The merchant alliance wants to know why Springville residents shop out of town and what they buy to see if the merchant group can bring in businesses that are lacking.

Residents' opinions are valued because the survey will help build a foundation to help eliminate vacant storefronts along Main Street historic district, merchants say.

"Springville has always had vacancies," Bolz said. "Over the last 20 years it's had about five vacancies at any given time."

Eventually, consultants will be brought in to work with to determine what kinds of things they can offer to bring in more business.

The survey will cost about $10,000 with the alliance chipping in about $2,000 and the Main Street program paying about $8,000. The questionnaire is expected back by Aug. 1 with the results to be made available in September. Results will be made available to the news media and the City Council and the merchants group will post it on its Web site, www.springvilledowntown.com.

Merchants have included a carrot in the packet to get better returns — $1,200 in gifts. Residents who return their surveys will have their names placed in a drawing from which 14 winners will be selected. Prizes will range in value from $30 to $155 and include gift certificates for hotel stays, pizza, photography, Karate lessons, furniture, jewelry and other gifts.

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Survey sample

What days do you do most of your shopping?

How often do you shop in Springville for non-grocery goods?

What are the greatest strengths (weaknesses) of Springville's Main Street business district?

If you regularly shop at the Springville Wal-Mart, what are its greatest strengths (weaknesses)?

The questionnaire also asks respondents to rate the moniker Art City.

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E-mail: rodger@desnews.com