Lauren Lewis with the U.S. Census will be the featured speaker at Wednesday’s Effingham Chamber of Commerce membership breakfast.

The breakfast will take place at 7:30 a.m. at the Memorial Chapel of Rincon First Baptist Church. Register online at www.EffinghamCounty.com or call 754-3301.

This month, more than 130 million addresses will receive a 2010 Census form by mail or hand delivery. The 2010 Census will document the changes in the nation since the last decennial census in 2000, and tell us how the nation has evolved. Because census data affect how more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed to state and local governments, the census also will frame the future of the country and community for the next 10 years.  

Census data also are used to reapportion seats in Congress and assure proper district representation in state and local governments. An accurate count will help ensure the people in this community are fairly represented in all levels of government.

The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce is asking for participation because the census provides benefits to our community, state and nation. Research has found many people do not participate in the census due to a lack of understanding of these benefits or the purpose of the census.  It’s important for people living in our community to know that the census is much more than a population count. Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the census provides an opportunity for you to ensure our community is accurately represented when it comes to funding for essential programs and services.

Learn about the census and network at the chamber’s most popular event. Call the Chamber at 754-3301, e-mail tesshynes@effinghamcounty.com or register online at www.EffinghamCounty.com.