by Rogene Calvert, President, Asian Chamber of Commerce
In recent months, we have heard many people address the importance of filling out Census forms. It’s true that an accurate count means more federal funding for things like transportation, infrastructure and social services, as well as more accurate political representation. We have also heard that the Census is anonymous and takes just ten minutes to complete, but one aspect of the Census I haven’t heard much about is how important an accurate count is for businesses large and small.
As president of the Asian Chamber of Commerce, I interact with area businesses every day. I see first-hand how local businesses throughout the Harris County community can benefit if everyone – employees and customers alike, fill out their Census forms. For instance:
- The Census helps us find new markets. In the spring of 2011 the results of the Census will be made available to everyone. Businesses can use Census data to better understand where our customers are and as a result, where our businesses might thrive.
- The Census helps us better understand what our customers want and need. We know the face of America is changing; Census data will provide a roadmap to help us determine where to build homes, start new businesses and target specific types of products.
- The Census gives us a glimpse into the next 10 years. Besides showing what’s happened over the past decade, the Census will forecast how consumers may change over the next ten years.
- The Federal Governments sends more then $300 billion in funds based on the Census. If our community isn’t counted we don’t get our fair share.
Over the past decade Harris County has been one of the nation’s leaders in growth. For us to continue on this path, it is vital that everyone fill out and mail back their 2010 Census forms. We need to count every person living in our homes on April 1, 2010. Harris County’s economic health depends on it!
