Designers count in 2007 Economic Census

NEW YORK, December, 5, 2007. The 2007 Economic Census, taken once every five years, is being conducted this December, creating an opportunity for the design profession to stand up and be counted. Its purpose is to produce an accurate portrait of business activities in industries and communities nationwide. Of the four million businesses taking part in the Census, only 450,000 professional, scientific and technical services establishments nationwide will receive the survey questionnaire. Businesses that receive a form are required by law (Title 13, U.S. Code) to respond.

AIGA is encouraging its members to notify the association if they receive one of these important questionnaires, which are due by February 12, 2008; AIGA will provide any assistance needed in completing the survey.

Since 1997, AIGA has been working closely with the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Labor and the Department of Commerce to refine the definition of the design profession to more accurately and comprehensively collect data on the size and impact of the design economy. AIGA will continue to work with the Bureau to develop meaningful profiles on the design economy, the contributions of designers to the national economy and the importance the design economy has to business.

The results of the 2007 Economic Census will be published in late 2008. For more information on the census in progress, visit the website business.census.gov or contact Robert Marske via email at: robert.a.marske@census.gov.

About AIGA
AIGA, the professional association for design, is the oldest and largest membership association for design professionals engaged in the discipline, practice and culture of designing. AIGA’s mission is to advance designing as a professional craft, strategic tool and vital cultural force.

Founded in 1914, AIGA is the pre-eminent professional association for communication designers, broadly defined. In the past decade, designers have increasingly been involved in creating value for clients (whether public or business) through applying design thinking to complex problems, even when the outcomes may be more strategic, multi-dimensional and conceptual than what most would consider traditional communication design. AIGA now represents more than 20,000 designers of all disciplines through national activities and local programs developed by 59 chapters and 200 student groups.

AIGA supports the interests of professionals, educators and students who are engaged in the process of designing. The association is committed to stimulating thinking about design, demonstrating the value of design and empowering success for designers throughout the arc of their careers.

For further information, please contact:
Leah Rico
AIGA | the professional association for design
Tel 212 710 3111   Fax 212 807 1799
leah_rico@aiga.org