Local businesses remain optimistic despite challenges brought on by the pandemic, according to a new poll by Pace University.

It found nearly 65% of businesses feel they will be stronger after the pandemic. 

"We're bidding jobs every single day. So I feel confident. Not sure how long it will last 'cause I can't predict what will happen, but for right now we feel confident that things are going well," says Stacey Tompkins, a construction business owner.

Poll director Dr. Kathy Winstead says they believe businesses will become “more appreciative of the need for work life balance and the ability of people to work from home.”

The Pace poll also showed difference between Westchester and New York City requiring employees to be vaccinated. 

Just over 30% of businesses in the city said they would require staff to be vaccinated compared to under 20% in Westchester.

John Ravitz, COO of the Business Council of Westchester, says the situation will be a “fluid issue."

“I think employers, having honest discussions with their employees and I think those conversations are going to continue, and we have to go with what the science tells us,” says Ravitz.

The poll, conducted in collaboration with the Business Councils of Westchester and New York City, surveyed nearly 300 businesses in Westchester, Rockland, Long Island and New York City.