The results are in! Tidewater Women readers voted for a variety of area businesses for the 2010 Ladies’ Choice Awards, and we proudly present the winners to you in this month’s issue (see p. 10). We loved discovering where you like to do business as well as reading the readership surveys you also completed, which helped us find out more about you. Your answers offered insight into not only what you like best about Tidewater Women, but also what kind of women read TW each month. You’re an interesting lot!

For example, TW readers reach across a broad spectrum of ages from 18-80. It’s gratifying to know that the magazine’s content appeals to women from their early 20s to seniors and all age groups in between. It’s probably because our articles not only celebrate local women’s achievements, but also offer important information geared to helping  you be the best you can be. And with all the doom and gloom these days, inspiring stories serve to boost our morale and keep us striving for bigger and better things ahead.

Another interesting thread that runs through the surveys we received is how hungry women are to read articles of substance—not fluff and puff pieces, but articles that make you think and question what matters in life. Nearly two out of three readers say they read each issue of TW cover to cover, and one in three share their copies with friends. I loved reading comments from readers like: “More information and a bigger magazine…Make it longer so I can read, read, read.” Another reader wishes we would publish TW twice a month: “It doesn’t come out often enough.”

Other suggestions include: an employment section; more younger people’s views; more family articles; more color; classifieds; coupons; articles about living on a budget; wider availability; smaller format. Some of you wrote simply,  “Keep up the good work,” “It’s perfect,” and “I love this paper!” A few suggested TW needs a better website, which we are currently working on and hope to unveil very soon. Thanks for sharing all of your suggestions. It helps us know what’s important to you and how we can continue to serve your needs.

After eleven years of publishing Tidewater Women—and seven before that as publisher of Tidewater Parent, I am gratified to have such a meaningful relationship with my readers. And in the past few months, many of you have written and called to show support for my memoir, Still Life with Sierra, which is now available in paperback (see p. 6). Thank you for your kind words and wishes.

Here at TW we plan to “Keep it coming!” as one reader wrote. But we need your help. With the economy still in neutral, advertising has decreased across the board, and we too have felt the pinch. As readers you can help by calling and visiting TW advertisers and letting them know you appreciate their advertising support. Try to patronize at least three advertisers from each issue. It’s called “voting with your dollars” and ensures that TW keeps bringing you inspiring information each month. And advertisers can help, too, by choosing to support this community-minded magazine with their marketing dollars. Regular advertising in TW is affordable and targets your marketing to an amazing segment of the population.

A heartfelt thanks goes to all of our regular advertisers. You’re tops! And thanks, too, to all of our loyal readers. Remember if you want to achieve something, you have to send out an intention. Well, I just did. I want TW to reach as many local women as possible, to brighten their lives, and help them enjoy a more successful and rewarding life. Best wishes!

Peggy Sijswerda is editor & publisher of Tidewater Women.