May 26, 2009 - The 2010 Census is less than one year away and preparations are in full swing. Activities to lay the groundwork for the nationwide effort to count everyone residing in the United States are visible across the country. Census data affects critical decisions from congressional representation to the allocation of more than $300 billion annually in federal funds.

As the leader of the $35.3-billion equipment rental industry, the American Rental Association (ARA) has partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau to help spread the word to businesses represented within this broad trade about the significance of the study.

"Census data is used to guide local decision-makers on where to build new roads, hospitals, schools and more. This is a direct correlation to the equipment rental industry as many of these projects require the use of rental equipment. It becomes a winning combination of efforts by ARA supporting the census," said Christine Wehrman, executive vice president and CEO of ARA. "By signing on as a partner, we are sending a strong message about the importance of the census and the benefits of being counted."

Partnerships with for-profit and non-profit organizations and government entities are vital to raising awareness of and increasing participation in this historic event.

"The participation of community leaders, organizations and local governments can help make the 2010 Census the most accurate census in our nation's history," said Steve Murdock, director of the U.S. Census Bureau. More than 300 national partners have signed on to date.