Economic Census 2012: Coming to A Business Near You!

New site and information from the Census Bureau!

Census Bureau Launches Business.census.gov Website to Promote 2012 Economic Census

The economic census is the U.S. Government’s official five-year measure of American business and the economy. To encourage response to the 2012 Economic Census, the Census Bureau has launched business.census.gov. The site includes videos, fact sheets, story ideas and talking points that business associations, chambers of commerce, media and public agencies can use to get the word out about the economic census. Information on how communities and businesses owners can use the statistics in economic development, business decisions and strategic planning is also provided.

The site also offers resources tailored to businesses in specific industries. One of these resources, business.census.gov/franchising, covers businesses in more than 300 industries engaged in franchising in the U.S. This site includes direct links to samples of the economic census forms these businesses will receive this fall to help them prepare to respond. The site also includes highlights from the first-ever comprehensive report on franchising from the Census Bureau from the 2007 Economic Census, as well as a video message from International Franchise Association President Steve Caldeira.

Beginning in October, more than 4 million businesses will receive 2012 Economic Census forms representing all U.S. communities and industries. The economic census provides accurate benchmark statistics that are fundamental building blocks of economic indicators, such as the gross domestic product , monthly retail sales and the Producer Price Index.The economic census gives state and local governments, Congress and community leaders the information they need to make informed decisions that shape our democracy.