What do you think? That's what these folks, and the groups they represent, want to know. From left are Autumn Pechan and Mary Stangle-Hess from the Staples Business Group, Tim Rice from the Staples Downtown Revitalization Board and Morgen Martin from the Staples Motley Area Chamber of Commerce. They remind you to complete the customer surveys by Dec. 1. (Staples World photo by Brenda Halvorson) What products and services in the Staples area do you currently use?

What products and services are missing from the local mix?

How can the local economy, services and retail businesses be improved?

The recently-formed Staples Business Group and the Staples Downtown Revitalization Board want to know what you think about these and other related topics.

They are conducting a survey in the local area to identify the goods and services that are currently being used by our community and the gaps which need to be addressed.

The business group is encouraging everyone to complete this survey and to use the space available to share as much information as possible. The results will help the business community address the concerns and move forward to fulfill the community's need.

"It is our goal that consumers of all ages, incomes and backgrounds complete this survey," said Mary Stangle-Hess, co-chair of the Staples Business Group. "The more information we can gather, the better decisions can be made for our future."

The bright lime green surveys are inserted into local mailed and counter sale copies of this issue of the Staples World. They are also available on the counters at local businesses. That's what these folks, and the groups they represent, want to know. From left are Autumn Pechan and Mary Stangle-Hess from the Staples Business Group, Tim Rice from the Staples Downtown Revitalization Board and Morgen Martin from the Staples Motley Area Chamber of Commerce. They remind you to complete the customer surveys by Dec. 1. (Staples World photo by Brenda Halvorson)

Efforts are being made to reach customers in other ways. Lakewood Health System is distributing the survey through their employee communication system and encouraging the staff to respond. Central Lakes College will also distribute the survey to staff and students.

The completed surveys can be dropped off at the Staples World, Longbella Drug, downtown Staples store, Curves and Heritage Design/ Radio Shack before Dec. 1.

When customers return their survey they may register to win $50 in Staples Dollars to be given away on Dec 1.

The information will be shared with the City of Staples, the Staples Economic Development Authority, the Staples Motley Area Chamber of Commerce, the schools and other groups.

This survey was a task originally developed by the Staples Downtown Revitalization Board's (SDRB) Economic Development Committee as part of the Strategic Action Plan. The SDRB is paying for the printing and distribution costs.

Tallying the results will be done by volunteers within the Staples Business Group. The results will be published in the Staples World as well as through other avenues of communication.

If anyone needs further information or copies of the survey, they are welcome to call Mary at 218-894-1010 or Autumn at 218-894-1915.