ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Although Rochester will soon see changes in its leadership positions, President and CEO of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce Bob Duffy says he is very optimistic about the city's business outlook.

"I think what we have seen in the last couple of years of things that have happened,” Duffy said. “I think we can all say we can do better. We have done better in the past and will do better in the future."

Part of the reason Duffy holds that belief is the city's next presumptive mayor, Malik Evans.

He says Evans will make a good mayor because of his honesty, intelligence and commitment to Rochester.

"He's going to hit the ground running,” Duffy said. “And I do think he is going to bring back a sense of trust and confidence. And he's going to build a team I hope this community will be very proud of."

Duffy says the city's job market is also bouncing back from the pandemic.

"There are probably 7,000 open jobs right now that we have in our career portal at the chamber, everything from entry level manufacturing to mid to upper level executive positions,” Duffy said. “There is an array of opportunities."

According to Duffy, the most important point is that despite some of negative national media coverage Rochester has had recently, the city continues to experience new developments

He points to companies like Constellation who have decided to relocate to Rochester from Victor, and Innovation Square adding apartment living for college students.

"There's so much going in all honesty,” he said. “I think we are approaching quickly a time when there is not a lot of space available to some of the key buildings and areas. I think that bolds well for us. It really does. I think those people who have a passion and commitment to this community have not lost that."