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The Fourth of July, 2008

On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was apporved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks, and backyard barbecues across the country. Full story >  

Mother’s Day: May 11, 2008

The driving force behind Mother's Day was Anna Jarvis, who organized observances in Garfton, W. Va., and Philadelphia on May 10, 1908. As the annual celebration became popular around the country, Jarvis asked members of Congress to set aside a day to honor mothers. She finally succeeded in 1914, when Congress designated the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. Full story >  

Older Americans Month: May 2008

A meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens resulted in President John F. Kennedy designating May 1963 as Senior Citizens Month, encouraging the nation to pay tribute in some way to older people across the country. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter's proclamation changed the name to Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate those 65 and older through ceremonies, events and public recognition. Full story >

Businesses: Don't Hold Out on America

If your business received a 2007 Economic Census form in December, and you returned it on time, the Mid-America Regional Council thanks you! But if you missed the February 12 deadline, we urge you to seek a 30-day extension and complete the form as soon as possible. Many very small businesses were not sent a form, and no action is required from them, but businesses that received forms are required by law (Title 13 of the U.S. Code) to respond.

In today's changing economy, timely and relevant facts and figures are essential for sound business and government decision making. The Economic Census is the primary benchmark for measuring 96 percent of the gross domestic product. Ben Bernanke, Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank, has said, "The Economic Census is indispensable to understanding America's economy."

Businesses can request a 30-day reporting extension, or get help with their form, via the Internet (http://business.census.gov) or by calling a toll-free number (800) 233-6136 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

If your company received but has not yet returned the 2007 Economic Census form, do it now. The rest of us are waiting for you.

ACCRA Cost of Living Index

Among the 303 urban areas that have participated in at least two out of the first three quarters of the 2007 ACCRA Cost of Living Index, the after-tax cost for a professional/managerial standard of living ranged from more than twice the national average in New York (Manhattan), to almost 20% below the national average in Joplin, MO. The ACCRA Cost of Living Index is oublished quarterly by C2ER - the Council for Economic and Community Research. Full story>

Census Bureau launches business web site

The Census Bureau has launched a new Web site – business.census.gov – to help businesses understand the economic census and how it benefits them. The site includes economic snapshots of selected industries and business facts and ratios about every industry. The economic census is conducted every five years and more than 4 million businesses will get forms later this year for the 2007 Economic Census.

Web Site Poll

Welcome to a newly redesigned Metro Dataline. We'd like to get your feedback about the site. Please take a moment to complete our online poll.

We continually improve this site by adding data sets, increasing geographic detail, improving ease of use and providing assistance for use of this site. Your input is welcome at any time. Let us know what you think by sending your comments to research@marc.org.

Metro Outlook LIVE Debuts

The updated version of Metro Outlook, is now an interactive Web site, metrooutlook.org. Metro Outlook LIVE measures regional progress through a variety of indicators, including employment, education, income, migration, poverty and more.