Committee Activity

The Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access will meet for a hearing titled, “The Importance of Accurate Census Data to Small Business Formation and Growth.” The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, June 20, 2019 in Room 2360 of the Rayburn House Office Building.

Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau is constitutionally mandated to count every person in the nation and the next one is less than one year away. Census data is the basis for allocating federal funding and businesses are more dependent on Census data than any other sector. Trade associations, chambers of commerce, and businesses rely on this information for economic development, business decisions, and strategic planning. Specifically, census data helps identify potential customers and employees, business locations, where to target advertising, and what should be offered in different communities. New technology and emerging apps also heavily rely on precise and accurate data from the Census. In the 21st century information age, having access to the right data and information is crucial for the success of many small businesses. The hearing will provide an overview of the census and why accuracy is critical to small firms and emerging industries. Members will hear from a variety of witnesses about how they use census data to make strategic decisions that can help them grow and hire.

Mr. Darrin Conroy
Library Director
New York Small Business Development Center
Albany, NY
*Testifying on behalf of the New York Small Business Development Center
Testimony 

Mr. James Whittier Parker
President
Riverview Studios
Bordentown, NJ
*Testifying on behalf of the New Jersey Main Street Alliance
Testimony 

Mr. Jonathan Weinhagen
President and CEO
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce 
Minneapolis, MN
Testimony

Ms. Jill Dietz
Regional Center Director Statewide Services 
Oklahoma Small Business Development Centers
Langston University Tulsa Campus
Tulsa, OK
Testimony