The tax preparation software developer has expanded its market by adding a new Internet tax program, Secure Tax, to its very popular PC-based Tax Wise program, now used by over 6,000 CPAs and tax professionals throughout the world. Having vaulted from six employees to over 200 and a cramped downtown office to a sparkling new 30,000 square foot facility, Universal has been on INC. magazine's Top 500 list of fastest growing, privately held companies for three consecutive years. Lighting up the horizon of Rome's high tech service companies is newcomer Global Research Systems, a communications, research and development company that holds seven patents in technologies, including vehicle-tracking and advanced messaging systems. In 1995, they selected Rome, over 19 other communities, for their newest telemarketing center. Legacy Marketing Group, a telecommunications company, opened their facility in 1998.
Legacy processes insurance claims and annuities.
As the prime trade center of a 250,000 population marketplace, retail growth in Rome has jumped ahead in the past five years, punctuated by 1.5 million square feet of retail space opening in the Greater Rome area since 1990. Such retail giants as K-Mart Super Store, Walmart, Sam's Club, and Home Depot now call Rome their home. Entertainment and eateries draw a regional crowd that nearly doubles Rome's population on weekends as more than 200 restaurants blanket the area. A six-theater movie complex at Mount Berry Square Mall brings out young and old alike. Whether visitors are in town for business or pleasure, the hotel accommodations are first class including famous hoteliers such as Hampton Inn, Best Western Suites, Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, Quality Inns, and Days Inn.