Westside News publication gets new name Westside News introduced its Hometown Directory nine years ago as a business directory to fill the void left when the former Ogden Telephone Company discontinued its local directory. This year the successful resource has been renamed the Hometown Community Directory to reflect the many features contained within its pages, which have been there since early in its history. The Directory will be delivered to the nearly 33,000 homes served by Westside News on the weekend of April 23-24 and it will once again provide local maps as well as listings for all local government officials. "Our directory is the only one to carry important phone numbers for state and federal representatives at their offices in Albany and Washington," said Westside News Inc. President Keith Ryan. "Also, we have the only directory where our readers can find the local phone numbers to our post offices," added Ryan. Listings for local school districts are found in one place, not scattered throughout, as with other directories. Westside News also provides free listings to local community organizations and places of worship, unlike other such directories. "We strive to make the Hometown Community Directory relevant to our readers, which gives them a good reason to keep and use the directory," Ryan said. It has been an important tool for many local businesses to communicate with their customers and potential customers. Lou Borrelli, owner of GVS Appliance Service, said, "It's been an anchor for me in the local business community - it does a great job for me. I've always been in it and will again next year." Mark Wolck, a painting contractor, said, "My ad pays for itself 10 times over and more … I like my business being exposed to a wide area. I can't believe the calls I get in the spring when people want to schedule an early job and, believe me, it continues all year." As has been the experience with past years, many customers wait until the deadline, forcing the sales staff of Westside News to request more time to give their customers an opportunity to get their ad together so they can be in the directory. "The directory continues to be one of the most popular products we publish," said Ryan. "If we can, we want to give everyone an opportunity to have their message in the directory," he added. Another popular aspect of the Hometown Community Directory has been the year long contest which uses the book as a resource to answer questions printed each week in the Suburban News and Hamlin-Clarkson Herald. The drawing for the winner of this year's contest (prize is $600 vacation package to be used as the winner wishes) will be held in April. After the directories are delivered, information on a new contest will be printed in the weekly newspapers. Ryan said that the Hometown Community Directory is still the only such resource that includes coverage in the unique area it serves, which includes eastern Orleans County, western Monroe County and northeastern Genesee County. "We have saved our advertisers hundreds, if not thousands, in comparison to the Rochester book and the number of repeat advertisers who choose to be included in the book year after year proves the effectiveness of the publication." Ryan invited businesses to inquire about this year's directory, while there is still time, by calling Westside News at 352-3411. |
