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.

This is a beautiful story of chosen family, proving a father figure doesn't have to have biology in common to make a difference in a child's life. The story of De'Andre and Alex will remind you that our relationships help determine the course of our lives. And that being supportive of someone - through a meal, a shared experience or even swim lessons can make all the difference.
- Rebecca Schleicher