Our population is rapidly changing. As business advocates and leaders, we must find ways to help businesses and our community meet the changing needs of the population. According to projections released by the Census Bureau, the nation will be more racially and ethnically diverse, as well as much older, by mid-century.

Minority groups, now roughly one-third of the U.S. population, are expected to become the majority in 2042, with the nation projected to be 54 percent minority in 2050. By 2023, minority groups will comprise more than half of all children.

In 2030, nearly one in five people in the United States is expected to be 65 and older. This age group is projected to increase to 88.5 million in 2050, more than doubling since 2008 (38.7 million).

We are supporting the 2010 Census because it provides our state with benefits:

• Every year, the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to state, local and tribal governments based on census data, and census data directly affect how federal funding is distributed.
• Census data help businesses make informed, strategic and fiscally-sound decisions that spur and sustain economic development and growth, and improve the quality of life in all communities.
• There are multiple and important business decisions companies make from census data, from marketing and capital spending to merchandising and work force decisions. Census data also can help businesses understand customers’ demographic needs to best tailor products and services.
• Census data help guide local community planning decisions, including where to provide additional social services, build new roads, hospitals and schools, and where to locate job-training centers.

If your form is sitting on the counter, complete it tonight and get it in the mail.