U.S. Virgin
Islands Economic Census Underway;
Islands' Businesses to Be Counted
The U.S. Department of Commerce's Census Bureau mailed questionnaires to businesses throughout the islands in December, launching the 2002 U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Census. The U.S. Virgin Islands 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 U.S. Virgin Islands 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 U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Census to be published based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Developed cooperatively by the U.S., 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 U.S. Virgin Islands 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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Counting American Business. Charting America's Progress.
2002 Economic Census
U.S. Census Bureau
Department of Commerce
Washington, D.C. 20233-6100
(877) 790-1876 (toll free)
(301) 457-2058 (FAX)
econ2002@census.gov
