POULSBO — The North Kitsap Herald and its parent company Sound Publishing, Inc. are launching a readership survey in this issue that will measure media habits and shopping patterns of local readers.

Those participating in the survey will have a chance to win a $1,000 cash drawing and a $100 gift certificate. Sound Publishing owns and publishes the North Kitsap Herald along with 14 other community newspapers in the Puget Sound. Pulse Research of Portland, Ore., an independent firm that works with media and retailers nationwide, will conduct the survey.

The survey, included in today’s edition as a pullout section, will offer valuable feedback to the North Kitsap Herald staff in terms of understanding newspaper-reading patterns, gathering suggestions and insight from readers and improving the newspaper. Responses will be kept confidential.

“Conducting a survey of our readers helps us stay more connected to their individual needs,” said Donna Etchey, publisher of the North Kitsap Herald.

The North Kitsap Herald also hopes to gain information on public shopping patterns to share with local retailers.

“This survey includes questions about readership and purchasing habits which will aid local businesses with a better understanding of local consumer behaviors,” said Etchey.