Economy

Many major companies including Krispy Kreme, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, and Wachovia were founded in Winston-Salem. Although traditionally associated with the textile, furniture, and tobacco industries, Winston-Salem is attempting to attract new businesses in the nanotech, high-tech and bio-tech fields. Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center is the largest employer in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem is also the location of the corporate headquarters of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco corporation, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc., and Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T). The Wachovia Corporation was based in Winston-Salem until it merged with First Union Corporation in September 2001; the corporate headquarters of the combined company are now located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Higher Education

Winston-Salem is a home for the following schools:

Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, North Carolina School of the Arts, Salem College, Piedmont Baptist College, and Winston-Salem Bible College.