News

December 28, 2011

Governor Cuomo has announced $68.8 million in state funding for over 100 economic development projects in the greater Finger Lakes Region. These funds are being directed through the New York State Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. For a complete list of all the projects that will receive Regional Economic Development awards including those in the Rochester-Finger Lakes Area, log on to the following web site:

http://www.governor.ny.gov/assets/documents/CFAAWARDSBooklet.pdf

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/1/11

WEBSTER COMMUNITY COALITION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (WCCED) COMPLETES TOWN AND VILLAGE OF WEBSTER SURVEY

WCCED, serving as Webster's Local Development Corporation has completed a survey of consumers living in the Town or Village of Webster that recorded their preferences for shopping and dining in Webster. The survey also collected comments on Cable Service. The goal of the survey was to help merchants provide a mix of goods and services that will enhance the appeal of our business community. Finally, the portion of the survey dealing with cable service will be used by the Webster Cable Access Commission to ensure that local cable television programming is responsive to community needs.

Webster, New York, November 28, 2011

The Webster Community Coalition for economic development (WCCED), serving as Webster's Local Development Corporation, has completed a survey of Consumers living in the Town or Village of Webster that recorded their preferences for shopping and dining in Webster. The survey also collected comments on Cable Service. The survey was conducted with the assistance of the Village and Town of Webster, the Webster Chamber of Commerce, the Webster Central School District, and the Webster Business Improvement District. The goal of the survey was to help merchants provide a mix of goods and services that will enhance the appeal of Webster's business community. It will also serve as a guide for local officials promoting economic development in the area by proving insight as to the needs and desires of local residents. Additionally, that portion of the survey dealing with cable service will be used by the Webster Cable Access Commission to ensure that local cable television programming is responsive to community needs. Further, the Cable Commission will use the information collected in the process of renewing the cable franchise for Webster.

A summary analysis of responses drawn from 144 survey participants provided the following information:

19% of respondents lived in the Village with 81% living in the Town
78% were working or looking for work with 22% retired
Respondents had various household sizes including 1 person (11%), 2 persons (36%) and 3 persons or more (75%)
Income levels are relatively high in the area with 46% of respondents having an annual household income of $90,000 or more and 22% with household income of $60,000 to $89,999
The most frequented shopping areas in Webster are Town Center, Wegmans Plaza, Webster Square and Ridge Road
Goods purchased or services patronized in the Village of Webster were led by restaurants and bars, fast food/carryout, professional services, and automotive and banking services
Goods purchased or services patronized in the Town outside the Village were led by groceries, banking, apparel and apparel services, pharmacies, restaurants/bars, and fast food/carryout
Goods or services that respondents would most like to see offered or expanded in the Village of Webster included restaurants/bars, groceries, apparel or apparel services, and furniture/home furnishings
Goods or services that respondents would most like to see offered or expanded in the Town of Webster include restaurants/bars, furniture and home furnishings, consumer electronics, apparel & apparel services, and fast food/carryout
Restaurants in the Village are patronized about 2 times per month while restaurants in the Town are patronized about 5 times per month
In response to a question about what types or specific restaurants area residents would like to see in Webster, Olive Garden was a clear favorite followed by Wendy's and Red Lobster. With the exception of Wendy's, Webster residents expressed a preference for restaurants a step up from fast food establishments.

In regard to cable TV service, the following was recorded:

56% of survey respondents felt that service was excellent (15%) or good (41%)
In regard to satisfaction with programming offered by Time Warner, area residents were split evenly with half satisfied and half not satisfied
Those who were not satisfied were most interested in programming that offers movies, sports, family/children programs, and educational/cultural programs
A little more than half the respondents watch Public (12) or Educational (55) channels
For those that watch local channels, some 79% watch Town, Village, Zoning, and/or School Board meetings followed by those who watch local events and Webster Central Scholl events
Only 24% of respondents use the Cable 12 Community Calendar to find out about local events
Fully 60% of those completing the survey felt that satellite services or on-line services have created competition for cable companies.

Ms. Adele Bovard, President of the Webster Community Coalition for Economic Development and Superintendent of the Webster Central School District, notes that "this survey was developed and carried out in response to concern from our business community that information was needed on what consumers in Webster want in terms of goods and services. Hopefully, our survey will help current and future businesses to understand how better to serve the needs of residents and other area customers. We greatly appreciate the input provided to us by those who took the time to complete the survey".

Mr. Douglas Krasucki, Chairperson of the Webster Cable Access Commission, said that "this survey will certainly be useful to the Commission as we work to provide the best possible community television to Webster residents. Webster is somewhat unique in having a very active Commission overseeing and publicizing local cable TV programming and we are grateful for WCCED's efforts to assist us". Mr. Krasucki also noted that "the information garnered in the survey will definitely be considered as we start the process of cable franchise renewal".

The Webster Community Coalition for Economic Development is a Local Development Corporation (LDC) established by the Town of Webster, the Village of Webster, the Webster Central School District, the Webster Chamber of Commerce and the Webster Business Improvement District. LDC's have extensive powers in providing and receiving economic development assistance and serve as effective and flexible tools for formulating and implementing local economic development projects.

For additional information, please contact:

Ms. Adele Bovard, President

Webster Community Coalition for Economic Development

C/o Webster Central School District

119 South Avenue

Webster, New York 14580

585- 215-0001 / Fax 585-265-6561

Adele_Bovard@Websterschools.org

Glenn Cooke, Economic Development Coordinator

Webster Community Coalition for Economic Development

28 West Main Street

Webster, New York 14580

585-269-4939 / Fax 565-265-1004

info@WCCED.net

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