SUFFIELD, Ohio, March 1, 2010 – The Goodyear blimps are pitching in to help the U.S. Census Bureau get the word out that census forms are set to show up in mailboxes March 15-17.

To assist that effort the Goodyear blimps will fly a special message on their electronic signs over sports, entertainment events and public appearances. The blimps’ busy schedule exposes them to hundreds of thousands of people each year.

"Goodyear's work with the Census Bureau literally and figuratively raises the profile of the census and is a much appreciated public service,” said Dwight P. Dean, US Census Bureau Regional Director for Detroit. “Between the benefits of the census being broadcast on its world famous blimps and the outreach to employees, Goodyear is helping thousands learn how crucial it is to complete and mail the questionnaire that arrives in March."

The message is scheduled to run on Goodyear’s three blimps operating in the United States: The Spirit of Goodyear, based in Suffield, Ohio; The Spirit of America, in Carson, Calif.; and The Spirit of Innovation, in Pompano Beach, Fla.

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies.  It employs approximately 69,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 57 facilities in 23 countries around the world.  Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry.  For more information about Goodyear, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.