NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Having a good job is so important in this tough economy, and there are a handful of local companies that have thousands on their payrolls.
I spotted a couple of lists in this week's Nashville Business Journal — the top manufacturing companies and the overall largest employers in the mid-state.
Here's a quick recap of the top three in each category.
Manufacturing companies
Nissan Americas, which employs 11,000 workers.
- Bridgestone Americas, here in Nashville with about 2800 on staff.
- The A.O. Smith Corporation , a water heater manufacturer in Ashland City with almost 2500 workers.
Top three overall largest employers in the mid-state
The largest employer on the list? Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which includes the Children's Hospital — with just more than 32,000 employees.
- Hospital giant HCA Healthcare, also with more than 27,000 on the payroll.
- The state of Tennessee — With Nashville as the state capitol, the majority of state workers are right here. More than 27,000 of them.

I'm so thankful Robb Coles highlighted the Kamer Davis clinic in Hermitage and the hardship that may force its closure. The clinic provides care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and there is no other place like it nearby. You can tell the staff is so passionate about the care they provide. I hope by shining the light on this, the right person can step in and make a difference.
- Carrie Sharp