Copyright (c) 1998, NAICS Association

For additional NAICS Association information, visit our website:
http://www.naics.com

For information on seminars, please visit:
http://www.naics.com/seminars.htm

For products, visit our secure on-line storefront:
http://store.yahoo.com/naics/

This months topics:

1. The First International NAICS Users Group Conference

2. This months questions and answers

The First International NAICS Users Group Conference

Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 1998

This exciting seminar is the first of its kind presenting information on the newly created NAICS and includes presentations by many leaders in the design and use of NAICS, including:

Carol Ambler, U.S. Census Bureau
John Murphy, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
John Kort, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
Ken Young, Statistics Canada
Dr. Dell K. Allen, Author of NAICS-SIC Bridge
Monique Darnay, Editorial Code and Data
Michele Fedorov, Dun & Bradstreet
Aaron Cartwright, NAICS Association

Along with other business and government leaders.

It is specifically designed for professionals who are working with the new North American Industrial Classification System and features informative presentations from some of the worlds top authorities on SIC and NAICS.  There are also twenty in-depth sessions focused on specific industries, hands-on  computer labs, and exhibitions of current "real-world" business applications.

Preliminary Conference Agenda

Wednesday - Sept. 30

Registration & Continental Breakfast
Welcome

Keynote Speaker - Carol Ambler, U.S. Census Bureau
Special Presentation - Dr. Dell K. Allen, Edge Foundation

Morning break
Presentation of Applications

Aaron Cartwright, NAICS Association
Monique Darnay, Editorial Code and Data
Michele Fedorov, Dun & Bradstreet'

Lunch
Parallel sessions & computer lab

Health Care
Manufacturing
Public Utilities
Real Estate

Afternoon break
Parallel sessions & computer lab

Publishing
Business College
Libraries
Employment Agencies

Adjournment

Thursday - Oct. 1

Welcome

Keynote Speaker - Ken Young, Statistics Canada
Special Presentation

Morning break
Parallel sessions & computer lab

Accounting
Management Consulting
Chamber of Commerce
Economic Development

Lunch
Parallel sessions & computer lab

Insurance
Legal Services
City Zoning
Security Exchange

Afternoon break
Parallel sessions & computer lab

Banking
Environmental Protection
Computer Software
Credit Reporting Agency

Adjournment
Banquet & Entertainment

Friday - October 2

Welcome

Keynote Speaker -
Special Presentation

Morning break
Presentation of Bureau Representatives

U.S. Census Bureau - Carol Ambler
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - John Murphy
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis - John Kort

Questions and answers
Lunch & departure

Wednesday and Thursday afternoons there will also be exhibits from nationally known companies providing the latest in NAICS and SIC related information, software, and services.

Registration Information:

Conference Division
Registration Services
5005 University Blvd
Utah State University
Logan, UT 84322-5005

Phone: (800) 538-2663 - (435) 797-0423
Fax: (435) 797-0636 - (435) 797-0036
Internet: www.conference.usu.edu
email: reg_info@ext.usu.edu

Conference & Exhibitor Information:
Rogers & Thomas International: (435) 563-5987
Jamie - (435) 563-9483
Cindy - (435) 563-5450

Presented by: Rogers & Thomas International
Sponsored by: NAICS Association

This Months Questions and Answers

In this section we will share some of the common questions we get on our web site along with our response.

Q. - How would I find information regarding the total number of companies in a specific SIC/NAICS code? Can I also print out a list of those companies or even mailing labels?

A. - There are business directories that list most companies in the U.S.  We offer a Business Mailing List CD-ROM that is updated regularly and includes over 10 million listings. With this list, you can select a specific SIC code (or a number of other search fields including yellow pages heading, name, address, & phone number) and it can give you a total count of business listings.

Yes, you can also print out a complete mailing list of those companies including the postal bar code (up to 5000 at a time).

The CD costs $85 or $115 with two annual updates and is available
from our secure on-line storefront at:

http://store.yahoo.com/naics/busmaillis.html

Q. - I'm looking at two Dun & Bradstreet reports that list SIC codes for two companies. One of them has an eight digit number and the other has a twelve digit number. Can you tell me how to interpret?

A. - Dun & Bradstreet have developed their own set of numbering systems for several different applications. Sorry, but we don't have complete information about their numbering systems. You could try to ask the same question on their web site:

http://www.dnb.com

Q. - We currently have a copy of the NAICS book. I am finding it difficult to understand the objectivity of the 6th digit code. Most of the time the number coded with a zero has you refer to the 5 digit code.  For example:

541490 Other Specialized Design Services. See industry description for 54149, above.

What is the significance of the 6th digit code?

A. - The 6th digit is only used for country specific (Canadian, U.S., or Mexican) classification. The following section from our May 1998 newsletter may help.

The New Numbering System

NAICS industries are identified by a 6-digit code, in contrast to the 4-digit SIC code. The longer code accommodates the larger number of sectors and allows more flexibility in designating subsectors. It also provides for additional detail not necessarily appropriate for all three NAICS countries. The international NAICS agreement fixes only the first five digits of the code. The sixth digit, where used, identifies subdivisions of NAICS industries that accommodate user needs in individual countries. Thus, 6-digit U.S. codes may differ from counterparts in Canada or Mexico, but at the 5-digit level they are standardized.

The New Hierarchical Structure

XX     Industry Sector (the 20 sectors from above)
XXX    Industry Subsector
XXXX   Industry Group
XXXXX  Industry
XXXXXX U.S., Canadian, or Mexican National specific Industry

The statement from the committee's that developed NAICS that best describes the 6th digit is as follows:

The international NAICS agreement fixes only the first five digits of the code. The sixth digit, where used, identifies subdivisions of NAICS industries that accommodate user needs in individual countries. Thus, 6-digit U.S. codes may differ from counterparts in Canada or Mexico, but at the 5-digit level they are standardized.

My personal opinion is that the 6th digit was a concession to allow for country specifics within an international standard and will rarely be used.

As for the book, I think that the zero 6th digit reference was included to make it as complete as possible.