[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 213 (Monday, November 3, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65285-65286]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-26078]


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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 [email protected].

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

[[Page 65286]]

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