The University of Virginia is a major economic component and the largest employer in Charlottesville, Virginia. The US Army's National Ground Intelligence Center also bolsters the local economy. The region also includes agribusiness. The wine industry is one of the fastest growing agricultural industries. In addition, tourism is a significant part of the economy.
Charlottesville is the headquarters to the regional banks, Virginia National Bank and StellarOne. Some of the notable companies with facilities in the city are Inova Corporation, GE Fanuc, SNL Financial, Lexis-Nexis, National Optronics, Wachovia and Pepsi Cola Bottling Company.
Accolades for Charlottesville: The city has been named the best place to live in America in the book, Cities Ranked and Rated. Charlottesville was ranked as the 4th best place to live in the country by Kiplinger's Magazine and ranked as the 9th "Best Small Market for Business" by Forbes Magazine.
The top job providing sectors in Charlottesville are educational services, accommodation and food services, healthcare, construction, and professional, scientific and technical services. Management, professional and related occupations (42% of the workforce). Sales and office occupations (22% of the labor force).
Facts regarding Charlottesville, Virginia: Adult residents holding a bachelor's degree or better: 41%. Average salary in 2009: $29,000. Cost of living index in 2008: 95.4 (national average: 100).
Major employers for the Charlottesville area:
- University of Virginia
- University of Virginia Health Systems
- Albemarle County
- Martha Jefferson Hospital
- City of Charlottesville
- State Farm
- National Ground Intelligence Center
- GE/Fanuc
- Sperry Marine
- Crutchfield Corporation
- Walmart/Sams Club
- Kroger
- Atlantic Coast Athletic Club
- WorldStrides
- Farmington Country Club
- U.S. Postal Service
- SNL Financial
- CFA Institute
- Boar's Head Inn
Local companies are invited to work with the following associations:
- Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Charlottesville Economic Development
- Virginia Economic Development Partnership
- Virginia SBDC Network
- Virginia Manufacturers Association
- Small Business Administration - Virginia
Information about the local business community is provided by the Daily Progress.