US 2010 Census Data Key to Accuracy

Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts its count of every citizen and noncitizen residing in the U.S. The data gathered becomes the base consumer data for U.S. marketing and communication efforts. When accurate data is gathered these activities are more effective and efficient.
Many people are hesitant to share their personal information due to concerns that their information may be shared with other government agencies such as Immigration or the IRS, and they will be subject to some sort of unsettling scrutiny. However, by law the census cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other agencies and law enforcement bodies.
The sole purpose of the census is to produce statistics on people residing in the U.S. The U.S. Census is devoting tremendous resources to increasing awareness of the privacy and confidentiality nature of the census in the hopes of increasing the accuracy of the census statistics.
Let’s spread the word on participation when those forms arrive March 15-17 so the stats generated give marketers and communicators an accurate representation.

Corporate Social Responsibility - An Amazing Differentiator
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) seems to be the latest buzz word in corporate development. The reality is that CSR dates back some 5,000 years with the earliest concerns focused on forest preservation. Through the years the definition evolved to include stewardship, responsible actions, transparency, philanthropy, giving back, worker’s rights and most recently business operations. In addition, the consumer is now paying attention which may be just the impetus CSR needs to become part of the business strategy rather than through a foundation agenda.
And there is no better place for CSR activities to reside but in a collaborative team composed of members from the marketing and communication functions. The 2009 Edelman Trust Barometer found that when survey participants distrusted a company: 77% refuse to buy their products/services; 72% criticized them to a friend/colleague; and 34% shared their opinion/experience online. These are marketing and communication issues concerning the bottom line that deal with brand image and reputation. So can CSR restore trust in the world’s corporate companies and become that key differentiator in the marketplace? Thoughts?