Gainesville is regarded as the trade, industrial and retail center of Northeast Georgia. Poultry processing is a major economic factor for Gainesville. It's often called the chicken capital of the world. The city includes manufacturing industries such as textiles and apparel, automotive parts and industrial machinery. Tourism is also a big part of the economy. In addition, agribusiness is thriving in the region.
The county includes over 40 Fortune 500 companies and forty international companies. The county has attracted companies in industries such as technology manufactures, telecommunications, technical support and software development. The major sectors for employment in Gainesville include poultry processing, education, tourism, manufacturing, healthcare and construction.
Some of the most popular jobs in Gainesville that are primarily filled by college graduates are registered nurses, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, teachers, medical and clinical laboratory technicians, medical and health services managers, sales managers, securities, commodities and financial services sales agents; and financial managers.
Shown below is a list of the top industrial employers in the Gainesville region:
- Elan Pharmaceuticals
- Theragenics
- Kiel Laboratories
- ATEX
- ZF Industries
- Rockwell Automation
- Wrigley Manufacturing Company LLC
- Siemens VDO
- Kubota Manufacturing of America
- Peachtree Doors & Windows
The top non-industrial employers in Gainesville are:
- Northeast Georgia Medical Center
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
- Walmart Super Center
- Lake Lanier Islands
- The Longstreet Clinic
Notable information about Gainesville: In 2008 the cost of living index was at 89.2. The national average is 100. The average salary in 2009 was $25,000. Approximately 15% of the population over the age of 25 have a bachelor's degree and about 9% have a graduate degree.
Companies in Gainesville have access to business organizations including:
- Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce
- Economic Development Hall County
- Georgia Economic Developers Association
The Gainesville Times offers up-to-date information about the business endeavors in Gainesville.