Rochester Businesses Weigh in on Positive and Negative Factors in U of M Survey

Rochester, MN (RochesterNow)- Dozens of Rochester businesses shared their thoughts on operating in the city. 

See Also: Rochester Area Lost Over 700 Jobs in September  

They answered a survey that was commissioned by Experience Rochester and conducted by the University of Minnesota Extension. 

The business survey is part of an effort to research the tourism industry in Rochester. 

Read More: Tourism Generated $1.1 Billion in Economic Activity in Rochester Last Year, Study Finds 

Experience Rochester Vice President of Marketing and Communications Bill Von Bank says the report is meant to be a baseline to help establish a baseline to help guide future tourism development. 

Rochester Businesses Identify Regulation, Labor Availability as Negative Factors, Location, Modern Facilities Identified as Positive Factors

139 businesses answered the survey. An executive summary indicates over 17% of the respondents are retail businesses, roughly 14% are in the food service industry and almost 14% are described as “professional office” and 8% are non-profits. 

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93% of respondents said they’re optimistic about the future of their organization. Over 50% said they had a better year in 2025 than in 2024. 

The results indicate regulation, labor availability, transportation and parking were more frequently identified as negative factors in Rochester business climate. 

The market and economy were most frequently identified as positive and negative factors. Location, adequate space and modern facilities were frequently identified as positive factors. 

Majority of Rochester Businesses Want More Attractions, Survey Says

70% of respondents indicated they want to see new attraction/entertainment businesses in the city. More than half want Rochester’s restaurant, bar and retail scene to expand. 

The majority of the businesses surveyed also chose festivals as the top attraction to bring non-medical tourists to Rochester.