The usual suspects were rounded up by Chief Executive Magazine for its annual ranking of states for locating businesses in.
While there were some movement with the publication's ranking of all 50 states, there were few surprises when it came to the best and worst places for doing business, as seen through the lens of chief executive officers surveyed for the list.
Only a single state recorded a double-digit movement this year, as Idaho went from No. 28 on last year's list to No. 18 this year. Iowa rose six rungs, from No. 19 to No. 13 this year, edging toward the Top 10, while Georgia moved up from No. 10 last year to No. 5 this year. Colorado almost made the Top 10, moving up from No. 16 to No. 11. Pennsylvania, Maine and Ohio ranked higher by seven, six and five places respectively, but remain well out of the best 10 running.
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Let's take a look at the 10 best states for doing business, as reported by Chief Executive.>>
1. Texas
Last year: No. 1
This business and Republican stronghold held its grip on the top spot.
2. Florida
Last year: No. 2
Second only to Texas in hospitality toward business interests for the second straight year.
3. North Carolina
Last Year: No. 4
Perhaps not a threat to Florida and Texas, but still conducive to business prosperity.
4. Tennessee
Last year: No. 3
The Volunteer State drops down a rung but still catches the corporate eye.
Photo: Nashville. By Ryan Kaldari.
5. Georgia
Last year: No. 10
The big gainer on this year's list, a peachy place to do business.
6. Indiana
Last year: No. 6
This American heartland gem continues to roll out the red carpet for Corporate America.
7. Louisiana
Last year: No. 9
With Katrina fading from memory, Louisiana is luring businesses again.
8. Nevada
Last year: No. 8
Always a good bet to support business, Nevada will tell you it's more than casinos these days.
Photo: AP /Jae C. Hong, File
9. Arizona
Last year: No. 7
Is the state chamber asleep at the switch in AZ? This survey says "Wake Up!"
10. South Carolina
Last year: No. 5
Oops! How did it manage to swap spots with neighboring Georgia?
Photo: Charleston, South Carolina
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Dan Cook
Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO.
