VALLEY GRANDE — For those who have seen recent commercials, the coming of the 2010 Federal Census is not anything new.

The “snapshot of America” will have added importance to Valley Grande.

“This is the first census that the city has gone through,” said Valley Grande mayor Tom Lee. “It is immensely important because it puts us on the map.”

The mayor and Councilmember Libby Ezelle have been working hard with the Federal Census Bureau to have the correct maps of Valley Grande.

“The mapmakers contacted us to see if there were corrections that needed to be made in the area,” said Ezelle. “We found a number of places that the maps had left out since our last annexation five years ago.”

Councilwoman Ezelle said residents should take the population count seriously.

“It is extremely important that everyone participate for us to have that official count which will help with funding and taxation purposes,” she said.

Lee said that the upcoming census would help with business as well.

“We just don’t exist to some companies,” he said. “Now they will be able to look at Valley Grande by itself. We will now be counted and we are looking forward to that.”