The Federal Way Mirror is 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 is a tremendous opportunity to get an in-depth survey of what people in the Federal Way area do in the community,” said Mirror publisher Rudi Alcott. “As a strong proponent of a shop local philosophy, we want to make sure we are offering everything that we can to continue to keep the money in our community.”

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 online at federalwaymirror.com, and will provide valuable feedback to The Mirror: What do you enjoy about your newspaper? What would you like to see changed? How can we better serve the community? Please visit our website and take the survey. All responses will be kept confidential.

The survey will also 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.

“Please go to our website and take this important survey. Not only will you be taking part in continued community development, but you have the opportunity to win great prizes,” said Alcott. “Your answers will help us define a newspaper that will add to making Federal Way a great place to work, play and live.”