Survey suggests business optimism rising

Local businesses are relatively content with their current economic status and cautiously optimistic about the coming year, according to a survey of Rochester Business Alliance members.

The survey asked member companies to provide information on a variety of issues, including general business outlook, past, current and future employment, and business conditions in their industry and in the region.

It also asked about the most significant challenges to their future success and the most frequent responses related to the cost of health care and the high cost of doing business in New York state, including taxes and compliance with excessive regulations.

“This year’s survey shows that businesses not only felt the economy pick up in 2011, but they’re expecting that trend to continue into 2012,” said Sandy Parker, RBA president and CEO. “But while that optimism will serve our community well, there is still significant frustration about the way our elected officials conduct the people’s business in Albany and in Washington.”

Survey results may be found on the RBA’s website at www.rochesterbusinessalliance.com