This fall, millions of businesses, many in early care and education will receive 2012 Economic Census forms from the U.S. Census Bureau. Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke 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 Bernanke.
There are a lot of interesting facts from the last Economic Census, available about early care and education at business.census.gov. Examples there illustrate how Census Bureau economic statistics are used by local businesses for marketing and planning, as well as by government agencies and researchers.
What is the Economic Census?
The Economic Census is the U.S. Government’s official five-year measure of American business and the economy. It is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, and response is required by law.
Forms go out to about 5 million businesses, including large, medium and small companies representing all U.S. locations and industries. Respondents are asked to provide a range of operational and performance data for their companies.
As part of the U.S. Census Bureau’s mission to measure America’s economy, the next Economic Census will be conducted for the year ending December 2012.