This was posted today, 12/7/04, on the State Data Center listserv. CP ******************************************************************************************************* FYI.... U.S. Census Bureau Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics Program News The Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD) program is an innovative system that combines administrative data on employers and employees with core demographic data to produce new local statistics on workers and their industries. The flagship product - Quarterly Workforce Indicators (QWI) - is possible because of a partnership with 35 states, through their labor market information agencies. The QWI include measures of employment, turnover, job creation and loss, and earnings by industry and by age and sex of worker. Available at the local level - for counties, places, workforce investment areas, etc. - this data set makes it possible for workers and workforce boards to better understand where the jobs are and what training is needed and for businesses and economic development agencies to assess workforce availability and pay. Advanced confidentiality protection techniques ensure that the confidentiality of the people and firms that provide the data is protected. Redesigned Web Site The Census Bureau launched a redesigned web site this week to provide users with an easy-to-navigate site. It is available at http://lehd.dsd.census.gov. The redesigned web site adds a number of new applications and features, introduces consistency in navigation and look and feel, builds a structure for adding content and integration with the Local Employment Dynamics program's state partners' web sites, and seeks to improve responsiveness to the users. For example, two new applications - Local Workforce and Top Industries - have been added to provide the latest information on the composition of the local workforce and the "hot" industries in terms of hiring and earnings. The popular QWI Online continues to provide 8 quarterly workforce indicators by geography, industry, and demographics. The new site also offers a glimpse of the pilot project, On The Map, where the origin and destination patterns of workers between home and workplace are mapped. Featured sections such as "Quick Links", "What's New?", "Q&A", "Did You Know?", and "Partners Only" are included in the new web package, along with a chance to provide "Feedback" and perform a Google "Search" within the web site. The web site will be continuously upgraded in the next 6-9 months. The next major milestone is the introduction of the mapping application between June and September 2005. Visit http://lehd.dsd.census.gov for more information about the LEHD/LED program. The Listserve This listserve is for those like you who have expressed an interest in the LEHD program. Through it, we will keep you updated on the latest LEHD research and products. If you know of others who might be interested, they can join by going to the website at http://lehd.dsd.census.gov/led/about-us/contact.html Renée Jefferson-Copeland Program Administrator State and Governmental Programs Customer Liaison Office Census Bureau