Atlanta, Georgia is unarguably the principle city of the Southeast. With a population topping five million (according to the 2010 US Census), Atlanta is only rivaled by Miami Florida in number of inhabitants. Its geographic location, positioned in the center of the Southeast (Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and the Carolinas) makes it ideal as a hub for interstate commerce, ground transportation and air travel.

It’s little wonder why so many established businesses and commercial enterprises have made Atlanta their home or regional headquarters for Georgia and the Southeast. According to the Metro-Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the city of Atlanta headquarters an even dozen Fortune 500 companies, 2100 international headquarters and literally thousands of small businesses and business franchises.

Other than the vibrant population and bustling local economy, Atlanta has a number of attractive qualities that makes it a formidable rival for traditional business centers like New York or Chicago. To begin with, Atlanta boasts a tremendous labor pool. With three major universities (Emory, Georgia Tech and Georgia State University) Atlanta’s local, talented work force makes the city convenient to recruit executives, engineers, attorneys, managers, or whatever else is needed. When companies do find a need to import talent from other states or even countries.

The cost of living is relatively low in the Big Peach. This is very attractive to entry-level prospects and junior executives who are looking to stretch their salaries. In addition, Georgia is also known for it’s moderate climate. Summers aren’t scorching, like you’ll find in other southern cities, and winter snow is a rare occurrence. Weather is important, as Atlanta is a culture and sports Mecca. All four major sports franchises are represented and there are events and celebrations the year round.

Transportation to and from Atlanta is yet another commercial advantage that this city has to offer over its rivals. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport serves as a hub for several national and international airlines. Over eighty percent of the United States is accessible within two hours from Hartsfield-Jackson. That means shorter flights and fewer connections. Your executives, lawyers and salespeople will less time in the air and more time working.