Rochester, N.Y. - The University of Rochester is more than just our region's largest employer, the university has helped create tens of thousands of additional jobs.
The Center for Governmental Research issued a report Thursday on the U of R's impact on the local economy.
The U of R employs 20,340 people and is credited with creating 27,000 jobs at other businesses in the area.
Hedonist Artisan Chocolate in the South Wedge recently expanded.
The shop's candy creations are also popular on campus.
"We have our products at U of R in their cafes so it's another way us to work with them," said Jennifer Posey of Hedonist Artisan Chocolates.
Next door, Now and Zen just opened and a big chunk of business comes from U of R students.
"The college kids really help us out, keeping our hand on the pulse of what's new, what younger people are looking for," Brian Jefferson of Now and Zen said.
The U of R also invests about $200 million on construction each year.
Visitors to the campus booked more than 34,000 hotel rooms according to the report.
"We're a vital cornerstone the research mission is succeeding," said U of R President Joel Seligman. "We're growing. There is reason to anticipate further growth."
President Seligman said private universities have managed to thrive even in tough times.
But the university doesn't grow just to grow.
"Our goal is to focus on questions like how do we provide the best clinical health care?" Seligman asked. "How do we provide the best academic medicine how do we provide the strongest support for amazingly good faculty."
