With Gainesville and Hall County drawing new residents, big-box stores and major corporations are following close behind. This was evident with the emergence of Academy Sports + Outdoors and Hobby Lobby along Dawsonville Highway last year, and it can be seen in the arrival of Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks along Thompson Bridge Road later in 2016. Then there’s the large manufacturing and food processing industries that have long called the region home.
Facebook buddies up to small business
Social media giant held event Wednesday seeking to educate businesses on promoting themselves