In 1992, there were 11 employers in Mecklenburg County that had each hired 2,500 to 10,000 employees. They were: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Duke Power, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority, City of Charlotte, First Union, Mecklenburg County, NationsBank, Presbyterian Health Services, U.S. Government, and Southern Bell. By providing jobs, these companies and agencies help keep the local economy strong.