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January 24, 2013
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Today’s Speakers

Host: Charles Brady

Chief, Customer & Respondent Outreach Team

Presenters: Kari Klinedinst

Survey Statistician

Andrew Hait

Data Products and Data User Liaison

The U.S. Census Bureau Measures the Nation's People, Places, and our Economy

#econcensus
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Why We Are Here Today

• To provide an update on the 2012 

Economic Census which is currently 

underway

• To educate respondents about the 

Census, reporting options and 

requirements – due date February 12th

• To provide information on response 

promotion and how associations and the 

media can help

business.census.gov/webinar
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The Economic Census

• The U.S. Government’s official 5-year measure of 

American business and economy

• Part of the Census Bureau’s mission to measure its 

people, places, and our economy

• The only source of detailed information by industry, 

geography, and products

• Provides the building blocks for GDP
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Who Received a Form?

• About 4 million 

businesses received 

forms in November 

and December

• Includes employer 

businesses in all 

industries and 

communities 

• Most very small 

businesses will not 

get a form
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What’s Asked and When is it Due?

• Forms include basic data 

about businesses as well 

as questions tailored to 

specific industries

• Forms are due by 

February 12, 2013

• Response is required

by law
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Reporting Options

Paper

• Businesses received one 

form for each location 

(unless requested electronic 

reporting)

• Form includes ID and 

password needed for 

electronic response and 

online tools

• Letter and inventory list sent 

to prior electronic reporters
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Electronic Reporting

Electronic Reporting

– NEW online Direct Internet Reporting tool for

single-location businesses

– Downloadable Census Surveyor software for multilocation businesses
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Benefits of Electronic Reporting

– Faster Complete form online, submit, and you’re done

– Easier Businesses with 2+ locations can import 

spreadsheets into software

– More Complete Edits ensure form is correct

– More Economical Reduces cost to the Census Bureau 

to process the Economic Census

– Peace of Mind Instantly receive confirmation of receipt
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Demo of Direct Internet Reporting
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Demo of Direct Internet Reporting
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Demo of Direct Internet Reporting
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Demo of Direct Internet Reporting
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Demo of Direct Internet Reporting
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Demo of Direct Internet Reporting
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Demo of Direct Internet Reporting
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Demo of Direct Internet Reporting
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Demo of Direct Internet Reporting
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Demo of Direct Internet Reporting
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Demo of Direct Internet Reporting
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Tour of the Business Help Site
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Tour of the Business Help Site

Left Navigation Panel

• Due Date

• BHS Main Site

• Tools

• General Information

• Additional Links
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Tour of the Business Help Site
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Tour of the Business Help Site

Tab Bar

• Provides access to some of the same features 

accessed from the Center Panel, plus...

• Videos

• Contacts
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Tour of the Business Help Site

Right Navigation Panel

• BHS Search

• Key Dates

• Links to Related Sites

• Business.census.gov
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Outreach and Promotion

• Partnerships with

– trade associations

– chambers of commerce

– other organizations
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Company Contacts

• Account Manager Program for largest companies
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Business.census.gov
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Information for Businesses
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How Your Organization Can Help

• Learn more about the

Economic Census

• Use the materials on BCG

– Widgets

– Newsletters and articles

– Email blasts

– Blogs
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How the Media Can Help

• Learn more about the Economic 

Census

• Use the materials on BCG

– Counts of forms mailed 

• Use the data
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Webinar Wrap-Up

• Visit econhelp.census.gov to report online

• Visit business.census.gov for general information

• Visit business.census.gov/webinar for materials 

from this webinar

• Take part (#econcensus)

• Please attend our next webinars

– Fall 2013 (Geared to data users)

– TBD (Census Surveyor)
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America’s Economy Mobile App

• www.census.gov/mobile

• 16 Key Economic Indicators, 

including International Trade, 

Construction, and Retail Trade

• Available for iPhone, iPad and 

Android devices
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For More Information

• Media Inquiries:

– Public Information Office: 301-763-3030

• Customer and Respondent Outreach Branch

– Toll Free at 1-877-790-1876

– 301-763-2547

• E-mail: econ.2012@census.gov

• business.census.gov