Rochester area employers are somewhat optimistic about hiring and the economic future of their business, according to a recent questionnaire issued by the Rochester Business Alliance.

The questionnaire, which received responses from 181 local member companies that employ about 30,000 workers, was focused on economic outlook.

On current work force issues, only 11 percent said they had a hiring freeze in place, while another 9 percent said they are considering instituting such measures. As for the future, 42 percent said they expect to employ more people in the coming year, while 52 percent said their work force would remain the same size. Only 6 percent said they expect to decrease employment at their business.

Companies were also asked about their economic prospects. Asked to project sales a year from now compared with their current sales, 61 percent said they expect sales to be better. Another 28 percent expect no change, while only 11 percent expected company sales to be worse a year from now.

The Rochester Business Alliance is the regional chamber of commerce, serving some 2,000 members in a nine-county area.