Rochester Unveils New Seal, Slogan (Because It's 'Where You Live')

What is the state of Rochester?

In a word, "excellent," Mayor Stuart Bikson told a crowd of about 100 on Thursday night.

It was the annual State of the City address, held this year at the Rochester Community House. 

"We are moving the city forward in a conservative and responsible manner," Bikson said.

The night signaled the start of a new marketing campaign for the city; Bikson unveiled the city's new logo: "Rochester: Where you live." He also showed the crowd a picture of the new city seal; it's similar in design to the former seal, with shades of green replacing the red and gold. 

"The new marketing effort allows us to reach and recruit residents to our city," Bikson said, adding that the campaign will focus on the lifestyle, recreation, family and business aspects of the city.

Great place to work

During the speech, Bikson highlighted several new businesses success stories in the city.

Among them:

• that opened on Main Street last year. 
• Somerset Lending, which opened above Main Street.
• which opened in November in the former Mind, Body & Spirits location.

Bikson also hinted at the next big thing to open downtown: , will open in the spring or summer, he said. (Read: A Peek Inside Chapman House.)

Bikson touted the city's low tax structure and the $2.4 million in public and private grants the city received last year. 

He also thanked members of the police and fire departments and introduced Marilyn Niemiec, whom city paramedics saved when she suffered a heart attack in a pool at the Older Persons' Commission last year. (Read: Rochester Firefighters Honored for Saving Woman After Heart Attack in Pool.) 

Niemiec stood in front of the crowd, waved and said, "I'm alive!"