Situated in the heart of beautiful North Central Florida, the Gainesville area basks in Gulf breezes that make summer days warm and nights cool, and produce dry and mild winters. Gainesville is the governmental seat of Alachua County, as well as the commercial hub for the entire North Central Florida area. The University of Florida sets the area's tone in education, cultural arts and sports. The university's cultural facilities include the impressive 1,800-seat Center for the Performing Arts . The university significantly impacts the local economy as Alachua County's largest employer.
Health care is a strong second industry serving all of North Central Florida and beyond.
Other economic influences include high tech research, environmental engineering and agriculture. The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce is an advocate for the business and professional community in Alachua County. The Chamber has a highly-focused program of member benefits. Working together, the Chamber's more than 1350 members are striving to provide more economic opportunity for all Alachua County citizens, by making the community a better place to work and live. People comfortable with changing seasons will still feel at home in northern Florida.