How to Build Stories about the Economic Census

You can base your story on the press release, or you can create your own "exclusive" angle on the Economic Census using resources linked on this page.

How many businesses received forms?

Most businesses in your industry or geographic area received economic census forms. How many? See the estimates for your industry or area.

What's New in the 2007 Economic Census

• New questions on selected forms (franchising, outsourcing, health and pension benefit expenses)
• New industries in NAICS 2007 (executive search services, biotech R&D, consolidation in telecommunications)
• New technology (E-reporting, on-line help site,...)
• New features in publication plans for 2007 Economic Census data

What does the Economic Census ask, and why?

See the list of census questions along with a description of the applications of each type of information.

If you specialize in a particular industry, look at the census form for that industry. There are over 500 variants of the census form so that businesses are asked to respond in terms most meaningful to them.

What makes the Economic Census so important?

The Economic Census provides the foundation for many of the key economic indicators America uses, like GDP and monthly retail sales.

Economic policy makers in Federal, state, and local governments use Economic Census data to project trends, plan for development, assess the impact of changes in the economy.

Businesses study their own industries and look for business markets, as illustrated in How People Use Economic Census Data.

In business since 1810

Think the Economic Census is a new federal program? The Economic Census traces its roots to the 1810 Decennial Census, when questions were asked about manufacturing along with questions about the population. See an article about the history of the economic census.

Interviews

Interview Census officials. Make arrangements at 1-877-790-1876.

Interview people who use Economic Census data:

• Find people who use Economic Census data in your own organization, or leaders in your industry or community.
  
• Contact the state data center in your state. See http://www.census.gov/sdc/www/.
  
• Incorporate quotes from noted business leaders and economists, as shown in our testimonials.

Incorporate 2002 Economic Census facts

• Look up the data for your area, selecting any state, metro area, county or city.
  
• Look up data for your industry from the Economic Census, including the distribution of revenue by state, plus notes on the comparability of historical data and links to data more recent than 2002.
  
• Compare your area to neighboring counties or states, or your industry to competing or complementary industries. You can use American FactFinder to rank areas or industries.
  
• See whether your industry is one of the ones redefined in NAICS 2007.
  
• Learn more about the data in the Guide to the 2007 Economic Census.

Sample editorials

Does your organization use Economic Census data? You can give your readers or members a direct and persuasive message to urge their prompt and conscientious participation in the census. See sample editorials.

Graphics

The Economic Census logos and graphics from the public service ads are available in .gif format. Display a public-service banner or other ad on your website.

Publication-quality graphics are on a separate page.

Counting American Business.   Charting America's Progress.