Deadline extended to accommodate last minute rush for advertising New for this year, the display advertisements in the Hometown Community Directory prepared by Westside News Inc. will go live on the Westside News website: www.westsidenewsonline.com, providing even more impact for the advertising message. Keith Ryan, company president, announced the new feature in a notice to customers in January. “This has really created a lot of excitement for our sales staff as our customers like this new feature. They especially like the idea that they don’t have to wait until the directory comes out in April for their ad to be on our website,” Ryan said. As a result of this new opportunity, it has been necessary to extend the deadline to accommodate the many customers needing follow-up. “We hope we can get to everyone so no one should hesitate to call us about the directory and find out about all of its advantages,” Ryan said. The booklet will be delivered to nearly 33,000 homes served by Westside News Inc. on the weekend of April 28 and 29. Plus, availability on line gives display advertisers significant added value made possible with the internet presence. Listed both alphabetically and by category, the online layout allows easy access and quick reference. Once again, it will include local maps and listings for all government officials who serve the readership area. The Hometown Community Directory is the only such guide to provide important contact information for state and federal representatives at their offices in Albany and Washington. “We may be the only directory to carry local phone numbers for our post offices, as a courtesy to our readers,” Ryan said. “Also, listings for our local school districts are found in one place, not scattered throughout as with other directories,” Ryan said. Many other aspects make the publication unique. Westside News Inc. 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 Borelli, 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 included in the directory. “Every year, I continue to be amazed. Not only do my accounts repeat their advertising, so many increase the size of their ads or add color, thus increasing their visibility,” said Westside News Inc. advertising representative Mary Lou Rockow. “It’s an ‘easy sell!’ My accounts know the directory works as a communication tool and so do I,” she added. “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 will receive a $600 Fun Package courtesy of Bodine Unlimited Tours Inc. The winner can select from a number of options including baseball excursions to Yankees, Red Sox or Blue Jays games; Toronto theater trips, shopping trips to New York City, Syracuse basketball or football games; NFL football in Buffalo and other events. Bodine will also be the provider of the Grand Prize to mark the publication’s 11th anniversary. “We have saved our advertisers hundreds, if not thousands, in comparison to the higher-priced Rochester books, and the number of repeat advertisers who choose to be included in the book year after year proves the effectiveness of the publications,” Ryan said. Area businesses are invited to inquire about the 2007 Hometown Community Directory while there is still time. Call Westside News Inc. at 585-352-3411 for information. February 18, 2007 |
