With 2009 nearly half over, the effort to begin the 2010 Census has already begun.

Gloria Solomon, a partnership specialist from the U.S. Census Bureau’s office in Atlanta, Ga., has been in Butts County to talk about the process of the census and what people can expect.

With the Butts County Chamber of Commerce already partnering to help in the efforts, she has asked businesses, churches and other organizations also to partner up and begin the education.

“We want to make sure that we utilize the many different outlets that we have within our cities” she said. Only 10 questions, 10 minutes will define who we are as a Nation.

Gloria Solomon said, "A complete count of every person is important. Every year the federal governement allocates more than $300 billion to states and communities based on the census data."

Melinda Atha said, "Butts County has been under counted," According to the last census data, only 65% of Butts County was counted for.

With Only 10 questions, the 2010 census takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Households are asked to provide key demographic information, including: whether a housing unit is rented or owned; the address of the resident; and the names, genders, ages, and races of others living in the household.

By Law, Census Bureau cannot share an individual's responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. The 2010 census is safe and is important to our communities. Census data is used to determine locations for retail stores, schools, hospitals, new housing developments and other community facilities. We can't move forward without a complete count.

Census Fact Sheet 

To view the Butts County Chamber of Commerce original proclamation, signed July 31, 2009, please click here.