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In so many ways, Guilford County is the center of the Piedmont Triad.

Look at the geography. Other counties in the region encircle Guilford, it has the largest population, and two of the three largest cities -- Greensboro and High Point -- are within its borders.

Here's more proof of Guilford's role as center county:

* Center of education: Guilford County is home to the two largest public universities in the Piedmont Triad -- UNCG and N.C. A&T in Greensboro. Guilford College, Greensboro College and Bennett College also are in the city, and High Point University, one of the state's fastest growing, is in the southwest corner.

The county also has GTCC, which draws students from across the Triad.

* Center of health care: The county is home to hospitals that provide more than 1,400 beds.

While the Moses Cone Health System and High Point Regional Health System provide a wide range of care to people in the Triad, there also are three major university medical centers -- in Winston-Salem, Chapel Hill and Durham -- within an hour's drive.

* Center of entertainment: Each year, Guilford County hosts the N.C. Shakespeare Festival in High Point; the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro; the Wyndham Championship professional golf tournament at Forest Oaks Country Club in southeast Guilford; and numerous community street festivals.

What's more, the Greensboro Coliseum is the long-standing host for the Women's Atlantic Coast Conference basketball tournament, the occasional host of the men's tournament and various NCAA basketball events.

* Center of transportation: Northwest Greensboro is home to Piedmont Triad International Airport. Two major interstate highways run through the county -- with more planned. Amtrak passenger trains stop in High Point and Greensboro.