Census Workshops Scheduled by TAMIU Texas Center Aug. 22-26

An innovative series of regional workshops Aug. 22-26 will help participants to tap into the US Census and mine important data that can strengthen business plans, assist grant applications and provide strong demographic data.

Texas A&M International University’s Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development (TCBEED) and the U.S. Census Bureau will bring the free workshops to regional libraries.

Jacqueline Benavides, TCBEED data and information specialist, said the workshops will offer valuable insight.

“For example, participants will learn about valuable resources available at the Census Bureau website, including local economic data such as “building permits” and County & ZIP Code Business Patterns. 

“They’ll also learn how to use American FactFinder data files from Census 2000, the American Community Survey, and the 2002 Economic Census, to make custom tables and thematic maps using Summary Files 1 & 3 from Census 2000 and about the American Community Survey (ACS) bringing sample data to communities every year instead of every 10 years. It’s really an amazing resource for everyone,” she explained.  

She noted that accurate Census data can be crucial to planning, research studies, business plans and economic development grants, all of keen interest to local and regional audiences.

All workshops are free of charge, but seating is very limited as is computer access in some locations. Interested persons are asked to call 956.326.2545 to reserve their space. 

The workshop schedule is as follows:

Monday August 22, 1- 4 p.m. - Texas A&M International University, Dr. Billy F. Cowart Hall room 113.

Tuesday, August 23, 8 – 11 a.m. - Jim  Hogg County Library, 210 S. Smith, Hebbronville; Starr County Library, 2:30-5:30 p.m., 591 E. Canales Street (formerly 3rd Street), Rio Grande City.

Wednesday,  August 24, 1- 4 p.m., Eagle Pass Public Library, 589 East Main, Eagle Pass.

Thursday,  August 25,  8 – 11 a.m., Val Verde County Library,  300 Spring Street, Del Rio.

Friday, August 26, 8-11 a.m., Seguin-Guadalupe County Public Library, 700 E. College, Seguin;  2- 5 p.m., City of Pearsall Public Library, 200 E. Trinity Street, Pearsall.

For additional information, contact Benavides at 956.326.2545, e-mail jbenavides@tamiu.edu, or visit TCBEED offices in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, 222B.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu