout the island in December, launching the 2002 Guam Economic Census. The Guam Economic Census, taken every five years, ensures the accuracy of the statistics used for developing economic policies and successful business planning.

Businesses, communities and governments use Guam Economic Census data for planning and market development. Reports and statistics are published on the Census Bureau’s Internet site <www.census.gov >.

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.

Several initiatives are being used to make it easier for businesses to complete their census forms. For the first time, businesses will be able to file their forms electronically. The Census Bureau also has an Internet help site for businesses <www.census.gov/econhelp> and a toll-free “help line.”

The 2002 Economic Census features many “firsts,” including:

·       The 2002 census will be the first Guam Economic Census to be published based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Developed cooperatively by the United States, Canada and Mexico, NAICS replaces the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system to provide greater comparability with international statistics.

·       The first official measure of e-commerce for all industries.

Data covering calendar year 2002 will be collected and processed during 2003, and the first data will be released in 2004. The Guam 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.

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