The Virginia Beach economy includes a thriving tourism industry and a notable military presence due to having four military bases. Agriculture also has a significant impact on the local economy.
Tourism has created a large number of service jobs. Retail and wholesale businesses provide approximately one-third of the jobs in Virginia Beach. Jobs are also provided by businesses that produce items such as furniture, power tools, welding equipment, coated abrasives and recreational products.
The area includes numerous international companies. Virginia Beach has the North American headquarters for Stihl and the headquarters for Lillian Vernon.
Noteworthy facts regarding Virginian Beach, Virginia: Estimated median household income in 2007: $61,000. Cost of living index in 2008: 89.2 (U.S. average: 100). Adult residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher: 28%.
Virginia Beach's largest private employers:
- American Systems Engineering
- Amerigroup
- Manpower
- Geico Direct
- Gold Key Resorts
- Stihl
- Christian Broadcasting Network
- Virginian-Pilot Production Plant
- Lillian Vernon Corporation
- UPS
Virginia Beach's primary nonagricultural employment sectors:
- Government
- Trade, transportation and utilities
- Professional and business services
- Educational and health services
- Leisure and hospitality
- Manufacturing
Virginia Beach, Virginia has numerous popular jobs which are mostly filled by those with college degrees including registered nurses, teachers, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, management analysts, computer systems analysts, computer applications software engineers, mechanical engineers, and child, family and school social workers.
Virginia Beach businesses are invited to work with the following associations:
- Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development
- Virginia Economic Development Partnership
- Virginia SBDC Network
- Virginia Manufacturers Association
- Small Business Administration - Virginia
Information about local business and industry is offered at HamptonRoads.com/PilotOnline.com.