By MARK FLEMING
Updated: 03.08.10
Census forms should begin arriving in mailboxes this week, and members of the North Pasadena Business Association heard in their Monday meeting why it is important to get everyone to complete the forms.

Yvonne Moore from the census bureau said every residential address in the country should receive one of the forms between the end of this week and March 23. The forms need to be mailed back in time to be received by April 17.

The census, which has been conducted every 10 years since 1790, is mandated by the U. S. Constitution. Its primary constitutional purpose is the allocation of representation in the House of Representatives between the states, but its importance has grown.

State and local governments use its population statistics to draw districts for representation at all levels of government.

Also, the federal government uses statistical information to determine the disbursement of billions of dollars in grant money. Each person counted in the census can lead to thousands of dollars of revenue lost or gained over the next ten years for a community.

Private businesses use census information on population and demographic characteristics to decide where they will locate and invest.

Moore said this year’s form, at 10 questions, is one of the shortest in history.

In addition to asking for each person’s name, age and date of birth, the form asks for information about sex, race and ethnicity. It also asks if the housing unit is owned, rented or lived in rent-free.

Moore said the census bureau will have assistance centers for people who cannot fill out the form on their own. One of those centers will be in Pasadena at the Cleveland-Ripley House on Fairmont Parkway.

Margie Pena, from Cleveland-Ripley, said that organization and other Neighborhood Centers are working with the bureau “to assure an accurate 2010 census.”

Both Moore and Pena stressed it is important for everyone to respond to the census.

The census needs to determine how many people live in the area, Moore said, regardless of citizenship status. When planning for services and business locations, she said, it is important to know the total number of people who are in the area.

The three requirements for someone to be counted, she said, are for a person to be human, alive, and living in the United States April 1.

The third speaker at the meeting, Patti Bodkins of the Drake Companies, introduced the association to the HUBZone program.

Many government agencies and even private companies, she said, give preference to Historically Underutilized Businesses. Often these are businesses owned by women or members of minority groups, but certain businesses also qualify based on their geographic location. Census data is used to determine if an area qualifies as a HUBZone, she said.

Parts of north Pasadena qualify currently, Bodkins said, but the new census will determine what areas qualify in the future.

Qualification as a HUBZone can not only benefit businesses already in the area, but can also provide an incentive for new businesses to locate there.

We will have a panel of three experts talking to us about the upcoming
2010 Census. This will be an important meeting and we hope that you will
be able to attend.

Please bring your lunch if you would like to and meet with us for this
most informative meeting.

Chad Burke

President and CEO of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region.

Came to the Economic Alliance in 2008 as Project Director in 2008 – with a specific focus on the San Jacinto Texas Historic District revitalization project. Previously Project Manager at the Technology & Economic Development Division of the Texas Engineering Extension Service in College Station, where duties focused on business development and project oversight. Worked with cities throughout the state to provide technical assistance for economic development and strategic regional planning.

Another topic discussed was the circular bus route that start at the first of the year, a one year trial will determine whether there is enough people willing to justify the cost of operations.

Spencer Highway.  This is on the corner of Spencer and Burke.  It will be

Tuesday, Dec. 8th, from 5:30-7:30PM.  We are asking everyone to bring a
toy (new and unwrapped) or a $5.00 donation for the Officer Santa Program.

We will need RSVP’s PLEASE!!

We will be sending out reminders every couple of days.  Bring yourself, a
friend, relative or working buddy along with your toys.

For more information

Call Robyn
832-724-4459

As always, please let me know if you will be able to attend. My cell
number is 832-724-4459 or you can email me at this address.

Please RSVP!!

North Pasadena Business Association
832-201-6586

September 14th meeting will be a tour of the new Police Station.