As we close out the year 2017, we reflect on some of the most popular stories of this past year.

The Department of Commerce continues to work every day to promote job creation and economic growth by ensuring fair and secure trade, providing the data necessary to support commerce, and fostering innovation by setting standards and conducting foundational research and development.

The following blogs generated the most attention and encompass our mission to create conditions for economic growth and opportunity for all Americans.

#1 – U.S. Census Bureau Releases Key Statistics for the Fourth of July, 2017: On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. This most American of holidays will be marked with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues across the country. As we celebrate this Independence Day, we reflect on how our Founding Fathers enshrined the importance of statistics in our Constitution as a vital tool for measuring our people, places and economy.

#2 – BEA Releases New Statistics on Foreign Direct Investments Made in the U.S.: The Bureau of Economic Analysis released statistics detailing the amount and type of new direct investments made in the United States by foreign investors in 2016, 2015 and 2014. The data released include information on investments broken out by industry, state and type of investment made – creating a new U.S. business or acquiring or expanding an existing one.

#3 – Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Reaching New Markets: As we kick off Small Business Week, the Census Bureau released its “Profile of U.S. Importing and Exporting Companies, 2014-2015.” A joint project of the Census Bureau and International Trade Administration, this series details the characteristics of U.S. companies that imported or exported goods in 2014 and 2015, including information on company size, industry, geographic composition, and trading partners. When we look at the trade data, small and medium sized enterprises play a huge role in economic growth and job creation.

#4 – Hurricane Harvey: Stay Safe with These NOAA and FEMA Resources: Hurricane Harvey brought catastrophic flooding to Texas and Louisiana this week. Please heed the advice of local emergency management officials and refer to your local weather forecast at www.weather.gov.

#5 – U.S. Census Bureau Releases Stats on Recording and Entertainment Industry Ahead of Grammy Awards: Just in time for the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, the U.S. Census Bureau compiled various statistics covering sound recording studios, artists, writers and more. The 59th Annual Grammy Awards will be held on February 12, 2017, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and will recognize the best recordings, compositions, and artists for 2016. A Grammy Award, or Grammy, is an honor awarded by The Recording Academy to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry.