Three major surveys were done in the first part of the year 2001. The first survey included a non-random sample of the general public captured at several public activities (a parent drug abuse prevention program, the Business Showcase, and from BOCES Adult Education classes and the Alternative High School). Two United Way surveys previously done in 1990 and 1995 were repeated. Fifty-four (54) human service providers and 58 key informants from the fields of business, religion and government were surveyed for this study.

Public input was further obtained from a series of 12 focus groups before the original publication and eight afterwards. Focus groups are typically composed of 5-10 participants selected because they have certain characteristics in common. We initially used these groups to gain insight into perception, beliefs and opinions about specific issues or services. The second set of focus groups was used to test reactions to the report card and assessment. Community visioning was done at the regular meetings of seven various boards and service clubs. Members were asked to "think boldly" to envision an ideal Cortland County 10 years hence. (See "Acknowledgements" for a listing of the focus and community visioning groups.) The opinions put forth in the surveys, focus groups and community visioning process are reflected throughout this report.

At the same time, there was a systematic pursuit of social, economic and health indicators from local, state and federal sources. Thirty-four SUNY Cortland students in two Methods of Social Research II classes served as researchers for this part of the project. Several faculty members supervised these students and also served as technical advisors. A SUNY Cortland Geography class and its professor assisted with some excellent mapping of local data, as did the local County Planning Department. The choice of indicators was informed by the concerns raised from public input and the three surveys.

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