[Federal Register: November 3, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 213)]
[Notices]
[Page 65285-65286]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03no08-18]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Bureau of the Census
[Docket Number 0810151360-81363-01]
Annual Wholesale Trade Survey
AGENCY: Bureau of the Census, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of determination.
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SUMMARY: The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is conducting the
Annual Wholesale Trade Survey (AWTS). The Census Bureau has determined
a need to collect data covering annual sales, e-commerce sales,
inventories, purchases, commissions, and operating expenses for the
wholesale trade sector. These data are important inputs to the Bureau
of Economic Analysis's preparation of National Income and Products
accounts and its annual input-output tables.
ADDRESSES: The Census Bureau will furnish report forms to organizations
included in the survey. Additional copies are available upon written
request to the Director, U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC 20233-0101.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. John P. Miller, Chief, Current
Wholesale Branch, Service Sector Statistics Division, at (301) 763-
2758, or by e-mail at John.P.Miller@census.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The AWTS is a continuation of similar
wholesale trade surveys conducted each year for wholesale distributors;
manufacturers' sales branches and offices (MSBOs); and agents, brokers,
and electronic markets (AGBRs). This survey provides data on annual
sales, e-commerce sales, inventories, and total operating expenses for
wholesale distributors and MSBOs, purchases of goods for sale for
wholesale distributors, and commissions and sales on the account of
others for AGBRs.
The Census Bureau will require a selected sample of firms operating
wholesale establishments in the United States (with sales size
determining the probability of selection) to report in the
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2008 AWTS. The sample will provide, with measurable reliability,
statistics on the subjects specified above. We will furnish report
forms to the firms covered by this survey and will require their
submission within 30 days after receipt by mail, fax, or over the
Internet, using the ``Census Taker'' option. ``Census Taker'' is a
software system that provides a highly secure and user-friendly means
of collecting survey and census information.
The Census Bureau is authorized to take surveys that are necessary
to furnish current data on the subject covered by the censuses
authorized by Title 13, United States Code (U.S.C.), Sections 182, 224,
and 225. This survey will provide continuing and timely national
statistics data on wholesale trade for the period between economic
censuses. For 2008, the survey will include separate samples for
wholesale distributors, MSBOs, and AGBRs' companies in the wholesale
sector. The data collected in this survey will be similar and within
the general scope and nature of those in the economic census. The data
collected will provide a sound statistical basis for the formation of
policy by various government agencies. These data also apply to a
variety of public and business needs.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required
to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure
to comply with, a collection of information subject to requirements of
the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) unless that collection of information
displays a current valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control
number. In accordance with the PRA, Title 44, U.S.C., Chapter 35, OMB
approved this survey under OMB control number 0607-0195.
Based upon the foregoing, I have directed that an annual survey be
conducted for the purpose of collecting these data.
Dated: October 28, 2008.
Steve H. Murdock,
Director, Bureau of the Census.
[FR Doc. E8-26078 Filed 10-31-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P