News release: “The U.S. Census Bureau [March 17, 2009] released preliminary data from the 2007 Economic Census. This advance report is the first in a series of industry and geographic area data, including information for more than 1,000 communities not available from previous censuses. The economic census is conducted every five years and is the most comprehensive and detailed profile of the U.S. economy, covering millions of businesses representing more than 1,000 industries. The census provides the foundation and benchmark for gross domestic product, monthly retail sales and other indicators of economic performance. These data also provide unique portraits of American industries and local communities.”