Gov. Kay Ivey and Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Director Kenneth Boswell hosted a great "Pep Rally" for the 2020 Census Jan. 22 at the Capitol. Both Gov. Ivey and Director Boswell stressed that 2020 is a "make or break" year for the state, which stands to lose billions of dollars in federal funds that could be distributed for school children, fire departments, hospitals, etc. Accurate census statistics are vital for business and industry development, government policy-making, community initiatives and so much more. Population figures may also determine whether the state loses a Congressional seat, giving the state less representation in the business of the country. Gov. Ivey and ADECA is taking the lead in working with the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure that everyone is aware that March 12 through July 31 is the time to complete the census forms online or on paper. "In my lifetime, this is the most important census year ever," said Boswell, who is the former mayor of Enterprise. Special Projects Coordinator Kay Kirkland represented the city at the meeting. Boswell stressed the seriousness of the census but led the census campaign leaders from across the state in some lively cheers to get the campaign off to a good start.