Results of NFP reader survey

Grand Island Dispatch, December 16, 2005

Niagara Frontier Publications recently held a special reader survey contest in conjunction with the Islandwide Dispatch. Islanders went to our Web site for a chance to give their feedback on a number of topics, including the official newspaper of Grand Island, the Island Dispatch. The survey results are in, and we want to take this opportunity to share them with our readers.

The first thing we noticed when tallying the survey results is that Grand Islanders have a wide variety of needs and interests! Respondents indicated involvement in everything from religious, service, and veterans groups to politics, leisure, and business organizations. Involvement in sports and fitness activities seemed especially popular; specifically mentioned were baseball, soccer, swimming, wrestling, volleyball, and track and field.

A majority of those surveyed were pleased with the amount of coverage their club or organization receives from the Island Dispatch. As always, we encourage all Island groups to submit articles, photos, and requests for coverage to us at: NFP, PO Box 130, Grand Island. Or feel free to give us a call at 773-7676 or stop by our office at 1859 Whitehaven Road. Our staff is always interested in your comments, suggestions and ideas.

Regarding the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, our survey showed that the most popular products put out by the Chamber are the annual Grand Island Telephone Directory and the Island street maps. Other products include aerial photos and unique Island memorabilia. The most popular Chamber events were Grand Island Happenings/Kids Biz, the Citizen of the Year program, and the Corporate Bowl. For more information on all the products and services the Chamber has to offer, visit them online at www.gichamber.org.

As a testament to the wide variety of dining choices on Grand Island, our survey respondents indicated over 30 different Island businesses that they frequent for happy hour, fine dining, casual dining, coffee, and for use as banquet facilities. To work off all those calories, half of those surveyed indicated that they belong to a fitness center or exercise club, all located on Grand Island. The most common workout schedule reported was three times a week.

Our readers indicated that their favorite thing in the Island Dispatch is the local hometown news, followed by school news and coupons, then sports and town hall news, and finally, legal/police news and classified ads. A number of respondents indicated that they would like to see more recipes in the Dispatch.

Sports coverage was frequently mentioned in the survey comments. Our readers expressed an interest in seeing a more detailed schedule of weekly high school sports, along with a spotlight on student athletes, including more photos of the teams and coaches. Others mentioned an interest in reading about more “Islanders in the News” and in hearing more about what local churches are up to. Our editorial staff takes these comments seriously and welcomes submissions from all of these groups and individuals.

An overwhelming majority of our readers indicated their approval of the revised format of the Island Dispatch, which includes a new layout, updated typestyles, more color photos, and a new look for the front page. NFP is always striving to stay current, relevant, and user-friendly. We welcome your comments and suggestions at any time; feel free to contact us by mail or e-mail at Dispatch@wnypapers.com.

Finally, over half of our respondents were first-time visitors to our website, www.wnypapers.com. We thank you for taking the time to visit our site and take part in our survey. We will also be sharing your comments with local Island businesses to keep them informed about the interests and needs of their customers.

Be sure to see next Friday’s Island Dispatch for the winner of NFP’s survey contest, who will receive a three-day, two-night stay at the Holiday Inn, Grand Island Resort and Conference Center. This fabulous prize package includes meals and use of all facilities, including the fully equipped fitness center, pool, hot tub, and sauna. For more information on all the amenities of Grand Island’s best-kept secret, visit www.myholidayinn.com.