Questions and Answers about the 1997 Economic
Census
This December, businesses across the Nation will receive their 1997 Economic
Census forms. The forms are due February 12, 1998.
Why does the government take the Economic Census?
Good public policy depends on accurate information. The Economic Census provides
official measures of output for industries and geographic areas. Economic
policy makers in federal, state and local governments use Economic Census
data to project trends, plan for development, and assess the impact of trade
and corporate restructuring on particular industries. Economic Census data
also help build the foundation for economic indicators and other statistics.
Can businesses use Economic Census results?
Companies use Economic Census data to study their industries, look for business
markets, evaluate investment opportunities. Economic Census data help businesses
compare industries and locations, and provide the official information that
many investors expect in a business plan.
Why do we need an Economic Census when surveys provide more timely
figures?
The Economic Census provides comprehensive detail about the Nation's
economic activity, for all geographic areas. Census data about industries,
their inputs and outputs, and how they relate to each other, are available
nowhere else.
Surveys like Monthly Retail Sales provide the timely information
needed by markets and policy makers. Surveys request minimum detail and sample
a fraction of the businesses contacted in a census. Census totals serve as
benchmarks to keep surveys accurate.
The Economic Census also provides key elements to help update economic indicators
like the Gross Domestic Product and the Producer
Price Index.
Should a business be concerned about sharing sensitive
information with the Census Bureau?
Business answers are seen only by Census employees who--under Title 13--are
sworn to secrecy under penalty of fines or imprisonment.
The Census Bureau does not cross-reference or share confidential information
with regulatory or other agencies. Census forms are even exempt from the
Freedom of Information Act. No business competitors can obtain the responses
of another company.
What is the penalty for not responding?
Section 224 of the census law (Title 13, United States Code) provides for
penalties of up to $500 for failure to report, and $10,000 for intentionally
providing false information.
How do businesses get picked for the Census?
Economic Census forms are sent to all but the smallest businesses in every
industry and geographic area of the U.S. Most businesses with five or more
paid employees, and a sample of smaller ones, will receive a census form.
How are 1997 Economic Census forms easier to complete?
A toll-free "help line" (1-800-233-6136) will be available 12 hours a day
to answer questions that recipients have about filling out the forms.
In many industries, businesses with many locations can report electronically
using spreadsheet-like questionnaires on diskette.
Business people can check the Internet--www.census.gov/econ97--to preview
the forms they will receive in December.
What should a business person do if his or her business does
not receive an Economic Census form?
Nothing.
To reduce the burden on American businesses, the Census Bureau does not send
Economic Census forms to most very small firms. Forms go to all mid-sized
and large businesses, but only to a sample of the smallest.
If a company has more than one location, all forms are sent to the company
headquarters. If the headquarters has all the required figures, managers
at individual offices may never see a census form.
A few industries are not covered by the Economic Census -- farming, forestry;
fisheries, and agricultural services; schools and colleges; and labor, political,
and religious organizations.
What is this "NAICS" I keep hearing about?
NAICS (pronounced "nakes") is the new North American Industry Classification
System. This new structure for classifying business activity identifies dozens
of industries never before singled out in census data. NAICS replaces the
old Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system; provides first-ever
comparability with industry data for Canada and Mexico; and provides a framework
for the business statistics of the 21st century.
Will the conversion from SIC to NAICS make it harder for businesses
to report?
No. The change from SIC to NAICS will not be obvious to most businesses filling
out economic census forms. Most census forms look about the same as they
did in the 1992 Economic Census--only a few categories on some forms have
been adjusted to accommodate the new NAICS classifications.
Why do you call it the 1997 Economic Census when you don't
collect the data until 1998?
We ask businesses to report data on their activity during calendar years
1997. That's why we wait until the start of 1998 to collect the data.
When and how will people see the results of the 1997 Economic
Census?
The first census results will be available in early 1999, with an unprecedented
early release of totals for all economic sectors right at the start. All
results will be issued on the Internet and on CD-ROM over the following two
years. Highlights will be published in printed reports.
What other information can I get on the Internet?
www.census-gov/econ97 contains:
samples of every 1997 Economic Census form
complete details about NAICS and other topics
publication titles and release schedules
geographic profiles and complete reports from the 1992 Economic Census.
How can I help?
Write articles for your publication to inform your business readers--in December
or January, when forms come in the mail, and in February when the forms are
due. Sample articles are included in this kit.
Publish an editorial noting the value of the Economic Census for your industry
or area, and urging businesses to get their forms in on time. A sample editorial
is included in this kit.
Ask your advertising manager to run our public service advertisements.
Camera-ready ad slicks are enclosed. We will provide new ads for your February
and March issues. If you have special requirements, contact us at the address
below.
Please send us a copy of any issues of your periodical that feature advertising,
stories or editorials related to the 1997 Economic Census to:
1997 Economic Census Promotion
U.S. Bureau of the Census
Washington, D.C. 20233-6100
Phone: (301) 457-2547
FAX: (301) 457-2058
E-mail: econ97@census.gov
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