For the eighth year in a row, CEOs rate Texas as the #1 state in which to do business, according to Chief Executive magazine’s annual Best & Worst States Survey, released today.
Florida rose one spot to take the #2 rank, while North Carolina slipped to #3.
Tennessee remained at #4 while Indiana climbed a spot to capture the #5 rank. CEOs named the worst states to do business as California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts and Michigan.
The Best & Worst States Survey measures the sentiment of CEOs on business conditions around the nation.
For the 2012 survey, 650 CEOs from across the country evaluated the states on a broad range of issues, including regulations, tax policies, workforce quality, educational resources, quality of living and infrastructure. The survey was conducted from Jan. 24 to Feb. 26, 2012.
Louisiana biggest gainer
Louisiana was the biggest gainer in the survey, rising 14 spots to be the #13th most attractive state in the country to do business. The biggest loser was Oregon, which dropped nine spots to #42.
CEOs surveyed said California’s poor ranking is the result of its hostility to business, high state taxes and overly stringent regulations, which is driving investment, companies and jobs to other states.
According to Spectrum Locations Consultants, 254 California companies moved some or all of their work and jobs out of state in 2011, an increase of 26 percent over the previous year and five times as many as in 2009.
“CEOs tell us that California seems to be doing everything possible to drive business from the state. Texas, by contrast, has been welcoming companies and entrepreneurs, particularly in the high-tech arena,” said J.P. Donlon, Editor-in-Chief of Chief Executivemagazine and ChiefExecutive.net.
“Local economic development corporations, as well as the state Texas Enterprise Fund, are providing attractive incentives. This, along with the relaxed regulatory environment and supportive State Department of Commerce adds up to a favorable climate for business.”
Inhospitable business environments mean less jobs, as entrepreneurs and established corporations seek more cost-efficient and tax-friendly locales, said Marshall Cooper, CEO of Chief Executive magazine and ChiefExecutive.net. “This survey shows that states that create policies and incentives are rewarded with investment, jobs and greater overall economic activity.”
For complete results, including individual state rankings on multiple criteria, methodology and more, please visitChiefExecutive.net.
| Best 5 States for Business | Rank 2012 | Rank 2011 |
| Texas | 1st | 1st |
| Florida | 2nd | 3rd |
| North Carolina | 3rd | 2nd |
| Tennessee | 4th | 4th |
| Indiana | 5th | 6th |
| Worst 5 States for Business | Rank 2012 | Rank 2011 |
| California | 50th | 50th |
| New York | 49th | 49th |
| Illinois | 48th | 48th |
| Massachusetts | 47th | 45th |
| Michigan | 46th | 46th |
| 2012 Biggest Gainers | Positions Gained |
| Louisiana | +14 |
| Mississippi | +8 |
| West Virginia | +8 |
| Ohio | +6 |
| North Dakota | +6 |
| 2012 Biggest Losers | Positions Lost |
| Oregon | -9 |
| Kentucky | -8 |
| New Hampshire | -8 |
| Nebraska | -7 |
| Minnesota | -7 |
Related Stories:
- Best states for business: NC at No. 2, Florida, 3, Tennsessee 4, Georgia 5
- Best and worst states for business ranked
- Survey: CEO confidence on upswing
- Free website, iOS app helps find “hidden jobs”
- Corporate execs see Texas, NC, SC as best for business
© 2012, TechJournal. All rights reserved.
Tags: Californian, CEOs rank best states for business, Florida, Ill, Indiana, KY, Lousiana, M&A, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, NC, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, NY., Ohio, Oregon, Texas, TN, W. Virginia
