Reason #5 to participate in the Census

Filling out the 2010 census provides forecasting for local businesses

Filling out your 2010 census form can stimulate the Mt. Pleasant economy by attracting new businesses and initiating job training programs. Businesses use the census data to determine where stores, plants or warehouses should be built. Businesses interested in finding a place that has a labor force with educational characteristics might be drawn to an area like Mt. Pleasant.

New businesses and stores placed in Mt. Pleasant will be determined, in part, by Census data. For example, a children’s clothing retailer might use age and gender data to determine the ideal location. Having a complete and accurate Census results provides potential businesses with the data needed to make these crucial decisions.

"Businesses that consider Mt. Pleasant as a potential home often look at previous Census results to determine if our City is the right fit for their operations," said Mt. Pleasant’s Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller. "Using Census data, such as age, gender, and population statistics, businesses can estimate their number of potential customers."

Filling out the census form will also help existing businesses determine what products are in demand and who their target audience should be. Manufacturers also use the Census information to provide products to stores that best fit the demographics in Mt. Pleasant. Stores in Mt. Pleasant are likely to contain different products than stores in other communities based on Census statistics of population.

"With such a diverse population stemming from the presence of CMU, it’s important for our City to have businesses the suit the needs of as many people as possible. The Census is the quickest and easiest way for consumers to be heard," said Sponseller. "New businesses won’t come if they don’t know there is an available customer market."

A complete census count also benefits job training programs in Mt. Pleasant that work to provide services for employers and job seekers. Job training programs provide job seekers with employment opportunities, and also give assistance to local businesses with hiring, training and human resources. To ensure that these programs have funding, take 10 minutes to fill out the Census form.

As a resident of Mt. Pleasant you can help make a difference. Census forms will be mailed out to all residents, including CMU students. This year’s census form is a simple 10-question survey. Answering your form also affects how $400 billion will be allocated annually for the next ten years to state, local and tribal governments. If you live here at least six months out of the year––you count here! It’s easy, important and safe to participate. Mt. Pleasant moves forward when you send it back.