Take the Kent Reporter reader survey: Note from the publisher

In this week’s Kent Reporter, we’re asking you, our readers, to tell us what you want from your hometown newspaper.

And more. The survey will help us shape our product, and understand how our community does business as we partner with local merchants and other advertisers to foster a strong local economy.

Share your views with us, and you will be entered for a $1,000 cash drawing and a $500 gift certificate for Fred Meyer.

“This survey will give us a better idea of what our readers want,” said Publisher Polly Shepherd. “We put out a strong news product, but this will be a dynamic tool for us to ensure that we’re in sync with the interests of our readers, and helping our advertisers to better connect with them.”

Partnering with us in our market research is Pulse Research of Portland, Ore., an independent firm that works with media and retailers nationwide.

The survey is on our Web site at www.kentreporter.com, and will provide valuable feedback to the Kent Reporter staff: What you enjoy about your newspaper? What would you like to see changed? How can we better serve the community?

It also will help your local businesses better market their goods and services.

Questions include reader preferences for local news and other media; consumer preferences for local and regional shopping; household purchasing plans for goods and services; your family choices for entertainment and travel; and basic household demographic information.

We ask you to log-on to our Web site to take the survey. All responses will be kept confidential.

“We want to be what you’re reading,” Shepherd said. “We’re your community paper, and we take pride in that. Help us to better help you.”