The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce led a ribbon-cutting ceremony in celebration of the new Welcome to Rochester sign on Rt. 16. The sign was refreshed to coincide with the municipal parking signs that were recently installed throughout downtown.

The welcome sign has been greeting residents and visitors to Rochester since the mid-1950’s. Originally constructed by the Rochester Jaycees, the sign has been owned and maintained by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. 

“The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce was pleased to transfer ownership of the Welcome to Rochester sign to the City,” said Laura Ring, Chamber President, and CEO. “Clean-up efforts and trimming has been conducted annually by members of the Chamber, Rotary Club, and the City since the 1990s. It’s wonderful to see this structure updated once again into an attractive and welcoming sign for those traveling to Rochester.”

The updated sign was installed by Advantage Signs of Concord, NH. Eversource also installed lighting to illuminate the sign.

“I’m very pleased with the work done by Advantage Signs,” said Michael Scala, Economic Development Director for the City of Rochester. “We’ve completed phase one of the way-finding project, which began with better signage for our municipal parking lots. It’s now punctuated by this incredible welcome sign on Rt. 16.”

Cutting the ribbon was Mayor Caroline McCarley, joined by several chamber and city representatives.

“No other community has a sign like this welcoming people to their city… We’re sending a message that Rochester is open for business,” said Mayor McCarley. “We look forward to the completion of the way-finding project, which will help drivers and pedestrians navigate our downtown more effectively.”

The way-finding initiative is expected to be completed by Spring 2021. The Welcome Sign is located on Rt. 16, near Exit 11, and can be seen while driving northbound.