Economic development and industry are critical to the quality of life in Alabama. Companies and industries will rely on data collected during the 2020 Census to make decisions that can positively impact the state and communities for many years to come. It is important that Alabama have complete and accurate data to encourage new businesses to enter the state and to encourage local retail growth. A complete count also will help the state retain its current representation in Congress.Many companies, large and small, use the population and demographic information data collected during the census to:

• Decide where, or if, to locate a business.
• Find the right customer base.
• Identify and locate the best and most appropriate workforce.
• Take risks on up-and-coming neighborhoods that potentially suit the business.
• Discover locations with right infrastructure to support their businesses and workforce.

How can economic development and business professionals help?

• Talk about the census and importance to Alabama in meetings and presentations.
• Share link to www.census.alabama.gov and Alabama Counts social media.
• Encourage businesses and associations to be a Census advocate to their members, employees and customers.
• Plan events or special census messages around Census Day – April 1, 2020.
• Become a 2020 Census Official Partner with the U.S. Census Bureau (PDF.)